Let me tell you a little snippet of truth; There is no such thing as a perfect wedding. Something will go wrong, whether that something is big or little, it happens. That being said, I am pretty sure Kira and Kevin’s North New Jersey wedding was as close to perfection as possible. The slight hiccup of a brief rain shower was the only unplanned occurrence, and even that served a purpose (can we all say yes please to some light midday cloud coverage?!?!).

I photographed this wedding solo, and I was excited for the challenge of photographing my first Russian Orthodox wedding. Kira kindly walked me through the ceremony, and explained each moving part and its purpose. I was blown away by the traditions, the beauty of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the imagery and sanctity of each ritual, and the support of every person there. From blessing the rings in the doorway, to the ceremonial walk (walking in a circle 3 times with crowns -Kira’s favorite part…. and mine too!), to the seal of a kiss at the end, the entire ceremony was beautifully executed.

After their ceremony, we traveled to Eagle Ridge Golf Club in nearby Lakewood, where we were met with the smallest rain storm. I am actually quite thankful for it, because we were all moving so fast, it provided a nice break for everyone as they huddled under an awning.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club is a treasure! The rolling hills and sweeping grasses gave us the best that New Jersey has to offer! Their oppulant ballroom, with floor to ceiling white (a photographer’s dream!) made the details of delicate baby’s breath and glistening candles take center focus. And then… then there was the dancing.

I won’t even pretend that I can dance for 1 second. Those adult tap classes I took a couple of years ago proved just how uncoordinated I am. But Kira, Kevin, and their guests???? Oh they can dance. There were times I was worried for their safety, as their dancing wasn’t your typical “sprinkler” and “grocery cart” moves. No no. People were upside down and over heads and basically human pyramids. It was amazing! There was even singing and dancing as the bride and groom were presented with shots of vodka and glasses of wine, as there should be!

I remember all too well leaving Kira and Kevin’s wedding for the night and feeling overwhelmingly at peace. It was a marathon day, and I was surely exhausted, but Kira and Kevin had created the wedding of their dreams, and I was more than happy to work as hard as I possibly could to capture it for them.

It was an incredible day, and I am so excited to share this preview with you all!