Category Archives: weddings

Heather + Chris | South Jersey Wedding Photography | Heritage Station, Mullica Hill, NJ Engagement Session

I’ve known Heather for more than 20 years, but hadn’t actually seen her in about 12 years when we met up at Heritage Station Vineyards & Winery in Mullica Hill. We lucked out with a sunny, 50-degree day in February — but we WEREN’T expecting the 50mph wind gusts! Yikes! But Heather and her hubby-to-be Chris braved the freezing wind and barely complained as I dragged them all over the vineyards saying things like, “Okay, stand in this tree…trust me!” I love the images we captured, and the gorgeous blazing-red sunset made it all worth it!

They brought their pup Riley along and he actually smiled for a few photos…but then he decided to abandon his modeling career and investigate some chickens lurking nearby:)

P.S. You know it’s love when an Eagles fan lets the Terrible Towel make a cameo in her engagement pics…

Best wishes, Heather and Chris! Thanks for being such good sports:)

Christina + Brian | Valenzano Winery Engagement Session | South Jersey Wedding Photography

I loved this engagement session from start to finish — how the heck did I forget to blog it? We shot at two of my favorite local spots — the gorgeous Valenzano Winery in Shamong, and my own stomping grounds in Medford Lakes. And Christina brought a truckful (literally) of fun photo props. She was full of creative ideas — can’t wait to see what she has in store for her wedding this summer!

A few faves…

See you in August, Christina and Brian!:)

Lauren + Ian | Jersey Shore Wedding Photography | Carriage House

To say Lauren and Ian lucked out with the weather at their wedding would be an understatement — their wedding was the day before Sandy blew through the Jersey Shore. While the girls were getting ready at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin, hotel staff were knocking on the door with guidelines for a possible evacuation. I’d heard warnings of a “superstorm” on the news but at that point, it still seemed like a lot of hype. It wasn’t until my husband — a textbook Virgo who panics about NOTHING — started sending me urgent texts during the reception saying “Get gas! Get milk!” that I though, Hmmm, maybe this is going to be bad. But their wedding day was a typically perfect October day at the shore, and I’m so glad the weather cooperated for them because they’re such a sweet couple.

Now, on to the photos!

(“That pickle’s going in the album,” Lauren joked.)

Meanwhile, my second shooter Crystal was hanging out with the guys…

Then we were off to the ceremony at St. Mary of the Pines in Manahawkin, NJ.

^^ Okay, I have to share a funny story about this image. As I was shooting their exit from the church, a guest standing right behind me yelled, “Now, where’s the professional photographer for this?!” It cracked me up. Being five feet tall really helps me be unobtrusive:)

Lauren and Ian’s reception was at the gorgeous Carriage House in Galloway, NJ, where we did a fun portrait session before heading inside to the party.

Lauren and Ian, I had a great time with you and your whole wedding party. Thanks for choosing Kiwi Photography to capture your wedding day!

Gelmarik and Mike | Jersey Shore LBI Wedding Photographer | The Stateroom, Long Beach Island

Shooting Gelmarik and Mike’s wedding was a walk down memory lane for me. They made it official at the same church where I was married eight years ago (St Francis of Assisi in Brant Beach) and celebrated at the same reception venue (the Stateroom, although it was still the dive bar/seafood buffet The Quarterdeck back in 2004!).

On top of all the happy nostalgia that day, Gel and Mike were a dream couple to work with. It’s obvious that they’re MADLY in love and I don’t think either of them stopped smiling for even a second. They didn’t even seem stressed when a sudden downpour sent us all running for cover during the portraits — and once the rain stopped, they were rewarded with the most gorgeous soft, hazy lighting ever:) Can’t complain.

So many favorites to share…

Meanwhile, my second shooter Crystal was spending some quality time with the guys…while Mike was apparently getting a headstart on celebrating Movember.

Then we were off to St. Francis for the main event!

As we headed to the beach, it started to pour…but 10 minutes later, the rain let up and we got some AMAZING hazy light for our beach photos!

Not to mention that Gelmarik is just a teensy bit photogenic:)

…and then it was time to party!

What a fun crowd — I think I spent half the reception laughing. Mike and Gelmarik, I had a blast photographing your wedding and revisiting my favorite LBI spots:) Thanks for choosing me as your photographer!

Kari + Chad | Ocean City, NJ Wedding Photographer | Ocean City Yacht Club

There were three reasons I was excited to shoot Kari and Chad’s wedding last month:

1. I’m always excited about weddings.
2. They were getting married in Ocean City — one of my favorite places to shoot, and not just because of the easy access to deep-fried Oreos.
3. Kari’s parents are my neighbors, and they’re awesome neighbors, so I figured it was going to be fun.

I was right, on all accounts. Here are a few of my favorite shots from their day. I’m going to refrain from my usual “sorry for photobombing” comment, because I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m an oversharer. I just get psyched about my wedding photos, and start reliving the day, and the next thing you know, I’ve posted 50 images on here. Oh well:)

The ceremony was held at the Ocean City Yacht Club…

After it was official, we headed to the Ocean City boardwalk and beach for some bridal party photos…

…and then back to the yacht club for a few more photos and the reception!

Congrats Kari and Chad!:)

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On a serious note, I’ve been editing images from a string of beautiful beach weddings this week, and needless to say, it’s been a little jarring to see the Jersey shore in all its glory on my computer screen and then watch the images on TV of Sandy’s aftermath. The Jersey shore is my home away from home. LBI is a short drive through the woods for me, and I’ve been going there for more than 30 years. I lived for the OC boardwalk as a teen. I want my kids to have their own Jersey shore summers. If you can help out in any way, please do:)I’ve found the Alliance for a Living Ocean and Jersey Shore Hurricane News Facebook pages to be extremely helpful in posting regular updates on shelter/donation/cleanup info. And you can always send a $10 donation just by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

xo