Ryan and I normally get to meet a good majority of our couples before their wedding takes place. Sometimes it’s meeting for coffee or for their engagement session. Sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to meet our couples, so we’re always a bit nervous when we arrive on the wedding day. It feels almost like a first date – Are they going to like us? Will our personalities mesh? Etc.
When we arrived the morning of Michelle and Stephens wedding, we were welcomed with open arms. It felt like we were meeting old friends! From their fun personalities to their awesome bridal party and sweet family, its no wonder we had an amazing day!
And since we didn’t get to capture their engagement session and tell you a little about their love story, here it is, in Michelle’s words:
“Stephen and I met at work about 4 years ago almost 5. I remember going into the Kitchen on my first week of work and getting some coffee. When I walked in, I instantly thought he was so cute but he had a girlfriend at the time. Fast forward almost a year later he was single, and I was still single and he invited me out with his friends for drinks. I was supposed to invite my friends, which I did, but no one showed up. Just me and him. Ever since then we have literally been attached at the hip.
He proposed to me on Thanksgiving 2015. My parents and sister live in FL and I fly there every year to see them for the holidays. This year was no different – So I thought. Dinner is about to be served and he takes me behind my parents house where they have a lake. His excuse was “we have to call my parents it’s too loud in the house”. I said ok, and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was soo shocked! and when I turned around I saw my sister and my friends on the roof video taping the whole proposal. The best feeling in the world. He is the most amazing guy and I am so blessed to be marrying him. “
The center diamond is actually the same diamond that her dad gave her mom over 20 years ago! Goodness, I love when Brides have a First Look with their Dads! Its such a special moment to see their little girl for the first time as she prepares to marry the love of her life! Michelle had always dreamed of a beach wedding. So, even though the forecast wasn’t so great, she made the call to do the ceremony outside no matter what!! it may have been drizzling a little bit, but all that mattered is that her and Stephen said their I do’s and officially became husband and wife!
Here it is! My absolute favorite post of the entire year! This is 2016!! These 27 weddings took us to North Jersey, Central Jersey, the Jersey Shore, South Jersey, Philadelphia and Bethlehem, PA! We loved traveling the thousands of miles to capture each of these couples unique love stories! The most memorable part?! Shooting our 200th wedding this past June!!! What a milestone! We could not love this job more! To get to live the dream of being a wedding photographer, we feel like the luckiest people in the world! Please enjoy looking through a little snippet of such a wonderful year!
Morgan and Chris had a beautiful winter day for their wedding! We even had the opportunity to take them outside for a few of the portraits! Their classic black, white and gold theme fit perfectly at The Merion.
Donita and Kail could not have asked for a more beautiful spring day for their wedding! They chose to have their first look outside of The Historical Society of Haddonfield. It was perfect, and Kail had such a joyous reaction to seeing Donita for the first time that day!
Liz + Ryan :: April 2nd, 2016 :: The Westin Hotel – Mt. Laurel, NJ
Ryan and Liz couldn’t have went more smooth! They had such a great amount of time for photos and even time to chill out and freshen up before the ceremony! Their ceremony had everyone laughing and crying with touches from the vows that they wrote themselves, and they had an awesome party to go along with it! They were so amazing, that since their wedding fell on Ryan’s 30th Birthday, they even got him a cupcake to celebrate!
Kasia and Jason’s wedding was like a dream… From the gorgeous venue to the picturesque ceremony location to the fog on the dance floor during their first dance… it was perfect! I especially loved all of the pink touches throughout the day! <3
We have grown to absolutely adore Alli + Brian! We had such a wonderful time with them during their engagement session at Rowan University and could not wait for their wedding day to arrive! It was so relaxed and everyone had such a wonderful time! Alli wanted an “Under the Sea” wedding, and I definitely believe her dream came true!
Ashley + Michael :: April 24th, 2016 (Actual Wedding July 20th, 2016) :: Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ
Ashley and Michael did things a little non-traditionally! They wanted a wedding, but didn’t want to cost or drama… BUT what they did want were wedding pictures!! They decided to actually get married in July, but wanted their wedding photos taken in April, because it beautiful weather and they wanted them for their announcements! We had such a wonderful evening hanging out with them and their parents and capturing the photos they knew they wanted and so much more!
Jenine and Jason could not have been a more fun couple! Yes, we dealt with rain on and off throughout their day, and their ceremony had to be moved indoors, but they didn’t care – all that mattered to them is that they got to marry one another that day! Swoon!
I can’t even tell you how long we were looking forward to Jamie + Billy’s wedding! After meeting them at Stephanie + Eric’s wedding in 2014, and capturing their engagement session in Weehawken, we knew this day would be epic! From getting ready at the beautiful Crystal Spring Resort, to Jamie running (yes, running) to see Billy for their first look, to an amazing song being sung by Jamie’s brother and sister for their wedding toast, it was surely a night/day to remember always!
Chelsie + Gavin :: May 21st, 2016 :: Sons of Norway – Marlboro Twp, NJ
Chelsie and Gavin were so cute together. Just by meeting them, you could truly see the love they shared, along with lots of laughter. They had an absolutely beautiful church ceremony at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Red Bank, before heading to the Sons of Norway to party the night away!
Maura and Nick have a love like no other. You can tell just by being around them. The way he looks at her. The way she fits so perfectly into his arms. It’s meant to be. Their wedding was so personal and so full of family that they had 13 flower girls – all of their nieces!
This day was truly one for the books! On this day, during our 8th year in business, we shot our 200th wedding! It was such a special milestone so share with two very special people! We had so much fun just relaxing in the bridal suite with Sari and her bridesmaids before the wedding began… but once Sari started walking down the aisle, you could see the tears start to build up in Franklins eyes. It was a precious sight to see! They never left one another sides the rest of the evening – partying all night long!
There are no words for these two. I don’t think we’ve ever laughed more during a wedding! From the moment we arrived, we felt like family and were treated like family throughout the day! They had so many unforgettable moments.. including Jim’s reaction to seeing Kristin for the first time… Their flower girl not wanting to see them kiss… Kristin’s dad fist-bumping Jim’s dad as they came down the aisle… and SO.MUCH.LAUGHTER during their toasts that evening!
Maria and Chris had such an intimate, beautiful wedding day. They had their first look out side of her parents home, then traveled over to the area of the church where her parents got married for some more images, before heading to the always picturesque Chapel at Sandy Hook for their ceremony and reception! Their blue and white, jersey shore theme fit absolutely perfect with their venue!
We loved meeting with Stephanie and Rick during their engagement session last year at Washington Lake Park! We had so much fun hiking around the area and learning more about what their day would be like! Once the day arrive, Stephanie and Rick, thanks to trusting the Dark Sky App, had their dream wedding outside, while there was a nearby threat of rain. BUT not only did they get their ceremony completed, but we were able to do their portraits outside for a few minutes right before the rain began! After the rain stopped, we were treated to a beautiful sunset to be the icing on the cake! But throughout it all, nothing could get them down, because they were marrying each other! Yay!
Carly might have had one of the best group of bridesmaids I’ve ever encountered. There was so much love and laughter all morning as they were getting ready – as well as adorable little notes from Steve given to her during all of the events that morning… from waking up, to getting her makeup done, to getting in her dress and then a final note on the way to the ceremony – Absolutely adorable! From there, the day was filled with emotion and fun and joy!
Crystal + Michael :: July 29th, 2016 :: Wildwood Beach at Sunrise
This wedding meant so much to me to be able to capture! I’ve known Crystal since she moved to this area during our freshman year of high school! She was instantly one of my favorite people and we grew close over the years. Since we graduated high school, we aren’t as close as we once were, but I treasure every moment we do see one another! Nothing could have kept me from capturing the day that her and Michael finally said I DO during sunrise on the beach in Wildwood, NJ.
Lake Valhalla Club is one of our favorite venues up in North Jersey! From the beautiful lake, to the perfect ceremony spot, to the gorgeous indoor reception location, and finally, the accommodating and truly sweet staff, they are great in our books! When Sara and Peter contacted us to capture their wedding at Lake Valhalla, we jumped at the chance! They are such a sweet couple who love story is one that gives goosebumps – they overcame long distances and throughout the time, she was always on his mind – their love is the stuff from movies!
The top middle picture below says it all. Jared was beyond excited to see Danielle for the first time on their wedding day and his reaction to seeing her did not disappoint! Their light blue and ocean themed wedding at The Post Chapel at Sandy Hook would take your breath away. A special part of their ceremony included a knot tying ceremony to bring both families together! And her brother was a part of the band that played during cocktail hour!
It was about this time last year that we met Nicole and Drew for the first time at their festive Engagement Session in Historic Smithville! We got to hear about their beautiful love story, and how Nicole was actually marrying her best friends brother, and their dream of being sisters would finally come true! Well, on Labor Day weekend this year, that dream came true as Nicole and Drew said their I Do’s on the outside patio, under the pergola at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club!
Shane + Peter :: September 16th, 2016 :: Sky View Golf Club – Sparta, NJ
Shane and Peter have been together since January 4th, 2009 and have been engaged since May 7th, 2014. During this time, they’ve grown to truly love one another families. So, on their wedding day, Shane wore one of Peter’s grandmothers pins, which she made into a hair piece, and Peter wore one of Shane’s grandfathers Jesus necklaces. We had such a blast riding around the golf club, and taking advantage of all of the beautiful spots throughout the entire golf course!
We first met Kensi and Peter during their engagement session where their love story began… At Villanova University! They chose one of our favorite jersey shore wedding venues in Stone Harbor – The Reeds at Shelter Haven! The rooms are beautiful, the views are superb, and their staff is unlike any other! So, needless to say, Kensi and Peter had a pretty perfect day! From their first look on the sun deck to photos on the beach to epic sunset shots on the dock, it was like a photographers dream day! <3
Jackie + Tom :: September 23rd, 2016 :: One Atlantic – Atlantic City, NJ
Jackie and Tom are one of those lucky couples who met online, and knew that was it. They had truly finally found their person. Before meeting one another, their personal lives took a back burner – but not any more! These two were married at the church near their house in Brigantine, and then they partied the night away overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at One Atlantic!
The moment Casey told us that she would be arriving to her and Scotts wedding ceremony on a sailboat, we were hooked! We couldn’t have been more excited for such an epic wedding entrance! From their entrances on boats, to such a personal and beautiful wedding ceremony to shooting off the cannon at sunset, I’d say their day couldn’t have gotten much better!
Rachel + Robert :: October 8th, 2016 :: The Grand Marquis – Old Bridge, NJ
The Grand Marquis provided such a beautiful wedding for Rachel and Robert! But that was nothing compared to the way these two look at each other and the way they were by one another sides the entire reception. We really loved that they wanted to share a special moment before the ceremony together – not to see one another – but to have a quiet prayer before becoming husband and wife. It was sweet and meaningful and rally showed who they were as a couple that was about to become one in marriage!
It’s funny how life works out sometimes. Kimberle and Stephen have actually known one another since 1999, back when they were dating different people within the same group of friends. Fast forward to 3 years ago, Kimberle tried online dating. Low and behold, she received a message from Stephen asking if she wanted to meet up for drinks! They have been together ever since! Once their wedding day arrived, it was more than just a wedding, is as an epic celebration with so much love and so much fun!
Heather + Michael :: October 15th, 2016 :: Water’s Edge – Bayville, NJ
We had been corresponding for about a year before finally meeting last November for their engagement session at Historic Smithville! It was from this moment on that Heather and Michael stole a piece of our hearts! We couldn’t wait until the next year to capture their wedding at Water’s Edge! Not only did they have amazing details, a beautiful first look and a personal, sweet ceremony, but they had an EPIC moonrise during one of this years super moons!
Samantha + Chuck :: October 29th, 2016 :: The Ice House – Bethlehem, PA
When we launched Tami & Ryan Photography (previously Tami Melissa Photography) back in 2014, we had a contest for one lucky couple to WIN a wedding from us! Well, Samantha and Chuck were that very lucky couple and their wedding did not disappoint! Not a detail went unnoticed! With the help of Danielle from DPNAK Weddings, their day was flawless! Plus, when you have a love like Samantha and Chuck, no matter what happens on your wedding day, it was a perfect day!
Laughter. There was SO much laughter and love and joy throughout Kristin and Jim’s wedding day! They got ready at The Windrift Hotel, where there were lots of jokes and just an uplifting feeling coming from everyone involved! We were so excited when Kristin and Jim decided to do a first look! It gave us so much more time for photos and to really capture the essence of the two of them together! The rest of the day went off without a hitch, alongside all of their closest friends and family! We really could not have asked for a more perfect day for two people who deserve it so much! Enjoy a peek into their day!
Vendors Involved:
Photography :: Tami & Ryan Photography, Venue :: The Windrift Hotel – Avalon, NJ, Hair :: Elaina Manfre, Makeup :: Christina Dellano, Bride’s Dress :: Allure Bridal, Bridesmaids Dresses :: Bill Levkoff, Florist :: Always Beautiful Floral, Cake :: Sweet T’s Bakeshop, Band :: Jellyroll Band
Most of the time, we get a chance to meet our couples before their wedding day. However, since Jenna and Jon live in Texas, it was a little hard! But since they are both originally from this area, it is what brought them back to the Jersey shore for their wedding!
Jon and Jenna first met one another in December of 2010. If you ask her, she’d say that they met through a mutual friend, if you ask him, he’d probably say they met through Craigslist. Long story short, the previous summer, Jenna and a few of her friends rented a shore house in Sea Isle City, and put up an ad on Craigslist for a few extra spots in the house. A group of guys from Drexel (not Jon) responded and they had a great summer! They decided to have a little reunion in the Poconos that winter, and when one of the Drexel guys sent a text to his friend from college, Jon, talking about the trip, he wound up sending it to this Jon instead of their summer roommate John. Obviously Jon was a little confused, but ended up getting an invite to the Poconos, and the rest is history! :)
Jon and Jenna started talking about moving south the following summer, and actively started looking for jobs. Jon moved to Texas in June of 2012, and Jenna was able to luckily find a job the first time she came to visit! Over the summer of 2014, they planned a trip to South Padre Island for the weekend after Jenna’s birthday, and although she suspected it, Jon didn’t seem nervous and was very cool and calm, so she thought maybe it wouldn’t be happening. But the one night, they headed down to the beach, where Jon found a secluded spot and popped the question!
So, what a better place to get married, than on the beach?! The chose the beautiful Windrift Hotel for their wedding day! From getting ready, to the ceremony to their celebration with family and friends afterwards, it was so much fun and absolutely perfect for the two of them! Enjoy their day! :) xo Jenna’s view had a mind of its own, and kept flying out of her hair. But, her Maid of Honor was always to the rescue! All of the flowers were by A Garden Party, and they were absolutely STUNNING!!
Rebecca and her ladies got ready in the most adorable house in Stone Harbor – Seriously, if I could shoot getting ready photos at a place like this every weekend, I’d sign up in a heartbeat! The perfect lighting, the never ending spots for photos, and the most wonderful friends and family! While Rebecca was getting ready, the boys were at a condo at the Windrift Hotel that was equally as beautiful!
They said their vows at St. Pauls Church in Stone Harbor, and what an absolutely perfect ceremony it was! After that, we jumped onto their trolly and explored many different photo spots! We had so much fun!
To end the evening, with a gorgeous reception at the Windrift Hotel was the icing on the cake! All of the details, plus all of the lanterns that Rebecca and Michael have collected over the past couple months, it was the perfect setting for their celebration! I hope you enjoy the sneak peek into their fairy tale day! <3 xo Perfect spot for all of the dresses!! Rebecca’s Maid of Honor designed the Toms for her to wear at the reception! The coordinates are of the church where they officially became husband and wife! Caught an adorable moment… Michael kissing Rebecca’s shoulder… Seriously though… I could shoot these two every.day.!!! You.Are.Breathtaking <3 The light coming into the Windrift was so perfect! I just couldn’t stop taking photos! A little wine room action… I love these two so much… As they were dancing, they reconfigured the end of their dance so that they could make sure their final dip was in front of me!
Congratulations lovebirds!! We are so thrilled for you both and couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day – Seriously, it was perfection! <3 xo
Isn’t Michelle’s ring gorgeous?!
Goodness, I love when Brides have a First Look with their Dads! Its such a special moment to see their little girl for the first time as she prepares to marry the love of her life!
Michelle had always dreamed of a beach wedding. So, even though the forecast wasn’t so great, she made the call to do the ceremony outside no matter what!! it may have been drizzling a little bit, but all that mattered is that her and Stephen said their I do’s and officially became husband and wife!
