I can’t think of a better way to kick off the weekend than with Alec & Alessandra’s beautiful spring wedding at The Stone Terrace!

Alessandra and Alec have known each other since 2008 when they were in eighth grade and youth group together at their local church. Although they knew each other, they weren’t friends until their sophomore year of high school. That’s when Alec really noticed Alessandra and saw how beautiful she was! After seeing her at school and at youth group, Alec realized he had feelings for Alessandra and asked for her phone number one day after church. After a few weeks of talking and texting, Alec asked Alessandra to go with him to the Spring Formal at the school. After a fun night of dancing and hanging with their friends at Spring Formal, they wanted to kiss on Alessandra’s doorstep but were both too nervous! Time passed, and in a few short weeks, Alec texted Alessandra one night during the week. He asked her if she would be in school the next day as he had an important question to ask her. Just outside of her homeroom class, on May 27, 2010, Alec asked Alessandra if she would be his girlfriend. She said yes, joyfully, and the rest is history! These two high school sweethearts began the journey of a lifetime together.

Congratulations, Alec & Alessandra! Enjoy some of my favorites from their beautiful spring wedding below!

If Alec & Alessandra receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8×10 print of their choice!

A huge thank you to all of the fabulous vendors involved!

Lead Photographer: Tori Petrillo
Second Photographer: Monika de Myer
Ceremony Venue: Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Reception Venue: The Stone Terrace by John Henry’s
Dress Designer & Boutique: Donna Morello of Marriage Couture
Shoes: Revenge Heels & Keds X Kate Spade
HMUA: Christina Formaroli of Deserrie’s Salon
DJ: James River (The Pros)
Florist: Joanne Voorhees
Cake: Eet Gud Bakery
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Shutterfly
Officiant: Dan Sparling

There’s something so magical about winter weddings, especially when they’re at Park Chateau! I’ve always said that Park Chateau is a venue fit for a fairytale — complete with beautiful gardens, twinkle light covered trees, and one of the most incredible bridal suites that I’ve ever seen. I had the pleasure of second shooting Christina & Anthony’s wedding with Jennifer Larsen Photography…. and I loved their wedding so much, that I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from their day with you!

After Christina & Anthony said “I do,” their guests lined up outside of the church to cheer them on as they made their exit. An antique car adorned with greenery waited at the end of the receiving line to whisk the newlyweds away to their reception — but not before we could take some pictures with it, of course! When we arrived at Park Chateau, we continued to photograph Christina, Anthony, and their bridal party in all of the gardens around the property as well as inside the cozy library.

One of my absolute FAVORITE details to photograph during the day were the candlelight centerpieces, bouquets, and floral staircase installation created by Twisted Willow. The staircase installation was truly a work of art in and of itself — some of my favorite portraits of the couple are of them on the stairs surrounded by all of the blooms. It was beautiful!

Enjoy some of my favorites from the wedding day!

Lead Photography: Jen Larsen
Second Photographer: Tori Petrillo
Photography Assistance: Rebecca Lori 
Coordinator | Mallory Weiss Planning
Ceremony Venue | St. Mary’s Chapel
Reception Venue | Park Chateau Estate
Dress Designer | Pnina Tornai
Dress Boutique | Kleinfeld Bridal
Shoes | Christian Louboutin
Hair Stylist | Michelle Elise Artistry
Makeup Artist | Michelle Elise Artistry
Wedding Rings | Goldtinker
Band | The Rhythm Shop
Florist | Twisted Willow Flowers
Videographer | Reubinedde Malamug
Cake | Palermo’s Bakery
Bridesmaids Dresses | Dessy, Bella Bridesmaids
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Invitations | Darling + Pearl
Ring Box | The Mrs. Box
Transportation | Shore Luxury Limos
Photobooth | Pop Shop Photobooth

I had been looking forward to Annie and Eric’s wedding day ever since we had our engagement session at the Bethlehem Steel Stacks last year! I’ve always been such a huge fan of fall weddings, and I knew that Annie and Eric’s was going to be very special. A little rain couldn’t even put a damper on their day — it was such a fun and beautiful celebration!

Every detail of Annie and Eric’s wedding was so thoughtfully planned. One of my favorite details was Annie’s bouquet (and all of the other floral arrangements!), which was designed by her family friend, Tina. Annie tied a bible to the back of her bouquet with a piece of blush ribbon — the same bible that her mother and grandmother carried down the aisle on their wedding days.

Another detail (or maybe I should say performance!) that I loved was Annie and Eric’s first dance. When I called Annie the week of the wedding to chat about their timeline, she told me that she and Eric choreographed their own first dance. How incredible is that?! The dance was a secret, and no one at the wedding knew what they had planned — and, let me tell you, it was amazing!

Annie and Eric, it’s been such a joy working with you both. Congratulations, newlyweds!

Enjoy some of my favorites from their wedding day below!

If Annie and Eric receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8×10 print of their choice!

All of the wonderful vendors involved:

Photographer | Tori Petrillo
Second Photographer | Monika de Myer
Venue | Brooklake Country Club
Wedding Planner | CBC Events
HMUA | Brandy Takikawa of Color Me Beautiful Salon
Florist | Tina Freeman
Invitations | Live Love Party Designs
Videographer | James Boburka
DJ / Band | Daddy Pop
Wedding Cake | La Promenade
Bridal Gown | Pronovias purchased at Say I Do Bridal
Bridal Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids Dresses | Bari Jay purchased at Say I Do Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Biltmore Tuxedos

 

 

Veronica and Andrew met during their freshman year of college while living in Demarest Hall at Rutgers. Throughout their four years, they were involved in their dorm’s government and interest sections, and had a lot of mutual friends. However, they didn’t start dating until near the end of their time at Rutgers! Veronica says that their feelings for each other snuck up on them during the last month of their senior year.

Veronica and Andrew were both sitting together waiting for an event to start when they began listening to a dorm mate’s story. Him and his girlfriend had known each other for years and then, one day, something had changed and they declared that they liked each other. Veronica and Andrew both immediately thought of each other while listening to his story, and later that evening they finally admitted their feelings for one another!

This sweet couple got engaged on April 9, 2016. Andrew coordinated with the Residence Life staff at Rutgers and the current Hall Government of Demarest to use the Open House as a cover for the engagement. For months, Andrew, their friends, and the Residence Life staff secretly planned how the day was going to go. They were so good at keeping their secret that Veronica had no idea what was happening up until the moment that Andrew dropped to one knee and popped the question; she even says that she interrupted Andrew’s speech not only once, but TWICE! Be sure to check out their engagement session at Demarest Hall by clicking here.

Veronica and Andrew’s fall wedding at Westin Governor Morris was such a classic and elegant celebration! Veronica looked like royalty in her beautiful wedding dress while wearing her older sisters cathedral length veil. Some of the pieces that I loved most about their day were all of the handmade elements. Veronica crossed stitched the Mr. and Mrs. signs for the sweetheart table, her Dad handmade the engraved wooden ring box, and her sweet Mom made the flower girl baskets and card box. Talk about talent!

From the incredible floral arrangements to the various handmade elements and the beautiful merlot color palette — every detail of their wedding was so special and beautiful.

Congratulations, Veronica and Andrew! I hope you’re both having an amazing time on your honeymoon. Enjoy some of my favorites from your incredible day! XO

If Veronica & Andrew receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8×10 print of their choice!

Lead Photographer: Tori Petrillo
Second Photographer: Jennifer Larsen
Venue: Westin Governor Morris
HAMUA: Mary Adams of Backstage Beauty Salon
Florist: Pink Dahlia Floral Design Studio
Wedding Planner: Joyce Beighley
DJ and Videographer: Enchanted Celebrations
Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie
Wedding Cake: Berry Rich Bakery
Choreographer: Michele Quinn of Arthur Murray Dance Studio

Heather and Josef both swiped right on Tinder, and well, the rest is history! They both went into the dating world not looking for anything serious, but when they me at Heather’s favorite sushi restaurant on their very first date they felt an instant connection and didn’t want the night to end. Josef proposed to Heather 10 months after they started dating in the sweetest way possible!

Now, if you know Heather and Josef then you know that they enjoy playing video games and share a mutual love for the game Halo! Heather hosts girls night at her house every Tuesday and Thursday night, and Josef bought her a brand new game controller so that her friend didn’t have to bring her own with her each time she came over. When Heather’s friends arrived, Josef had her open the controller. It took her a while to get the battery part open, but once she did, she saw that there was a beautiful engagement ring placed inside. When Heather looked up, she saw Josef was on one knee asking her to spend the rest of her life with him. Heather says that it was the best moment of her life, and she couldn’t have asked for a more romantic proposal!

Heather and Josef have been an absolute a JOY to work with throughout the past year. They’re a joyful, laid back, and thoughtful couple who are so much fun to spend time with. I can’t resist mentioning that they bought ME a gift on their wedding day. Say what?! It’s a beautiful coffee mug that I just can’t wait to use 🙂

Heather and Josef, it was SUCH an honor to photograph your beautiful wedding! The day was so magical from start to finish. Enjoy some of my favorites below, and have a wonderful honeymoon — congratulations, you two!

If Heather & Josef receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8×10 photo of their choice!

The biggest thank you to all of the fabulous vendors involved:

Second Photographer | Jennifer Larsen
Third Photographer | Kate Milford
Hair Stylist | Jaime of Kathleen Benjamin Hair Studio
Makeup Artist | McKenna Burns Makeup
Florist | Monarch Floral Designs LLC
Venue, Cake, & Caterer | The Primavera Regency
DJ | Sal from Night Owl Entertainment
Invitations | Invitations by Dawn
Transportation | Riviera Chauffeured Services
Videographer | NJ Videography
Bride Attire | Melissa Sweet from David’s Bridal
Bridal Party Attire | David’s Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Warehouse

Are you ready to see Krysti and Taylor’s incredible beachside wedding at the Inn at Salem Country Club?! Krysti and Taylor are high school sweethearts who got married on their ten year anniversary — August 4th. They are such a joyful and laid back couple who were up for all of the photo opportunities (seriously though, I took them out for couple portraits THREE times!). I just loved spending the day with all of their sweet family members and friends.

Thunderstorms were in the forecast the entire week leading up to Krysti and Taylor’s wedding. As luck would have it, the skies cleared up and we had a beautiful sunny day that was perfect for a ceremony on the beach! Some of my favorites moments from their wedding include the tear-filled first look, handwritten vows shared during the ceremony, heartfelt toasts, and Krysti seeing their sweet boys dressed in their wedding attire for the first time.

Every detail from their wedding was so perfectly curated, from the nautical color palette to Taylor’s personalized converse sneakers which were embroidered with their wedding date. Krysti wore a stunning Grace Loves Lace wedding gown that gave off some serious mermaid vibes (scroll down to the sunset portraits, and you’ll see what I mean!).

Krysti and Taylor, it was such a JOY to photograph your wedding day! You deserve all of the happiness in the world. Congratulations to the newlyweds and their beautiful children!

Enjoy some of my favorites below, and be sure to check out their engagement session by clicking here!

If Krysti and Taylor receive 30 comments on this blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8 x 10 of their choice! 

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful wedding team!

Second Photographer: Rachel Watkinson
Venue: The Inn at Salem Country Club
Hair and Makeup: Your Day Your Way
Wedding Planner: Kimberly Jordan
Caterer: Botto’s Italian Line restaurant
Invitations: Zazzle
Transportation: BR Williams
Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Groom / Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

 

Ohhh, friends, you’re in for such a treat today! Say hello to Lauren & Simon — high school sweethearts, and one of the most joyful and in love couples that you’ll ever meet. Their wedding day was an absolute fairytale, complete with a ceremony space overlooking the waterfront, vibrant floral arrangements, and one of the most incredible chuppahs that I’ve ever seen!

Lauren & Simon shared their first look at the venue, Hampshire Country Club, and BOTH of their reactions to seeing each other as bride and groom were priceless! We had the perfect amount of time for bride and groom portraits since they decided to do a first look. We all hopped in a golf cart (my very first time driving one, and it was a success!) and took photos all around the beautiful property. Lauren & Simon couldn’t have been more relaxed and easy going throughout the entire day. They were just so happy to be spending time with each other and were truly soaking in every moment.

HOW THEY MET….

Lauren & Simon met (so they’re told!) on a local playground when they were just two years old. They were friends all throughout middle school, but really started to reconnect in high school. They sat next to each other in AP biology and even went to their high school senior prom together!

After senior prom, Lauren & Simon were accepted to and attended colleges that were literally across the country from each other — Simon in New York, and Lauren in California. During their freshman year they realized a few important things: they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives, they did NOT want to spend any more time apart, and, as helpful as FaceTime was to them, they’d always prefer face to face conversations. They both applied to transfer elsewhere, and Simon ended up getting in and transferring to Lauren’s college in California!

HOW THEY GOT ENGAGED…..

Lauren & Simon got engaged last June 19th. Simon proposed the day they were moving out of their first apartment together. He asked her to do one last check of their “important things” drawer, and the ring was inside! Does it get any sweeter than that?!

Congratulations, Lauren & Simon! It was an absolute honor to be a part of your wedding. Enjoy some of my favorites from their magical day! Xoxo!

Lauren & Simon MADE their wedding cake!!! How incredible?!?!

If Lauren & Simon receive 30 comments on their blog post, I’ll send them a complimentary 8 x 10 of any photo of their choice!

 

Second Photographer : Jennifer Larsen

Venue: Hampshire Country Club

Florist: X Quisite Events

Hair Stylist: Kristina Gjokaj

Make Up Artist: Rachel Gangemi

Wedding Coordinator: Dorothy Mourouzis

Invitations: Minted

Wedding Dress: Pnina Tornai

Wedding Dress Retailer: Kleinfeld Bridal

Groom Attire: Generation Tux

Band: Silver Arrow Band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do Jess and Ron look a little familiar? If so, that’s because I photographed their engagement session just last month! Naturally, as we photographed their session, I asked them all of the questions about the vision for their wedding day and was getting more excited by the minute. Jess & Ron are two of the most laid back, fun couples and I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and I knew that their wedding was going to be a perfect reflection of them.

Walking into Jess’ getting ready portion of the day can basically be described as a photographers dream (no exaggeration!). She rented a house that perfectly matched the overall aesthetic to her wedding day and was complete with large windows, light colored walls, and plenty of space. Her bridesmaids wore colorful silk robes and were given personalized champagne flutes as wedding gifts. After hair and makeup was complete, Jess slipped into her incredible Hayley Paige wedding gown and shared the sweetest first look with her Mom.

While I was photographing the ladies, my amazing second photographer, Kelly, was with busy at work with Ron & his groomsmen. Jess gifted Ron a pair of custom cufflinks with images of his late grandmother, and I loved seeing the sweet reaction on his face. After Ron and his groomsmen were dressed and wedding ready, they spent the afternoon enjoying each others company, golfing, and playing badminton!

Before the ceremony, Jess & Ron shared a first look on the front lawn of The Breakers (make sure you scroll down to see more sweet reactions!) before continuing over to the boardwalk for some of the prettiest couple portraits. They said their vows underneath a pavilion on the boardwalk and then made their way to the reception to greet their family and friends.

Congratulations, Jess & Ron! I hope you’re having a wonderful time in Italy!

Photographer: Tori Petrillo Photography

Second Photographer: Kelly Pullman

Venue: The Breakers

Hair / Makeup Artist: Christian Briceno

Bridesmaids Makeup Artist: Juan DeJesus

Florist: In the Garden by Nancy

Invitations: Meera Lee Patel

Wedding Cake: The Chocolate Carousel

 

 

I can’t think of a more perfect wedding to kick off my 2018 season! I had been looking forward to Caitlin & Jonathan’s wedding at Drew University for SO long. Not only is Drew the place where Caitlin & Jonathan first met, but it’s also where I first met Caitlin! We spent a couple of years together as members on the freshman Orientation Committee. Caitlin & Jonathan are two of the kindest, most genuine people. I was so honored when they asked me to photograph their wedding day!

I love how Caitlin & Jonathan decided to get married where it all began… back in The Forest! Jonathan first noticed Caitlin during their orchestra class, and a year and a half later he decided to send her a Facebook message. They have been inseparable ever since! During their annual Friends-Giving party in 2016, Jonathan invited everyone outside to the backyard campfire to share what they were the most thankful for. Jonathan’s friends were in on his plan! After all of their friends had shared, Jonathan said that he was thankful for the 1,752 days that he and Caitlin had spent together. Jonathan got down on one knee and asked Caitlin to marry him!

Caitlin & Jonathan decided to share the sweetest first look on the grand front steps of Mead Hall. The classic buildings and architecture on Drew’s campus always make for the perfect photos! The ceremony took place in S.W. Bowne (lovingly referred to as Hogwarts!) where Caitlin & Jonathan read each other their handwritten vows. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room! The celebration continued in Mead Hall with lots of dancing and delicious food.

Congratulations, Caitlin and Jonathan! I loved being a part of your wedding day. Have a wonderful time in Disney World!

Enjoy some of my favorites below.

See Caitlin & Jonathan’s engagement session HERE!

A huge thank you to all of the incredible vendors involved:

Photographer | Tori Petrillo Photography
Second Photographer | Monika de Myer
Venue | Drew University
Dress Designer | Wtoo
Dress Retailer | Vows Bridal Salon
Floral Crown | ByKochetova
Hair & Makeup | Bliss Hair Studio by Teri
Bridesmaids Dresses | For Her and For Him
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Generation Tux
Videographer | SRF Media
Florist | Crest Florist
DJ | NIC Entertainment
Ceremony Guitarist | Diego Fernandez
Caterer | Aramark
Invitations | Wedding Paper Divas
Transportation | Courtesy of Hyatt House in Morristown
Wedding Cake | Palermo’s Bakery
Donuts | Montclair Bread Company

Evelyn & Isaiah’s intimate winter wedding at the Kolo Klub in Hoboken, NJ was such a special celebration! The couple shared the most heartfelt vows with each other while surrounded by their closest family members and friends. Small, intimate weddings at historic venues are quickly becoming a favorite of mine to photograph! I had such a great time second shooting this wedding with my friend Jen of Jennifer Larsen Photography.

After Evelyn & Isaiah tied the knot, we hopped in the car and drove over to a park which had the most amazing views of the New York City skyline (literally, panoramic!). We got to the park just before sunset, and the sky had a beautiful pink glow. Needless to say, their bride & groom portraits are some of my favorites from the 2017 wedding season! You’d never know it by looking through the pictures, but it was actually a freezing December day…. but between the sweet couple and the incredible view, we couldn’t stop taking photos! It was all too good. Evelyn & Isaiah did such a great job powering through the cold weather!

We drove back to the Kolo Klub to photograph the reception after we officially ran out of sunlight 🙂 Evelyn & Isaiah had beautiful floral arrangements, mason jars, and lanterns on each dinner table. Guests photographed each other with a fun Instax camera and placed the pictures in Evelyn & Isaiah’s wedding guestbook. Such an awesome way to remember the day!

After Evelyn & Isaiah shared their first dance, we stole them away for a few more moments to take night time portraits. Between the twinkle lights, historic building, and classic furniture…. how could we not?! The Kolo Klub made the perfect backdrop for a classic, Hoboken wedding.

Congratulations, Evelyn & Isaiah! Be sure to check out the full story of their wedding day on Jen’s blog by clicking here.