1,450. That’s the number of photos from Matt and Lisa’s wedding. That is my highest amount of wedding photos to date and while it is largely due to the amount of time spent with them and the fact that I had a second shooter with me – thanks Kaylan! – it’s also because there was non-stop fun. Their wedding day combined all elements of a traditional wedding day but with their own twists to make it personal. So, who is this newly married couple, that I photographed like paparazzi? Matt and I met back in college, where we had lots of fun with a group of friends that I have to give a shout out to! Matt eventually made his way out to New Jersey and started working at the church Lisa attends, which led to the start of their relationship. There is obviously more to that story, but hopefully that will pass for a one sentence summary. I would tell you more about Matt and Lisa but the photos tell their story, so enjoy looking at their wedding day!
I met up with Lisa and the girls at the salon where there was a lot of activity to get everyone ready. Both at the wedding and the engagement session, I was amazed at Lisa’s calmness and ability to roll with the punches. Wedding days are always busy, and if you remember their engagement session there were a few hurdles to get over before we could get started; it’s not an easy time to be relaxed. Back at the house, it was time to get into the dress…
with 9 bridesmaids you have plenty of help to get ready!
Lisa waited in one end of the church and looked out the window as people started to arrive. Meanwhile, the guys saw that they were right on track according to “The guys guide to Matt and Lisa’s wedding” – a little organization never hurt anyone.
it didn’t take long for everything to become official!
a few fun black and whites in between the ceremony and reception…
The Buena Vista Country Club was the destination for the evening, and was the perfect setting for some portraits. You know how I love open spaces and color and this had both of those things.
If I didn’t mention it already, Matt and Lisa are fun. I think these next photos say it all, and I love the vibrant color and shadows!
Only fitting to incorporate New Jersey into some ring shots – if I know any Jersey people (and I know a few) they love their state… am I right? While we were outside taking pictures, everyone was arriving at the reception and getting ready for the party!
Dancing was the main event of the evening, and everyone had fun joining in. It was fun to photograph, and as always I like to capture some of the motion and excitement in the photos which is why I use a longer exposure to blur the lights. The best part of the dancing – or at least one of the most memorable moments – was when the music changed after a slow song. Girls rushed to the middle to dance in a group as they usually do, and those who had memorized the dance lead the way for those who were still learning. Single or not, everyone put their hands up and danced to ALL THE SINGLE LADIES! It was the best dance frenzy I’ve witnessed, and yet had I been a guest at the wedding I would have been right there with them… this time, however, I took some pictures :)
The night was no longer young, and it was time to give matt and lisa a proper send off with sparklers – after their car was decorated, of course.
and they’re off! I had so much fun being a part of the wedding and can’t wait to see everyone’s favorites. For the complete set go to my proofing site and register to view their photos. Matt + Lisa thanks for letting me capture your day and enjoy!
by Mary Dougherty
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