I knew Rebecca and Jay’s wedding was going to be a special one from the start. I have known the groom, Jay, since we were kids - like really little kids. We spent almost everyday playing in a park by my house with other neighborhood kids and getting in a little trouble along the way.
As high school and college came, we drifted apart - that’s what life does to childhood friends - but we kept in touch every now and again. I was so humbled and elated when Jay reached out to me about doing photography for their wedding.
I’ve always known Jay to be the adventurous type, and the wedding he and Rebecca picked for themselves was true to that fashion. “We are getting married at Mountain Creek… At the top of the mountain - All the guests will be taking the ski lift up to the ceremony site,” he told me. “Of course you are… Of course they will.” I thought. It was perfect, and I’m not going to lie, I was so excited for that ski lift ride.
We did a pretty impromptu engagement shoot about a month before the wedding. I wanted them to have a little practice being in front of the camera and I honestly just wanted to catch up. I had met Rebecca at our initial consultation, but I really got to know her at the engagement shoot. She is kind and damn is she funny. The two play well off each other and the relationship just works. They made love look easy.
The week before the big day was set to arrive, I got word that Jay’s mom had passed away. I knew her growing up as well. She took me on my very first trip to the beach to go swimming at Sandy Hook. She was kind and nurturing, as a mother should be, and she also loved a good time. Jay knew his mom would have wanted him to go on with the wedding and enjoy every second of it… They did.
The wedding came and flowed organically and beautifully. They exchanged beautiful vows on top of the mountain over looking the Vernon Valley. You could not ask for a better day, weather-wise or people-wise. I will always remember this wedding and I will always remember that childhood friendship. So thankful to be a part of such an incredible union. Thank you thank you thank you.
Venue: Mountain Creek, Vernon, NJ
Second Photographer: Jason Langley
