May | 2016 | Janine Collette Photography New Jersey Wedding Photographer

From the steps of my front door, I can see this beautiful farm. During the planting months, I hear the mow of the tractors working on the crops and my little ones, love to see the large John Deere machines plowing the land. I’ve been in awe of this beautiful farm since my husband and I moved in. So when I got a call from Shanna, asking if I was a photographer located in Washington, NJ.. I said, YES! When she told me where her ceremony would be, I put two and two together and learned that this incredible farm belongs to her grandparents.

Shanna and James knew it was the perfect place for their wedding as this couple is deeply rooted in their families. I believe it truly shows in their images too. Family was incorporated throughout the day and in every aspect of their wedding. And when it came time for their portraits, we spent some extra time climbing into the lofts of the barn making some magic happen. And it was MAGIC.. I felt such a strong connection between Shanna and James from the moment I met them. Shanna is in Med School in NY and James is stationed in Maryland. He drives almost every weekend 6 hours to see her. Being around them was like being part of a modern day fairytale. Boy meets girl, girl meets boy..they fall in love and marry on her family’s farm in front of those they love and adore. Does it get any better? No. It does not. 🙂 Shanna and James, you both are incredible and your love story will last with me for years and years to come. I wish you the best, now and always!

Shanna’s brother is active duty Air Force and was able to travel to the wedding. 🙂

Shanna greeting her grandfather at the ceremony. 🙂

This pillow was used in James’s parent’s wedding ceremony.

Their ceremony took place on the 1700s portion of the home.

This car was the car Shanna’s grandfather took her grandmother on their first date!

This photo makes me laugh! Shanna asked her brother for a pair of socks to wear with her boots! 🙂

It feels so good to go back to your roots sometimes and to visit the streets you grew up on as a child. When Elizabeth asked me to shoot her wedding, I immediately felt completely honored. You see, I grew up with Elizabeth’s older brother and he was one of the first friends I made in grade school in Somerville, NJ. My memory of Elizabeth was of a beautiful brown eyed little girl, kind and sweet to all. So when she asked me to capture her wedding to Erich, I almost cried. To see her marry her love on her wedding day was one I won’t forget. Erich is her perfect match..witty and fun and full of life. The joining of these families was one filled with incredible emotion and laughter. I’m so overjoyed to have been a part of this day and Elizabeth and Erich I wish you a life time of happiness and love!

Ceremony: St. Joseph’s – Raritan NJ

Reception: The Primavera Regency

Hair/Make Up: The Beauty Bar

Cake: The Primavera Regency

Dress: Jean-Ralph Thurin

Flowers: Gems & Stems

DJ: Empyre Entertainment

Elizabeth was hungry and asked that someone grab her a mini-bagel. But these sisters decided to share it. 🙂

Big brother laughs.. ALL day!

We stopped at the beautiful Nevius Street Bridge in Raritan NJ for some beautiful portraits.

Elizabeth’s mom asked that we go back to her home for a toast with some of the guests before heading to the reception. E+E got to say hello to their beautiful dogs for a quick moment.

I love this moment, right before Mrs. Knapp gave a toast, Elizabeth and her mom shared a personal moment. She was telling her how much she loves her. Such joy!