When Elton Johnish gets married

Photographing friends is something I do not normally do. Aside from the friend/employee boundary I do not like to cross, there can be certain sides of your friends you may not want to see. Yes, I am talking from experience. Though, when Andrew and Carlos announced they were going to get married I unequivocally proclaimed, “I’m shooting your wedding guys! You can’t take no for an answer!”

Andrew and I met while singing next to each other with New Jersey Choral Society. I quickly learned he was a film director who had a deep love for all types of cinema. Furthermore, I learned that Andrew was an accomplished pianist and had monthly gigs paying homage to Elton John, hence the blog post title. Seriously though, have you seen one of his shows? Even people that don’t really enjoy Elton John love Andrew as Elton John.

The cynic in me had me thinking that such a talented human must also have some sort of hang up or chip on his shoulder. You know, the megalomaniac with hundreds of personality defects? I was astonished(and relieved) that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Andrew is the definition of who you want in a friend. He is effortlessly humble, kind, and filled with a wonderfully creative sense of humor you just want to be around.

Good people aren’t always easy to find. Andrew is one of them. The two were married at the Oakland Public Library in Oakland, New Jersey. We took portraits in the Great Oak Park a couple miles down the road. This place is special to me as my father and I would go fishing here. Their reception was held at Cucina 347, also in Oakland, New Jersey.

Love in the time of Covid-19

It feels like years have passed since I dusted off the old blog and said “Hello!” Well, hello. How is everyone doing in these interesting and strange times? It has been bonkers over here. I will spare the pity party and just reflect with these words. My family is safe, I am safe, my business is (somewhat) intact. I couldn’t ask for anything more, well maybe a doughnut? It’s lovely to be back and working. It’s even more lovely that I get to share these images and short stories with you again. It makes my heart full. Shall we proceed? Let’s.

Like most couples, Angel and Ricky’s wedding day was disturbed and augmented by Corona virus. Their initial plan was to be married at the Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey. Though I am not too keen on how venues have been conducting themselves during this time I can’t imagine the amount of scrambling they are doing to make things right, or at least give a refund. This is a topic for another day. Angel and Ricky’s 200 person wedding was just not feasible with the restrictions and problems caused by this pandemic. Though a 12 person wedding was. It just so happens that Ricky’s parents own a b&b quite close to the Delaware Water Gap, The Rosemary Inn. Fate is a capricious witch that sometimes cooperates for the best. They would be married on the grounds with their closest immediate family. Only 12 persons, including the bride and the groom.

Before the wedding day I was able to drive over there and take a tour with them while they worked on the grounds. It is also a working farm! I was astonished at how beautiful it was. I sometimes forget how New Jersey is gorgeous. I redact that. New Jersey is gorgeous. There were so many possibilities for photos and so many moments to capture.

I generally don’t photograph smaller weddings. New Jersey is well known for being a wedding factory of a state but this was beyond a pleasant surprise that I hope continues into the future, post pandemic. There were times I felt like I was firing on all cylinders and had to remind myself I could slow down and just be. There was actual downtime during a wedding(this is uncommon). I enjoyed visiting with Angel as she got her makeup done and Zoomed with her besties who couldn’t make it and then walking over to the other wing of the house to watch Ricky try and put a tuxedo on their adorable family dog Jax. I got to really know everyone during the day, sisters and brothers and significant others. They invited me to drink, hang and play games. This was an experience to me that I don’t get to be a part of often and I’m so thankful for these two and they day they made together. Please enjoy the images. They were crafted with heart and love.