We started Regina and Mark’s wedding day with the girls.  While Regina was getting beautiful with Jeanine Mangan Make-up Designs downstairs, I was busy photographing all the details.

The dress and bouquet.

After their ceremony at Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls, we headed over to The Manor for picture time.  First the bridal party…

And then our lovely couple, Regina and Mark.

Beautiful navy and pink tablescape in the reception room.

Personalized menu card and cigars.

The new Mr. & Mrs. !

Surprise!  The groomsmen snuck out of the reception and came back wearing these powder blue leisure suits - ruffled shirts, bow ties and all!  Check out Regina’s reaction in the background.

Now those are some moves.

The Viennese Table was beautiful.  I could submit a whole blog of just delectable details…

But instead let’s focus on the sweetest, the wedding cake.

And of course the rings.

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When George asked us to help celebrate Cori’s Birthday, with a fiery engagement session in the Meatpacking District, we couldn’t wait!  These two have great chemistry and (despite any insistence otherwise) amazing camera presence.  Way to rock out guys!

We can’t wait to celebrate with George and Cori this September at the Westmount Country Club!

Red hot!

Love and fun on the cobblestones.

George giving in this his animal instincts!

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I had the privilege of spending an afternoon jumping, crawling, climbing, sitting, skipping and making silly faces with the Mahler Family.  This shoot was just a warm up for Lukas and Derek’s upcoming double bar  mitzvah at the Westmount Country Club in October!

Hodoludedubebu!  It’s a mouthful, but it’s also an awesome acronym for the Mahler Family!

Loved these steps.  Apparently the site of many family portraits.

Lukas and Derek get tough.

But not for long!

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We had the honor of celebrating with Priscilla and Stephen earlier this summer at Round Hill House in Washingtonville, New York.

We started the day surrounded by the bride’s family!  Loved the energy - hair, makeup, and of course, the shoes…

This is one of my favorite details from the summer season.  Love Priscilla’s bouquet, the texture was so rich… just had to capture it twice!

Our stunning bride.

Priscilla and Stephen share a moment on the porch at Round Hill House.

Ground was a bit damp after some summer rain, but that didn’t stop us from exploring the estate’s gardens (or me from lying in the wet, to get this photograph!)

Orange and Brown tablescapes.

Introducing the new Mr. and Mrs. !

First dance, under the blue…

And that’s when the party started…

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We recently did back-to-back engagement sessions at the Recreation Center in Weehawken, NJ.  We thought it would be fun to blog a sneak peak from both sessions together.  Yes, we used a lot of the same spaces and places, but every couple has their own unique energy.  Enjoy!

First up, Lorianne and Dan - can’t wait to celebrate with these two on New Year’s Eve at the Graycliff:

Christa and Nick - their wedding is fast approaching at The Stone House at Stirling Ridge!

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1354 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1325 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1325#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2010 03:53:25 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1325 Anastasia and Scott’s Wedding
The Pines Minor, Edison, New Jersey

We knew after Anastasia and Scott’s amazing engagement session at the Hoboken’s Lackawanna Train Station that these two were going to be a blast on their wedding day, and well… they were.  Start to finish the were high energy, tons of fun and loads of laughs.

Bridal prep.  Love this shot of Anastasia’ Shoe.  To create the backdrop, we used one of their couch cushions and an abstract painting.  Fun, right?

The bridal bouquet.

Anastasia moments before heading into the Rolls Royce.

The ceremony was held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Piscataway, NJ.

A barrage of rice!  There is also an amusing set of photos of “the aftermath,” the rice-removal process.  hehe.  This is more romantic!

Then off to The Castle in Highland Park for portraits of the married couple and bridal party.  Scott and the groomsmen looking rather distinguished.

Scott, err…  your wife…

It was hard narrowing down our favorite photographs from the swings, but here are two cute snaps.

Then off to The Pine Manor for the reception!  L:  Pink and white floral centerpieces.  R:  Wedding Favors

And of course the rings.

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1325 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1291 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1291#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:47:41 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1291 Kelly & Jeff’s Wedding
Shadowbrook, Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Kelly and Jeff, aka “Team Jelly,” got married at Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, New Jersey!  Despite some ominous clouds, the weather, like these two was sunny and bright.  What a fun couple.  What a fun wedding!

Arriving at Shadowbrook Estate.

Initial bridal prep was done at the Staybridge Suites (shout out to Jeanine Mangan Make-up Designs for saving the day with some impromptu hair skills), but all of Kelly’s finishing touches were done in the Bridal Suite at Shadowbrook.  Way to work your veil Kelly.  Way to work your veil.

Love this Mother/Daughter moment with the dress.

Garden inspired blue and yellow bouquet.

Kelly our gorgeous bride!  Drama in the window.

Contentment.

Leaning on the lamp posts for some snaps!

No matter how you focus in on it, these two super heroes rock!

Perfect day for an outdoor ceremony.

Now that’s a kiss.  Check out the bridesmaids.

Neat paper cutout bird escort cards.

Yellow and Blue abound!  Hidden Birds!  “Team Jelly” Jelly Jars.  And of course champagne.

Anybody can serve lemon sorbet.  But in a mini cone - awesome!

The Rings.

Jeff’s Batman cuff links.

Thanks guys.  We had a blast!

www.tackeffphotography.com

]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1291 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1274 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1274#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:28:39 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1274 Elizabeth & John’s Engagement Session
Weehawken Waterfront Recreation Park, Weehawken, NJ

We say it all the time, but it begs repeating….  Every engagement session ends up being a very different experience.  Every couple has different chemistry.  Every day has different weather and different lighting conditions.  And even within the confines of a familiar park, we are constantly finding new places, new angles and new ideas.

We had a blast with Elizabeth and John visiting some of our “usual” spots - shooting by the NYC skyline, walking along the Hudson River, sitting on benches, and so on…  but we loved being creative with these two.  Getting romantic on the track and conquering the soccer field was a definite score!

Can’t wait to celebrate with these two in August at the Ritz Carlton!

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There is just something romantic about Central Park.  Maybe it stems from all the television and movie scenes filmed there - maybe it is that you don’t need to venture far to see couples strolling hand in hand or exchanging sly kisses under bridges…  whatever the magic, we find that it is simply an iconic place for love.

We met Dana and Joe at the entrance to the park.  After a short walk through Strawberry Fields, we arrived at our intended portrait spot, Bethesda Fountain.  Despite the waning sun and always abundant NY pedestrian foot traffic, we got right down to business — using the facade on the steps, the terrace area, the arcade’s tiled ceiling, the archways and the view of the Loeb Boathouse.

Such a sweet couple - can’t wait to celebrate with them in June at The Empire Club!

The best moments are the real ones.

Bethesda Arcade Silhouettes - 2 views:

Fun under the minton tile ceiling.

Drama and the Loeb Boathouse.

These two just look so comfortable together.

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Scott is a train conductor for NJ Transit.  Not coincidentally, his love story, began on a train.   Anastasia was traveling alone, and it was love at first ticket.  Well not exactly, but in one conversation spanning between NJ and NYC, romance started.

When it came to choosing a location for their engagement session, Hoboken’s Lackawanna Train station seemed the perfect backdrop.  We had fun exploring the platform, the awesome architecture, not to mention Scott’s access into the restricted areas!  Loved the chemistry and all the spontaneity!  Fun session!

Can’t wait to celebrate with these two later this month at The Pines Manor in Edison.

We started by the bus terminal.  Love in silhouette.

Anastasia just seems so natural in Scott’s arms.

Sometimes when there is no light, we have to bring our own.

Making good use of Hoboken Terminal’s Tiffany Skylight.

Taking advantage of the lines and bold color on the train platform.

Love this.

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Just finished Andrea and Adam’s Album Design from their October Wedding at The Apple Ridge Country Club in Mahwah, New Jersey.  Below you will find a few spreads that highlight their beautiful fall themed wedding.

Enjoy a few select layouts from their book:

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1216 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1206 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1206#comments Fri, 07 May 2010 23:37:32 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1206 Sonia & Joe’s Engagement Session
The Boat Basin, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

Every year we are happy to do our small part to help out a few good causes.  So when Michelle Lo Conte of Pink Comb Salon asked us to be a part of her “Combs for a Cure,” Breast Cancer Fundraiser, we were excited to donate a free engagement session.  The winners, Sonia & Joe!

We took these two lovebirds to The Englewood Boat Basin, for a romantic and fun photo shoot by the George Washington Bridge.  Enjoy a glimpse into their session.

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1206 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1172 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1172#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2010 03:22:15 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1172 Justine’s Bat Mitzvah
The Rockleigh Country Club, Rockleigh, New Jersey

Every time a snow storm happens on a weekend, well you can bet it just dumped a lot of snow on somebody’s wedding day or other special event.  In this case, that late February blizzard had its eye on Justine’s Bat Mitzvah weekend.

Even with over a foot and a half of snow, the mood was bright and sunny!  This family came to party!

Entrance to The Rockleigh, clad in white.

The theme, “Justine <3 NY!” and in pink no less.  Loved the whimsical NYC taxi escort cards.

And of course the stunning Bat Mitzvah girl!

We couldn’t get enough of Justine or her awesome pink dress!

We spotted these balloons early on in the corner of the reception room.  The florist kept saying, “they aren’t set up yet!”  But we just couldn’t resist such a colorful backdrop.

So pink!  So fun!

Personalized bracelets acted as custom napkin rings.  I still wear mine!

Each centerpiece had a different New York City theme - fashion, sports, iconic food, important landmarks - all represented!

Love the ballroom uplighting - even the chandeliers were pink - hot!

And of course the invitation.

Justine certainly knows how to make an entrance…

and her parent’s certainly know how to throw a party!

Candle Lighting.

The blog would not be complete without the dual white and milk chocolate fountains.  Mmm.

One of many family portraits throughout the night.

One of our favs!  Group hug for Justine!  She deserves it!

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1172 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1158 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1158#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:28:26 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1158 Kelly and Jeff’s E-Session
Dave & Buster’s, Palisades Center, West Nyack, New York

When Kelly and Jeff said, “Dave & Buster’s,” we immediately said, “YES!”  When we arrived, our creative juices were flowing, and their fun was raring to go.  A perfect combination for an off-the-wall, out-of-the-box,  whack-a-moleariffic engagement session!

To make it even better, it was Kelly’s Birthday!  So there was plenty of celebrating to be done as we explored the restaurant, bar, video arcade, air hockey tables….

Kelly and Jeff snuggle up to the bar.

And got cozy on the felt.  Glad we got there early enough to take advantage of the open pool tables.

The session had an overwhelming amount of silliness.

But we balanced it nicely with some seriousness.

Just kidding!

And when we ran out of places inside D&B’s, we ventured outside.

You would never know that while we were taking this romantic photo, a dozen little kids were shouting, “get a room!”  It added to the moment.  Really.

We cannot wait to celebrate with these two this May at Shadowbrook!  Kelly and Jeff are a blast!

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]]> http://tackeffphoto.com/?feed=rss2&p=1158 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1129 http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1129#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:03:08 +0000 Tackeff Photography http://tackeffphoto.com/?p=1129 Erica and Shawn’s Wedding
The Waterview Pavilion, Belmar, New Jersey

We met Erica and her bridesmaids as they were getting ready at The Chateau Inn and Suites in Spring Lakes, New Jersey.  Upon entering, we saw one of our favs, Michelle Lo Conte of I Do Hair and Make-Up busy putting the finishing touches on the girls.  While Steven snapped away - photos of hair and prep, I took on the challenge of figuring out how to best display Erica’s beautiful dress on a round mirror precariously placed over the room’s four post bed.

Success!  Erica’s Wedding gown.

And of course her shoes.

Erica, our beautiful bride.  She was beaming all day!

While I stayed with the girls, Steven created some mischief with the groomsmen and this Christmas Tree.

Finally united!

“Fiiiire Truuuuck!”  Thank you to the Spring Lake Fire Department for allowing us to borrow their fire truck for some impromptu portraits.

Love the white bouquet against the truck.

Then on to The Waterview Pavilion in Belmar for family photographs and of course the ceremony and reception.  Man and Wife!

Reception room details.

Cherry Champagne.

View of the first dance from the above balcony.

Erica and Shawn relaxing in the Photo Booth.

And of course the rings.

Party on!  Thank you for sharing such a special day with us.  We enjoyed celebrating with you!

www.tackeffphotography.com

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