Paul Francis Photography

Olde Mill Inn, Basking Ridge NJ Wedding Photographer {Elyssa and Joe}

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Before Joe ever met Elyssa, he was already in love with her. During his toast, Joe’s best man Lou recounted the story of how they met. While they were bonding over avoiding being recruited to the seminary, Joe told Lou how he felt God had someone out there for him. Joe continued on to describe his ideal bride. Little did either of them know, he was describing Elyssa!

When Elyssa and Joe met later on, it was love at first sight for Joe. Not so, for Elyssa who found him annoying and even complained about him to a friend! As it turned out, they were both having a bad night but they had many more opportunities to get to know each other and needless to say, they were much more positive than that first night and they formed a friendship. Elyssa finally realized that Joe was smitten and said “yes” when he asked her out. Over the next 15 months Elyssa and Joe’s relationship grew deeply as they fell in love with each other.

Joe planned his proposal thoroughly and chose a picnic for the two of them at Ringing Rocks Park. The name of the park carried a double meaning of both the ringing noise the rocks make and the engagement ring he was preparing to give to Elyssa. As they tell it,

“Carrying the picnic basket and a walking stick, Joe and Elyssa managed to navigate over the perilous rocks to the largest boulder in the field. Joe spread the blanket out and took each item out of the basket one by one. The last item was the ring, at which point he told Elyssa, “You might want to stand up for this.” Of course Elyssa said, “Yes!” and now they are husband and wife!

Elyssa and Joe are an adventurous and fun-loving couple. They enjoy exploring together and make each other so happy. It was beautiful to see the two of them together on their wedding day and the strength of their love. My heart melted throughout the day as Joe would look deeply into Elyssa’s eyes admiring her beauty and saying “I love you so much”. Elyssa and Joe we wish you all the happiness in the world as you begin this new chapter of your lives together. Congratulations!

*Carolyn

Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen NJ

Portrait Location: Natirar Park, Peapack and Gladstone NJ

Venue: Olde Mill Inn

Photography: Paul Francis Photography

Videography: Ignacio of Blue Moon Video Productions

Bridal Gown: Galina Signature

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse

Florals: Gardenias Floral, Metuchen NJ

Cake: Palermo’s Bakery

DJ: Steve and James of Eclipse Entertainment

|FOLLOW US ON TWITTER|VISIT US ON FACEBOOK|CONTACT US|TWEET THIS

show hide 2 comments

comment

November 26, 2013 - 5:17 pm

Jaclyn LaRoche - so beautiful Paul

November 28, 2013 - 5:58 am

Emmanuel Jaquez - Congratulation Elissa! You look very pretty and happy in your wedding. All the happiness of the world for both of you.

Natirar Park, Peapack Gladstone NJ Engagement Session Photography {Laura and Paul}

Monday, November 25, 2013

When I meet up with couples for their engagement sessions they typically tell me that while they are a little nervous, they are also excited, something I am very used to hearing and being sensitive to. Paul told me straight up that he was going to pretend I wasn’t there, which is exactly what I was hoping for. I will usually tell each couple that it will be less like being together for photographs as much as being together and someone is capturing the special moments they create. I like for engagement sessions to feel more like a mini date for the couples I am photographing and this is best accomplished when the couple is more attentive to being with one another and enjoying the quiet moments together. Laura and Paul did just that, enjoyed each other’s company, creating special moments to look back on and remember whenever wedding planning gets busy. They were fully present to one another and the pictures we created came out so beautifully. I am very much looking forward to their barn wedding next year, have a great day and enjoy!

–Paul

|FOLLOW US ON TWITTER|VISIT US ON FACEBOOK|CONTACT US|TWEET THIS

no comments

comment

The Park Savoy, Florham Park NJ Wedding Photographer {Brenda and Alex}

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Brenda and Alex met online and you could say they clicked right away because on their first date they talk for over 5 hours! And in just seven months, they were engaged! When Alex proposed he wanted to surprise Brenda so he started his prep a few days in advance by picking fights with her to throw her off. It definitely worked because Brenda almost did not want to go out with him that night, but when Alex said he wanted to make it up to her, she got herself dolled up and went out. While the two of them were out and Brenda’s back was turned Alex got down on one knee with the ring in hand asking “Will you marry me?” Brenda turned around and was so surprised that Alex had to wait a good 10 seconds on bended knee before she was able to get out the words “Of course, I’ll marry you!” Alex then surprised Brenda again by having a few of her good friends nearby taking photos! They all headed out for celebratory drinks where more than 20 of their friends were waiting to congratulate and celebrate with them! Alex planned and executed a perfect proposal that both surprised Brenda and brought her tears. And now Brenda and Alex are married! They are a happy and loving couple that come alive when they are together. They make each other smile and laugh with ease and fall perfectly into each other arms. Brenda and Alex we are so happy for you two as you begin this new chapter in your lives together, congratulations!

*Carolyn

Venue: The Park Savoy

Photography: Paul Francis Photography

Cinematography: Arnel Tolentino Cinematography

Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero via Jaehee Bridal, Englewood NJ

Bridesmaids Dresses: Allure Bridals via Rana Bridal

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Rana Bridal

Florals: Peonia Florist

Hair and Makeup: VickyC5

DJ: Tom Monaco of Elite Entertainment

|FOLLOW US ON TWITTER|VISIT US ON FACEBOOK|CONTACT US|TWEET THIS

show hide 1 comment

comment

January 31, 2014 - 1:41 pm

Arnel - Awesome Shots!!!

Ringwood & Skylands Manor at Ringwood State Park, Ringwood NJ Engagement Session Photographer {Rossana and Matt}

Monday, November 18, 2013

Rossana and Matt chose the picturesque Ringwood State Park, home of both the Ringwood Manor and the Skylands Manor in Ringwood, NJ for their engagement session. There was so much beauty and character at every corner we turned and we continually found romantic locations to explore. We started near the Ringwood Manor which was surrounded by English ivy, trees and rolling hills. We then headed over to the grounds outside the Skylands Manor, a beautiful castle itself with a gorgeous view, gardens, and ponds. Before we finished, we made one last stop at the waterfront for some photos on the pier. It was a joy to photograph Rossana and Matt’s engagement session because they are so in love. Rossana and Matt naturally make each other smile and easily share in moments of laughter and affection with one another. We cannot wait to photograph your wedding next summer, congratulations Rossana and Matt!

*Carolyn

|FOLLOW US ON TWITTER|VISIT US ON FACEBOOK|CONTACT US|TWEET THIS

no comments

comment

Old Field Club, East Setauket NY Wedding Photographer {Lauren and Brian}

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

The story of Lauren and Brian is best told by the groom himself. In his words:

“It started with a friendship.

One that neither expected to grow so strong so quickly. Considered “clones” at one time, the two of them shared the same interests, shared music, shared the same odd-ball sense of humor, and even finished each other’s sentences. They developed deep feelings for one another, but unbeknownst to each other, of course, the feelings were mutual. So, their friendship rode on for four years, each of them too nervous to tell the other how they really feel.

One night, some time later, he, standing outside a broken down camper in Southern California, and she on the other end of the phone in New York, he finally gathered enough liquid courage to confess his love for her. As luck would have it, she shared his feelings.

Alas, with neither known to be frequently blessed with good fortune, he was leaving for grad school in South Florida just a short month later, while she still had to finish school in New York. Two agonizing years of monthly visits and almost the entirety of Interstate 95 between them. But their love was strong, and they endured. After finishing college, she left for South Florida to join him and finally allow the relationship they had dreamed of for so long, blossom.

New York to South Florida and back. Nine years. They have shared the best of times, and provided each other comfort during the worst. Now, they are making the promise to experience both, and everything in between, together…

for the rest of their lives.”

Lauren and Brian are now Mr. and Mrs.! It was an honor to photograph their wedding day and to be a part of a day so filled with love and laughter. Lauren and Brian’s connection shines through in the smiles and joy they have when together. Their love is inspiring and a privilege to witness. Lauren and Brian we wish all this joy and more for the rest of your days. Congratulations!

*Carolyn

Venue: Old Field Club, East Setauket NY

Photography: Paul Francis Photography

Videography: Alex Nana of New York Wedding Films

Bridal Gown: Marisa Bridal via Bridal Reflections , Bayshore NY

Bridesmaids Dresses: Demetrios

Groom and Groomsmen Tuxedos: Helen’s Bridal, Commack, NY

Florals: Cristina Soto of Bella Florists, Huntongton NY

Hair & Makeup: Sivana Salon, St James NY

Bakery & Cake Design: Corey Messina of Labonne Boulangerie Bakery

DJ: Sean and Dan of DJ NYC