Tana and Bart’s McCloone’s Pier House Wedding | Long Branch Wedding | Allie Skylar Photography

light and airy NJ wedding photography at ocean place resort and spa

All in all, 2017 was amazing.  I had some of the best weddings, worked with the most amazing couples, and grew in a way I never thought possible.  The end of the wedding season was an all out sprint, with the addition of family sessions and trying to balance some sort of personal life (hahaha yeah right…).  I can’t imagine a better place to spend the last wedding of the year than the beach.  Sure, maybe not when it’s freezing, but as far as a state of mind, it was the ideal place to wind down.  So thank you Tana and Bart…. not only for being two of the kindest people, but for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the magic that only the ocean can give.

Due to the early cold that hit the shore in November, Tana and Bart opted (wisely) for an indoor wedding, portraits and all.  Their first look was in the Ocean Place Resort, on the Mezzanine high above onlookers.  We roamed the halls of the resort and found tucked away spots for portraits, never lacking any light on the gloriously bright day.  I’m not sure if I have ever seen two people so effortlessly happy!  Looking at their photos, I can almost hear Bart and Tana giggling.

After portraits, we hopped down the boardwalk (hopped…. haha….. battled the gale force winds!) to McCloone’s Pier House for the ceremony and reception.  McCloone’s Pier House in Long Branch is one of my favorite wedding venues!  It sits out over the sand, reaching towards the Atlantic, surrounded by some of the nicest strip of boardwalk New Jersey has to offer.  They have an effortless way of bringing the beach indoors, down to the littlest detail.

I’m pretty sure the glass windows were vibrating as Tana, Bart, and their loved ones danced and celebrated.  A nightcap with pizza and faces tired from smiling, and the last wedding of 2017 is going down as one of the best.

Here are some of my favorites!

Continue reading “Tana and Bart’s McCloone’s Pier House Wedding | Long Branch Wedding | Allie Skylar Photography”

Stroudsmoor Country Inn Wedding | Molly and Sean | Pocono Wedding Photographer

allie skylar photography

As the leaves began to change this September, with the changing of the season, Molly and Sean exchanged vows of forever in front of family and friends in one of the most romantic locations in the Poconos.  Twinkling lights and sheer curtains and lush flowers, and roaring fires decorated the Stroudsmoor Country Inn and helped create an atmosphere of secluded love.  After all, we were on top of a mountain!

I first met with Molly nearly 2 years ago.  We chatted about the dreams she had for her wedding, how much she loved Sean, and of course her dogs.  She introduced me to the Steel Stacks in Lehigh Valley where Molly and Sean had their engagement session, and pushed me to challenge myself when she requested video with sound.  There are just some couples who show their emotions on their faces, and Molly and Sean do just that.  Molly was glowing as she walked down the aisle, and Sean was beaming ear to ear.  As they shared their vows, way up in the mountains, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  A whirlwind of family photos and hors d’oeuvres led to some alone time for sunset portraits.  For the first time that day, the sun poked through the clouds, and we strolled through the grounds at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in the fading light.

If you haven’t been to Stroudsmoor Country Inn, it’s basically wilderness and elegance and warmth all wrapped up in one.  Floor to ceiling woos, stone fire places, rolled cigars- it’s the perfect place to celebrate!  From their first dance to their last, the new Mr and Mrs Velekei enjoyed every second of their reception.

I am so happy to have been a part of your day, Molly and Sean!

PS- Click here to see their Wedding Video! Continue reading “Stroudsmoor Country Inn Wedding | Molly and Sean | Pocono Wedding Photographer”

Desmond Hotel Wedding | Becky and Michael | Malvern PA

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All eyes were on Becky as she turned and started walking down the aisle in the Ballroom at the Desmond Hotel towards her groom, string quartet playing quietly in the background.  Michael grinned ear to ear, and for those watching, he and Becky seemed to be the only ones in the room.  They exchanged their vows, beamed down the aisle, and boogied the night away.

I can’t recall a more calm bride on her wedding day.  Becky was the picture of poise, her joy overflowing.  As she snuggled on the couch between her mom and sister, rain began to fall outside, which seems to be a daily trend during the summer of 2017.  They chatted about old memories and inside jokes until is a fury of tulle, they shuffled off to the Desmond to marry her husband.

The rains stopped just after the ceremony and allowed us some much desired time outdoors.  Despite the fact that the air felt like soup, Becky and Michael were nothing but smiles.  If there is one thing about these two that you should know, it’s that their laughs are infectious.  When one starts, it’s hard to know where the other one ends in terms of laughs.  And Micheal… he’s always watching Becky laugh.  It’s the cutest thing ever, and I’m sure he won’t appreciate me saying this 🙂

The party started off with a bang and featured a shout out to the Eagles, solo dance offs from the bride and groom, and a grand bubble exit.

Congratulations Becky and Michael!  Thank you for having me along for your day!

Continue reading “Desmond Hotel Wedding | Becky and Michael | Malvern PA”

New Orleans Themed Gettysburg Wedding Photography | Joe and Andrea | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer

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When a bride and groom are from New Orleans, you know it’s going to be a good time.  Live music, old cars, and second lines (which I had never heard of, and now feel strongly that every wedding should have one!).  When the bride and groom also love Gettysburg and can’t picture having their wedding any place else, it’s a match made in style heaven.

Andrea and Joe could have gotten married anywhere.  They make the space.  Their love, joy, and radiant smiles can light up any space, and their killer dance moves can start any party.  They were married in the open air Western Maryland Train Station in downtown Gettysburg, the same station where good old Abe Lincoln himself came into town.  We recreated a photo Andrea’s parent’s have in front of the station, then scooted off to the Gettysburg Battlefield Visitor Center, where the real party started.

I mentioned the Second Line, right?  Good.  Because it was amazing,  Better than the cha-cha-slide, better than any dance train.  I’m smitten.  The sun set over the fields and we were greeted with the most beautiful summer evening.  Congratulations, Joe and Andrea!   Continue reading “New Orleans Themed Gettysburg Wedding Photography | Joe and Andrea | Philadelphia Wedding Photographer”

Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Clair + Philip | Norristown Farm Park

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We trudged through mud and clambered up hills chasing the sun.  The wind gusted and swirled and rain fell in the distance.  Clair and Philip laughed and held hands, remarking about how blessed we were to have such favorable weather.  And I couldn’t agree more!  Although, it could have been hailing, or a freezing rain, and it would have been enjoyable.  The company is what makes it 🙂

Clair and Philip showed me around Norristown Farm Park, from it’s white-wash silo’s, to the sprawling fields and brooks.  I walked away from this session so happy.  Clair and Philip  (for want of better wording) ooze joy and love and peace.  They are the kind of people you want to be around- for moments big and small.  The way Philip laughs when Clair makes a ‘hair mustache’, and how Clair gets the most perfect dimples when she looks at Philip.  Not everyone can light up a cloudy, windy day, but these two managed just that—- and more!

I am so honored to be documenting their wedding this summer and cannot wait to send them their engagement gallery!  But for now, here is a preview! Continue reading “Philadelphia Engagement Photographer | Clair + Philip | Norristown Farm Park”