Jack's Farm Wedding

A wedding at Jack’s Farm

Jack’s Barn is perfect for a fall wedding. I photographed Senem and Alec’s wedding in beautiful October at Jack’s Barn located in Oxford, New Jersey. Their wedding day was perfect. And the weather was nice with beautiful colors on the trees.

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Senem and Alec are the sweetest couple I have met. Senem told me that they met in the summer of 2016.  They met at a convenience store and they immediately became close friends.  They had been dating for over three years and Alec gave her a surprise proposal with coworker’s help. Senem said on their proposal day, Alec left a note in her car and asked her to visit the store they first met. Senem said at first she was a little confused but she still went to the store. Then Alec’s coworkers gave her a card instructing her to go to the place they had the first date. When she arrived there, he was on one knee with a bouquet of flowers and proposed to her.

Senem and Alec are the perfect couple! They are so sweet and they have a true dynamic of how they connect with one another. They treated me not as a wedding photographer but as a friend. They both love dogs and when they knew I have a ten-week-old puppy, they asked if I could bring my puppy to the wedding so that they could have pictures with my dog, Tito. 

There are on-site bridal and groom suites at Jack’s Barn so that the bride and groom plus bridal party and groomsmen can get ready on site rather than traveling. As you can see the getting ready photos below, the bridal suite is bright and spacious.

Jack’s Barn is not your average wedding venue. As a New Jersey wedding photographer for over twelve years. Jack’s Barn is quite unique, in my opinion, if you are going for a rustic, vintage, romantic vibe, then I think Jack's Barn should be the perfect setting for your vision. At Jack’s Barn, they provide a lot of wedding decorations for you to use without additional cost. I think it’s very nice because you don’t need to buy or worry about your décor.

The owners at Jack’s Barn are very nice and professional. Demi and her father Darren are helpful and accommodating. Jack’s Barn is a unique wedding venue with a natural and rustic setting. I think Jack’s Barn is very affordable compared to other wedding venues in northern/central New Jersey. Overall, I would recommend Jack’s Barn to the couples who are looking for rustic and country style. I also had so much fun with Senem and Alec on their wedding day. Congrats!

Here are some of their wedding photos. Enjoy!  

For more on Jack’s Farms website : CLICK HERE

Looking for more inspiration for your wedding? You may be interested in The Tides Estate

SIBILLA & FERNANDO | A MAIZE RESTAURANT WEDDING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Fernando and Sibilla met through a mutual friend, Joe. One day, Sibilla asked Joe if he knew anyone to set her up with. Her qualifications were that he needed to be mature, own his own place, not have any minor children, and wasn’t a “project”. It took a while, but Joe thought of Fernando. Joe showed Fernando her picture and warned him, “She’s serious! Don’t call her unless serious is a possibility.” Serious was definitely a possibility for Fernando so he sent her a Facebook friend request. Sibilla accepted and… there was no more communication! They “stalked” each other’s profiles for over a month and eventually, Fernando commented on one of her new photos and asked “Can I call you?” That first phone call was over 2 hours long and they made plans to have dinner the following weekend.

To be honest, their relationship started with an abundance of caution and Sibilla playing hard to get, but it quickly turned into a natural, comfortable, exciting partnership. Fernando know Sibilla would one day be his wife after their first date, and it took Sibilla a little longer but her puppy Mocha confirmed it for her.

It’s clear to anyone who meets them that Fernando and Sibilla were always meant to be together. I am honored to have been a part of their wedding day and am so excited to share their day with you too!

JENNIFER & JAYME | A VALENTINE'S DAY WEDDING AT THE PALACE AT SOMERSET PARK

Is there anything more romantic than a Valentine’s Day wedding?! I am so excited to share Jennifer and Jayme’s beautiful wedding day. They were married at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church in Kearny, NJ, then celebrated their union with all of their guests at the Palace at Somerset Park.

This couple first met at Mr. Bruno’s Pizzaria because Jayme had a cool car! Jennifer couldn’t help but approach him to say hi. Their mutual friend Frankie was there to introduce them and they’ve been together ever since! It’s been four and a half years now! Jennifer says, “We enjoy doing everything together… walking our dog, hanging out at home, and most importantly, going to watch any kind of sporting event. Basketball, football, you name it… but nothing beats going to watch our favorite, the Yankees, play.”

Jennifer and Jayme, congratulations on your marriage! It was an honor to be part of your romantic wedding day!

BRITTANY & GUSTAVO | A RIVERSIDE WEDDING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Brittany and Gustavo were married at the Michael's Riverside, Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The loving couple enjoyed a cozy intimate wedding with close friends and family. Tears of joy filled the reception hall when these two were officially introduced as husband and wife after years of courtship. Brittany's wedding dress was breath taking as it was a combination of class but yet strikingly stunning that I can honestly say she did not leave Gustavo's sight for one second.  Their love and happiness for one another is  truly genuine and apparent as I was privileged to witness these two enter the bond of matrimony.

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SANDY & GABRIEL | A SUMMER OF LOVE WEDDING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Sandy and Gabriel exchanged vows at the majestic Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church in North Arlington, New Jersey. We made our journey to the Fiesta at Wood-Ridge for a night to remember filled with laughter, tears of joy and dancing. I must say that even though this wedding took place during the start of summer, you could not ask for a perfect day as the sun was shining through the blue sky and highlighted Sandy’s amazing wedding dress. I can’t forget about Gabriel’s wedding attire as his suit was sharp along with entire bridal party. Weather always places a big factor but it truly makes for picturesque photography when there is a slight breeze, minimal humidity and no clouds in sight. This romantic couple met at North Arlington High School as they were initially close friends. Following graduation, they lost contact of each other for many years only to finally reconnect last year. Social media brought these two souls together and they ultimately realized that they shared feelings of love and passion for one another. Sandy and Gabriel believed that it was faith in God that brought them together as it was a touching moment that they had their ceremony in North Arlington where they first met. I must say that everyone inside the church witnessed the couples’ eyes locked into each other as they discovered each other’s soul mate. I was truly honored and privileged to shoot Sandy and Gabriel’s wedding as they were a true pleasure to meet as they invited me into their lives on their special day. Head over to their blog and relive all the beautiful moments that were shared on their Summer of Love Wedding.

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MIA GRACE'S CHRISTENING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC

Mia Grace was welcomed into the world of Christianity with a special gathering in the presence of close family and friends. Godparents, Angelo Silva and Ashley Amorim, were so honored and blessed to be part of Mia's blessed day. The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart. On this day of baptism, may God, who loves us all, smile lovingly upon Mia, so innocent and small, and may he guide her throughout the years ahead as blessings light the pathway where those tiny feet are led. May the Lord give His Angel change over you, to guide you in all your ways. (Psalm 127:3) If we are truly in love with Christ and if we sense how much he loves us our hearts will light up with a joy that spreads to everyone around us. Today's religious ceremony was Mia's first step into the world of Christianity. The holy baptism took place at the beautiful Our Lady of Fatima, Elizabeth, New Jersey and the reception was held at the hall of Arches Hall in Elizabeth, New Jersey for an afternoon of great food and dancing. I was so honored to be part of Mia's baptism and to have the opportunity to photograph her memorable day with her loving parents. Anyone who witnessed Mia's baptism today will have shared a special memory that will be remembered today and forever. Here are a few of my favorites from Mia's baptism. 

EMERY JADE COLON | A WINTER CHRISTENING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Today Emery Jade was welcomed into the world of Christianity with a special gathering in the presence of close family and friends. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then baptism is one of the most profound pictures in the New Testament. In baptism, we are celebratory of what Christ has done for us but we are also celebrating the mystery of what Christ has and will do through us and in us. We can spend a lifetime unpacking the riches of all that Christ will accomplish on our behalf, but the picture is simple enough. We bring the child in the conviction and hope that it believes, and we pray that God may grant it faith [Luke 17:2; Ephesians 2:8]. But we do not baptize it for that reason, but solely because of God’s command. Why? Because we know that God does not lie [Titus 1:2]. Today's religious ceremony was Emery's first step into the world of Christianity. The holy baptism took place at the beautiful St. Stephan's Church in Kearny, New Jersey and the reception was held at the hall of Mr. Adam's Steakhouse in Newark for an afternoon of great food and dancing. I was so honored to be part of Emery Jade's baptism and to have the opportunity to photograph her memorable day with her loving parents. Anyone who witnessed Emery's baptism today will have shared a special memory that will be remembered today and forever. Here are a few of my favorites from Emery's baptism. 

JENNIFER & EDGAR | A WINTER WONDERLAND WEDDING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer and Edgar tied the knot at the breathtaking Our Lady of Fatima in Elizabeth, New Jersey. We traveled to Don Pepe for a night of dancing to celebrate an amazing day. It was a Winter cold wedding day and I am very fortunate to have spent it with Jennifer and Edgar. This beautiful couple initially met about fifteen years ago while Jennifer’s brother and Edgar played soccer together which eventually developed into a relationship amongst their families. Jennifer recalls Edgar being at her parent’s house playing PlayStation with her brother and never once thinking that her brother’s friend would one day walk down with her in the hands of matrimony. There were years of separation during their childhood only to be reconnected by an Instagram line on June 14, 2013. Edgar’s personality and his sweetness swept Jennifer off her feet as he would take her out for a long night walk on the beach by the boardwalk. Edgar’s romantic dramatics also included proposing to Jennifer on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015, a moment neither of them will forget. I grew close to Jennifer as I discovered that she lost her father and would be walking down the aisle with her uncle and mother. We sometimes mistake happy moments during a wedding which are overshadowed by the pain of a lost loved one, especially a father who was so deeply instrumental in Jennifer’s life. Life doesn’t always give you the people you want and sometimes it takes away the people you need the most. Jennifer’s brothers, Richie and Dave, had the pleasure of dancing with this beautiful bride during the “father-daughter” dance to the song of “Hermoso Cariño” by Vincent Fernández which did not leave a dry eye in the room. I could not be more honored to document Jennifer and Edgar’s wedding. Head over to their blog and relive all the beautiful moments that were shared on their Winter wonderland wedding.

DELIA TAYLOR ALVES | A ENCHANTED FOREST FIRST BIRTHDAY | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

On this late February day, Delia Taylor Alves celebrated her 1st birthday amongst family and friends as she took them through the enchanted forest.  The centerpieces and the décor captured the escape and adventure into a fantasy world led by our amazing host, Delia, and big sister, Olivia.  The guests to this amazing experience were greeted by Delia in her beautiful blush outfit along with her proud parents, Nelson and Paula.  The event was filled with fun and activities from the bouncy house, face painting, cotton candy along with arts/crafts projects for the kids. The party was held at the Sporting Clube Portugues in Newark and everyone had the honor to be treated with delicious food catered by Valencia Restaurant. Join me in wishing Delia a Happy 1st Birthday and many more filled with enchanted love, health and happiness.  Here are the some of the moments captured at Delia’s 1st birthday.

JONATHAN LIAM SARANGO | A CHRISTENING | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

On this mid-February day, Jonathan Liam was welcomed into the world of Christianity with his special gathering in the presence of close family and friends.Jonathan's presence in the house of God in his adorable little outfit was brighter than the sunshine outside. The sun was shining, we had the church to ourselves and we had a happy celebration in the name of God. Jonathan's proud parents, were overcome with excitement together with Jonathan's godparents, and Jonathan's older siblings Diana and Raul. Today's religious ceremony was Jonathan's first step in accepting God into his life and is the start of an amazing journey of faith. Holy baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirt, and the door which gives access to other sacraments. Gold is usually given to a child in the form of a Religious pendant of either a crucifix, Mother Mary, a Saint, or even the child's first initial. The pendant can be given on its own in a little box or placed on a gold necklace. This gift is molded from a precious metal, it will be cherished and stand the test of time for years to come. Jonathan was blessed and fortunate to have his older brother's pendant passed onto him for this unforgettable day. The holy baptism took place at the beautiful St. Benedict's in Newark, New Jersey and the reception was held at the hall at Fernandes Steakhouse for an afternoon of great food and dancing. I was blessed to be a part of Jonathan's baptism and to have the opportunity to photograph his special day for his loving parents. Today was a gift and everyone who witnessed Jonathan's baptism will have shared this memory with me. Here are a few of my favorites from Jonathan's Baptism. 

STELLA | A WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTENING DAY | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

On this mid-February winter day with surprising warm temperature, Stella Esme was welcomed into the world of Christianity with her special gathering in the presence of close family and friends. Stella's presence in the house of God in her adorable little outfit was brighter than the sunshine outside. Proud parents, Marylene and Salvino, were overcome with excitement together with Stella's godparents, Alberto and Erika. Today's religious ceremony was Stella's first step in accepting God into her life and is the start of an amazing journey of faith. The holy baptism took place at the beautiful Our Lady of Fatima in Elizabeth, New Jersey and the reception was held at the hall at Our Lady of Fatima and dinner was served by Valencia Restaurant for an afternoon of great food and dancing. I was blessed to be a part of Stella's baptism and to have the opportunity to photograph her special day for her loving parents. Today was a gift and everyone who witnessed Stella's baptism will have shared this memory with me. Here are a few of my favorites from Stella's Baptism. 

NOAH JOHN PEREZ'S CHRISTENING DAY | JD PHOTOGRAPHY

On this cloudy day, Noah Perez was welcomed into the world of Christianity with his special gathering for close family and friends. Noah's presence in the house of God in his cute little outfit was the sunshine that washed away our thoughts of the outside weather. Proud parents, Annabella and Julio, were overcome with excitement together with Noah's godparents, Jose and Rosalinda. Today's religious ceremony was Noah's first step in accepting God into his life and is the start of an amazing journey of faith. The holy baptism took place at the beautiful St. Cecilia's Church in Kearny, New Jersey and the reception was held at Fernandes Steakhouse in Newark for an afternoon of great food and dancing. I was blessed to be part of Noah's baptism and to have the opportunity to photograph his special day for his loving parents. You will never have this day again as today was a gift and everyone who witnessed Noah's baptism will have shared this memory with me. Here are a few of my favorites from Noah's Baptism. 

A TIDES ESTATE WEDDING: Nicole & Brendan | Married

It was a cold morning on this October day, but the freezing temperature would not ruin Nicole and Brendan’s special day as they were going to live the rest of their lives dedicated to one another and live happily ever after. I clearly remember entering into Nicole’s home and taking in her gorgeous wedding dress and all of her pretties for the most special day of her entire life. Nicole and Brendan met on an on-line dating website and they have been inseparable since the day they met.  These two lovebirds had a connection and understanding for one another that you wish for in any couple ready to take that next step. When I look back to their wedding day, I recall the powerful speeches given by the maid of honor and best man including the bride and groom’s emotional responses to the two people who had such an impact on their lives. The sight of Nicole’s face with tears streaming down her face as her maid of honor gave her speech was breathtaking. Nicole and Brendan exchanged their vows at St. Mary’s Parish in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey where all of their close family and friends watched their celebration of love.  The wedding reception was held at The Tides Estate in North Haledon to celebrate the night with lots of amazing food and music. Cheers to an amazing couple and may they have everlasting love and happiness!

JENNIFER + ANTONIS + A BETHWOOD WEDDING + JD PHOTOGRAPHY

Jennifer and Antonis tied the knot at the gorgeous Saint George Orthodox Church in Clifton, New Jersey. The threat of inclement weather due to Hurricane Hermine did not stop us from having the perfect backdrop for photos at Lambert Castle in Paterson, New Jersey.  We traveled to The Bethwood for a night of dancing to celebrate such an amazing day. It was a beautiful wedding day and I am very fortunate to have spent it with Jennifer and Antonis. Jennifer and Antonis met through mutual friends at Applebees. Coincidentally, they sat next to each other during dinner and they played rock paper scissor and Jennifer won every time during their meal together. Antonis told Jennifer that he was a great cook and that he would prepare a steak dinner for her if she ever came by his house.  Ironically, the first weekend following their initial meeting was when Jennifer called Antonis to tell him that she was hungry. Antonis drove to Jennifer’s house and picked her up so that he can serve her the most unforgettable steak dinner that she talks about even today.  The dinner triggered a special connection amongst them and they have not lived apart since that night.