When you mix a good love story, a gorgeous wedding dress, and the most crave worthy food you could eat…. all adds up to a pretty fantastic wedding day! Last week I had the honor of photographing Josh & Cristina’s wedding at the Rock Island Lake Club in Sparta, New Jersey and from the moment I got there until I left there was always something special I had never seen before as a wedding photographer!

Meeting the girls at Cristina’s parent’s home I walked in to meet the nicest, down to earth bridal party started right away photographing the details. I was totally in love with the large monogrammed zipper clutch bags Cristina gave her bridesmaids that she found on Etsy. With so much excitement in the air we were off to the St. Bonaventure Church in Paterson for what I knew was going to be an emotional ceremony as the tears had started before we even left the house! After the vows, and some quick portraits we were blessed with only light traffic for our rush hour travel, and we arrived at Rock Island Lake Club with plenty of time for portraits and barely missed any of the cocktail hour!!

During cocktail hour and the reception, the food Josh & Cristina picked out was getting better and better as the night went on! I couldn’t help but post the photograph of the special plate made for the bride and groom at the BACON STATION ( And if you are wondering…the taste was even better than you could imagine)! After some very special toasts from the bridal party, the dancing began. The guests were so fun to photograph and dance alongside. One guest even pulled in the second shooter, Christina, for some dancing during the night! After cake was served, outside on the deck was a boardwalk food station of a few classic favorites including popcorn, fried twinkies, and fried oreos! Then, after everyone had time to dance that off, the night came to an end and I was escorted to the parking lot by the staff to find a NJ Diner station in the parking lot serving breakfast sandwiches, hot off the grill, as you waited for your car (or in my situation photograph it)!

I cannot thank them, and their families enough for being such welcoming, and gracious hosts for the day. Congratulations again Josh & Cristina, I am so honored to photograph the memories you will have for many happy years to come!

I was swooning over these laser cut invitations!

Seriously… such a princess moment!! Cristina you made a gorgeous bride!

Just a sampling of what was at cocktail hour at the bacon station!

and the NJ Diner Stop on the way out!

One of my favorites!

Thanks to all the vendors who made this day go off without a glitch! A special thank you to my second shooter Christina, I had such a blast throughout the day!

Vendor Team:

Hair & Makeup: Melissa D’Aloia (make up) Evelyn and Eileen (hair)