Do Chris & Alyssa look familiar? You might have seen them on the blog a couple of months ago when I photographed their proposal at Deep Cut Gardens! When Alyssa told me that she and Chris were thinking about having their engagement session in DUMBO, my ears perked up. I had only been to DUMBO once before, but I vividly remembered the cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, and, of course, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. If you’ve been following around here for any length of time, then you know that I’m huge fan of classic and unique architecture – and I always get excited when my couples are too.

We spent the evening exploring all of the special locations that DUMBO has to offer. From the skyline, to the painted murals, to the Brooklyn Bridge itself, there was so much variety to capture!

Chris & Alyssa, congratulations on your engagement! Enjoy some of my favorites from their session below.

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

When Chris first contacted me a few months ago about photographing his proposal, I couldn’t have been more excited! He decided on Deep Cut Gardens as the location, which made for the most magical backdrop for such a special moment.

After Alyssa said yes (of course!), we explored and took photos all throughout Deep Cut Gardens. After we were done, Alyssa and Chris headed back to their house where their closest family members and friends were waiting to celebrate their engagement!

Congratulations, to the newly engaged couple! I couldn’t be more excited for you both!

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

 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I LOVE when my clients choose an engagement session location that’s meaningful to them — and that’s exactly what Ellesa and Kevin chose to do! It always makes the session all the more special.

Ellesa and Kevin both met and graduated from Kean University. Having spent much of their time as undergraduates in the STEM building (and being math enthusiasts in general :)), it seemed like the perfect location for their session. The STEM building was complete with modern lighting fixtures, walls tiled in a DNA pattern, and a rooftop deck with views of New York City. Before our session, Ellesa had mentioned that she was looking for an industrial inspired vibe — and the STEM building fit her vision to a T!

Congratulations on your engagement, Ellesa and Kevin! I can’t wait to celebrate with you both next July! Enjoy some of my favorite images from their session, and be sure to click here to read about their proposal.

Special thank you to Kathryn Wambach (@authentikat) for the amazing hair and makeup!

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Brittany mentioned that she and Ian were looking for a soft and romantic vibe for their engagement session, I suggested what I thought to be the perfect location! Cross Estate Garden is a hidden gem in Somerset County, tucked away on a winding road with overflowing English gardens and wide open fields. Pair that with golden hour and this sweet couple? Talk about a photographers dream! 

We started our session in one of the overflowing fields (where the golden hour light was absolutely incredible!) before making our way over to the peony-filled gardens. Brittany & Ian fully trusted my vision and were happy to hop into the field together — and I’m so glad they did! I loved watching them enjoy each other and have fun during their session.

It was such a joy getting to learn more about Brittany & Ian’s love story, and hear all about their wedding day vision. Their wedding at Indian Trail Club next year is going to be nothing short of amazing!

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