wedding photography « photography by Neil van Niekerk – New Jersey / NJ wedding photographer / New York / NYC wedding photographer

Lisa & Kelly ..

December 2, 2009

I recently had the pleasure of photographing a destination wedding in Florida. But not only was this a destination wedding, this also happened to be the first time that I photographed a same-sex couple and their wedding. And I felt particularly honoured that Lisa and Kelly placed so much faith placed in me with a special event like this.

The photo at the top is my favourite image of the day, in that it shows this wonderful couple together in a spontaneous moment. It is very much *them*, and I am sure their friends and family will instantly recognize this image as capturing the essence of who they are, and how they are.

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A quieter moment from earlier in the day during Lisa and Kelly’s preparation ..

Lisa’s mom giving her daughter a last quick kiss before the ceremony ..

A very touching moment during the ceremony – Lisa reaching over to her sister, Kristin, when Kristin couldn’t hold back her tears anymore during the reading.

After the ceremony we had some time for the romantic portrait sessions.

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The preparation, ceremony and intimate reception were all held at the Sundy House in Delray Beach, FL.

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The entire day was an emotional experience for everyone, and the toast from Lisa’s dad during the reception was no different.

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Afterwards we went for a photo session on the beach. Even though the late afternoon light was just perfect, the wind was gusty. But we did get some beautiful photographs of Lisa and Kelly together.

Lisa and Kelly .. thank you for having there as part of your wedding day.

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Shannon & Peter

October 19, 2009

Shannon and Peter’s wedding day took place down on the Jersey shore – and we had a beautiful day. There was a storm the previous day which blew away the tent that they would’ve initially used for the reception, but despite this hiccup, Shannon and Peter took things in their stride, and the day was a happy celebration with family and friends.

From earlier, during Shannon’s preparation ..

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There is a moment during the ceremony that I wait for – after the exchange of vows, when attention is off the couple, I know they will inevitably lean closer to whisper to each other ..

After the ceremony, off to the waterfront and beach for the photo session and the reception ..

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You just have to love a couple that has so much spontaneous energy!

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The party .. well, let’s just say it was one of thooose parties! Everyone had a great time.

Shannon even took a few spins on the dance floor ..

Shannon and Peter … thank you, the two of you made it so much fun photographing your wedding!

Filed under: wedding — Tags: beach wedding, New Jersey wedding photographers, NJ wedding photographer, wedding on the Jersey shore, wedding photography — Neil @ 8:04 pm

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Jennifer & Elias ..

December 6, 2008

Jennifer and Elias win my award for the couple who is the most exhuberantly in love. I have no other way to describe it. The images here will show what I am talking about – even from the First Look earlier in the morning, to the announcement in the church service that they are now indeed married .. all the way to skipping down the aisle out of the church!

Their energy is simply infectuous, and the entire day was just a happy joyful celebration with friends and family.

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The bridal party, with a last bit of Fall colour ..

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The reception was held at The Brownstone, in West Paterson ..

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Such determination!

Jennifer and Elias, thank you for having me as part of your wedding day. : )

Filed under: wedding — Tags: NJ wedding photographer, The Brownstone, wedding photography — neil @ 6:08 am

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Christine & Frank ..

November 27, 2008

Just over two years ago, I photographed Christine’s sister’s wedding, and commented then that it was like being invited into the midst of the family for the day. Even photographing Christine and Frank’s engagement session felt like a leisurely catching-up. So I really looked forward to their wedding day and meeting Christine’s family again.

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Christine’s dad’s reaction on seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time ..

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Christine’s dad, just before handing his daughter over to her groom ..

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The wedding reception was at The Park Savoy (Florham Park, NJ)

Christine and Frank, congratulations! It was a pleasure meeting the two of you again. : )

Filed under: wedding — Tags: NJ wedding photographer, Park Savoy, wedding photography — neil @ 10:09 pm

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Regan & John – a wedding at The Manor, West Orange, NJ

November 25, 2008

It rained heavily on Regan and John’s wedding day, so for the portraits we had to come up with a variety of ideas inside at the reception. Fortunately The Manor has all kinds of nooks to use as romantic backdrops. And with a couple as easy to photograph as Regan and John, it just had to turn out very well.