On Saturday, I had the incredible honor of photographing Nona and George's wedding. Their engagement session at Longwood Gardens is still one of my all-time favorites - click on the link and you will see why! While their engagement photoshoot happened to take place on one of the hottest days of summer, their wedding day was just the opposite. Once I arrived at their hotel in Avalon, however, I didn't even notice the below-freezing temperatures outside. Just seeing Nona and George instantly warmed me up. They were absolutely stunning - seriously, they both took my breath away. But more importantly, the love that surrounded them was palpable. Anyone in their presence can instantly tell how head-over-heels in love they are for each other, and their friends and family very obviously share in that joy.
Nona and George's final preparations took place at the Icona Golden Inn, in Avalon. This hotel is amazing! The rooms were completely white, and gorgeous natural light just poured in through all of the windows. (Oh, how I wish I lived closer so that I could schedule some sessions there!) After getting ready with a few of their closest friends and family, Nona and George snuck away to a staircase for their "first look". Their reactions were priceless, and George shed a few tears at the sight of his stunning bride. (I have such a soft spot for my grooms who cry!!)
After a few bridal party portraits, we packed up and headed to the wedding venue - Everly at Railroad, in Tuckahoe, NJ. I hit the venue jackpot today!! Everly was so unique and full of character, and was the perfect place for Nona and George to exchange their wedding vows. Nona and George made their marriage official surrounded by their loved ones and a few thousand super cool antiques! After Nona and George became husband and wife, we snuck outside and braved the cold for a few more portraits across the street at the Tuckahoe Railroad Station. Then, we came back inside and the girls kicked their shoes off - and replaced them with Eagles socks and glitter sneakers! When they scheduled their wedding, they had no idea that it would also serve as a pre-Super Bowl party for their favorite NFL team!
What a celebration this was! The food was delicious, the drinks were flowing, the band was so talented and full of energy, and the bridal party and guests were so much fun. Everything was as perfect as Nona and George had planned it, and more so. I have to take a moment to praise Nona in this blog. She is such a talented artist and created so many of the wedding details herself, including the dip-dyed bouquet and boutonniere flowers, the centerpieces, the invitation suite, the hand-painted chalkboard sign easels, and more! Nona's father built the arbor that they used in their wedding ceremony, and their bridal party created their own wedding version of the "Guess Who" game you probably grew to love as a child!
Nona and George, thank you for including me in your Day #1. I'm so glad that I happened to be online and came across your Facebook post last year when you were in the hunt for a wedding photographer - and out of the long, long, long list of photographers who threw their names into the mix, that you both chose me. I'm so honored that our lives are intertwined, and the love that you share for each other inspires me. I hope that you have an amazing time on your honeymoon!!
I would like to thank all of the incredibly talented people who poured their hearts and talents into Nona and George's wedding day!
Getting Ready Location: Icona Golden Inn, Avalon, NJ
Wedding Venue: Everly at Railroad, Tuckahoe, NJ
Wedding Coordinator: Emily Moulder
Florist: None! Nona created the arrangements herself with flowers made of sola wood!
Cake Artist: They bought their wedding cake and one for every guest table from their local Acme grocery store!
Hair Artist: Kate Bryan
Makeup Artist: Micaela Vibanco
Wedding Dress Boutique: Tesi Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses Boutique: David's Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedo Boutique: Express
Officiant: Nona's cousin, Jack Poole
Shoes: Marc Fisher
Catering: Shore Side Catering
Band: The Red Hotts
Videographer: Sia Koletas
Lead Photographer: Carrie Kizuka
Second Photographer: Olga Hinchman (Olga, you are a rockstar and it was so great working with you! Thank you for sharing your passion and talent with me today!)