When I met Toni-Anne and James, I knew I would love them!

At our initial consultation they told me they chose to have their wedding at Mays Landing Country Club! I really do love country clubs. Maybe it’s because I’m from South Jersey and we have so many here in Atlantic County, or for the simple fact they country clubs are just so elegant and gorgeous. Either way, I was excited about their day! Their engagement session however was at one of my other favorite locations. It was at The Historic Smithville Inn, and when I told them I would be bringing my couch they were so excited! It was November and Smithville just felt so festive! My couch is green, and it went with the whole romantic holiday theme that Smithville had going on. Also, my love for styling shoots was able to shine! I have a special kind of love for embellished pillows! Ask my husband, he knows all too well how I enjoy a fancy couch! Anyway, I saw their eyes light up when they saw my couch and the snugglie blankets! It was so inviting and they were able to get super comfy and cozy! Toni-Anne and James are adorable. They didn’t need help posing, they just knew how to interact with eachother! It makes me happy, because I know that on their wedding day, they’re going to just be naturals! Here are some photos from their engagement session!

From the beginning of their day, I knew it would be amazing. Toni-Anne had the most gorgeous details. I am such a fan of Betsey Johnson shoes it’s not even funny. Maybe because my own wedding shoes were Betsey Johnson, or maybe it’s because they’re just so feminine and pretty. Either way, I loved photographing them! She has so many rustic details throughout the day, and for those of you who know me, know I love anything rustic! Her dress though, was such an elegant princess dress! When she put it on, it was just made for her. It’s the kind of dress that every little girl dreams of for their wedding day. There are no other words! Toni-Anne was STUNNING! Her and her bridesmaids also had the more gorgeous floral robes! I highly recommend these! They just look so pretty!

She did a first look with her dad, which, let me tell you, was one of the most adorable things ever! I have to say, if any soon to be brides are planning on doing this, totally do it. Your dad will cry because his princess is getting married, and you will get to feel like a little girl again showing off your amazing dress up clothes. It’s very emotional, but it is a very proud moment for dad, and definitely makes him feel like he is still special! (And yes, he IS still and always will be special, but it’s a very emotional time for dad, because after all, his little princess is finally growing up)

Details come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Not just shoes, or jewelry, but special notes from that special man of yours too! James wrote Toni-Anne a note for her to read before the ceremony. I don’t know what it said, but it really did maker her smile! Things like this really make the day memorable. She will most likely keep this card in her wedding keepsakes forever, and be able to look back on it and remember everything he was thinking the day of the wedding!

When the ceremony was about to start, I just knew it would be amazing! The sun was shining and it was so warm outside! The bridesmaids looked fabulous and Toni-Anne and James could not stop smiling!

Patti and Steve… where do I even begin? First of all, Masso’s Crystal Manor was the most amazing venue! I loved it there and the two of you are such a beautiful couple. It’s not everyday that you see as much love in someones eyes, as I did on your day! The way you two hold hands, the way you glance at eachother from across the room, the way you smash cake in one anothers face. (haha). You two honestly did marry your best friend. Some people go years without finding their true love, and you two, have got it! Hang on tight, and never let go!

Masso’s Crystal Manor is such a beautiful place. I hadn’t heard of it before your wedding, I even got lost! I kept thinking I was passing a bakery or something, but no, it was the venue! I drove into a parking lot, and didn’t know where to go, thankfully I saw the mother of the bride and she helped me find my way. When I turned the corner, I was shocked to see a fully shaded BEAUTIFUL waterfall garden! WOW! I couldn’t believe my eyes. This gem is hiding in South Jersey! People give our state a lot of grief, but New Jersey has some GORGEOUS locations! This, is just one of them, and I am so glad I was able to shoot here, and document this perfect wedding!

Take a loot at this wedding, and how truly amazing it was! If you’re looking for a gorgeous wedding venue with a waterfall behind you as you married your love, than look check out Masso’s Crystal Manor! Congrats you two and thank you again for trusting me with your memories!

xoxo,
Lauren