Erica & Vinnie’s E-Session
Englewood Boat Basin, Englewood, NJ

Steven and I love environmental portrait sessions because our couples tend to feel more relaxed outdoors (in a way they never could in a controlled studio environment).  However, an outdoor environment in an unpredictable environment.  While unpredictability often leads to fun spontaneous moments, it can also hinder the session.  And more to my point in this instance…. sometimes the weather cooperates, sometimes it does not.  Thankfully, after numerous rain outs, we were able to squeak Erica & Vinnie’s engagement session onto our calendar before their upcoming wedding this November at the Florentine Gardens.  Enjoy their sneak preview - we hope you’ll agree, their persistence paid off! 

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Jennifer & Chris’ Wedding
Mayfair Farms, West Orange, New Jersey

We booked Jennifer & Chris’ wedding in September of 2006.  So by the time their wedding day rolled around, we had known this amazing couple for two years!  There were days when their wedding seemed right around the corner (like when we went to Grand Central Station with them for their engagement session) and then there were days when I’d look at their folder and wonder if their wedding day would ever come… So when Steven and I woke up on the day of their wedding, we were more than excited!

We started our day to the girls getting their hair and makeup done by Michelle Lo Conte from Pink Comb Salon (always a pleasure working with her!).  We were amazed by the serenity in the house.  We were also amazed by the length of Jennifer’s train - what a beautiful dress!  Everybody was so calm, until the big red trolley pulled up to the house, anyway!

Then off to Sacred Heart Church in Lyndhurst for a full mass, receiving line & some family formals…  afterward we were greeted by another cool car!  A vintage, very classic, Rolls so the couple could take a few moments to themselves, in style.

Mayfair Farms really came alive as guests arrived for cocktail hour followed by a rockin’ reception.  Jennifer’s Mother, made all the florals - bouquets to centerpieces.  The tall arrangements in the ballroom were really quite beautiful, filling the room in shades of deep reds.   The band, Time Machine kept the floor hot…

Congratulations Jennifer & Chris, we have enjoyed taking this journey with you!

Found this photo of Jen’s Parent’s Wedding Day on the dresser and borrowed it!

Thanks for everything! The pictures all look really amazing. I love what you wrote about Chris and me on the blog. It has really been great to get to know you and Steven over the past 2 years. Everyone remarked to me on our wedding day how calm I was–it was easy to be calm when I knew I’d chosen the perfect vendors to take care of the day for me! You guys gave us some wonderful pictures, but you also gave us some great peace of mind to know that–no matter what–it was going to be a great day. I can’t wait to see your wedding pictures!!!

Jennifer & Chris

www.steventackeff.com

Maria & Chris’ Wedding
The Atrium County Club, West Orange, New Jersey

It’s always fun when we are invited to capture the wedding memories of two sisters in one year!  Last year we photographed Dawn & Robin, and this year we had the privilege of celebrating with Vicki & Maria.  The most amazing part is that by the second wedding, you can’t help but feel a part of the family, as was the case at Maria & Chris’ Wedding.

Maria and Chris started their day at the Hotel Sierra.  While the girls buzzed around their suite getting ready and sharing smiles, I took a quick detour to check on the guys.  I have never encountered groomsmen (ever) who took their job of lining up so seriously.  In fact when I entered the room, they were practicing their “parade rest,” “fig leaf” and all sorts of other amusing formations.  Funny stuff.

The couple had a beautiful ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church in Nutley, New Jersey.  Then off to a park with the bridal party for some fun snaps before heading to the Atrium Country Club.

Two things really stood out to us about the reception.  The first was the movie themed table numbers.  Each table had amazingly romantic and often quirky movie quotes which went so well with this couple’s cinematic love story.  Plus at the close of the evening, we loved how the Atrium set up a warm cookie and pretzel station for guests.  The other thing, was the packed and high spirited dance floor!  Guests were rockin all night long!

Enjoy!

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Last night I had a super secret (but oh so swanky) meeting with Michelle Lo Conte of Pink Comb Salon.  We spent 4 hours conspiring over trendy coffees brainstorming the next big thing in…  well if I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret!

Details coming soon!

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Ever wonder what engaged photographers do in the middle of the night when they can’t sleep? 

Last week I went cake tasting with my friend Rikki.  I’m the Maid of Honor in her upcoming wedding at Seasons. Because I’m such a good friend, I allowed her to ‘force me’ to go sample some sugary sweets at Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken (ha)!  We had a great time, the cakes were moist and delicious and Rikki ended up ordering a magnificent wedding cake.  So I guess I’ve been thinking…

What about my wedding cake?  Buddy (from Carlo’s) showed me an amazing cake while I was there, and perhaps that will end up being “the cake” for me.  But until I actually make a decision, I think I’m allowed to indulge myself by spending a few odd hours doodling sugary confections on post-it notes.

www.steventackeff.com