Maybe it was watching how much fun Pam and Ryan had on Saturday. Maybe it was how welcome the bridal party made me feel from the second I walked into the hotel room. Maybe it was seeing a bride who was best friends with her little sister, just like me. Maybe it was how incredibly nice both sets of parents were. Maybe it was the insanely gorgeous gowns and florals. Maybe it was the packed dance floor. Maybe it was how much love was evident throughout the entire day. Whatever it was, Pam and Ryan’s wedding this past weekend was magical.

When Pam called me last May to talk to me about wedding photography I knew two things. One was that having never shot a wedding, I really didn’t know much about how to go about it, and the other was how desperately I wanted to do it anyway. I don’t know what made her trust me to tell her wedding story with Ryan from beginning to end, but whatever it was I will be eternally grateful. So I set out over the last few months to prepare and learn everything I possibly could to make the day a success. And by taking a chance on me she helped me find out that photographing weddings is something I want to do over and over again. Especially if it means working with wonderful, laid back, kind, and fun couples and families like Pam, Ryan, and the entire Brozek/Maniscalki clan.

Pam planned a wonderful day full of gorgeous touches including her insanely beautiful backless BLHDN gown, soft and romantic florals for the ceremony, bright, beautiful tulips for the reception, and perfectly coordinated, yet mismatched bridesmaids gowns. It all came together on a gorgeous spring day at the Lake Valhalla Club in Montville, New Jersey. With its long docks and lakeside beach the Lake Valhalla Club provided beautiful backdrops for photos, and one of the best parts of the day was watching Pam twirl around and around for Ryan after their first look showing off that gown and her crazy beautiful flower crown.

But the night ended with my FAVORITE moment of all. The last dance of the night was “I Had the Time of My Life” made famous from the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Little did the DJ (or Pam and Ryan for that matter) know that “Dirty Dancing” is a big deal in my house. In the kind of way that my dad and I can pretty much quote the entire thing from beginning to end. We’ve probably watched it upwards of 50 times. It’s my all time favorite movie and that song also happened to be the last dance of the night at my own wedding to Tyler. So when Pam and Ryan busted out their best Johnny Castle and Baby moves ending with the iconic lift I just about lost it. And so did the rest of the guests.

Pam & Ryan, I will never be able to thank you enough for taking a chance on me. I know this is the start of a long and beautiful life for the two of you and I will never forget being a small part of the beginning of your married story.

the creative team:
VENUE: LAKE VALHALLA CLUBFLORAL DESIGN: KATHY LYNN FLORAL DESIGN
DJ: RAPHAELOFSOUND SURGE ENTERTAINMENT BRIDE’S DRESS: BHLDN BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: BHLDN& ADRIANNA PAPALL GROOM’S SUIT: INDOCHINO GROOMSMENS’ SUITS: INDOCHINO AND MEN’S WAREHOUSE HAIR: EWELINA RAHMAN INVITATIONS: WHITE AND KRAFT PAPERIE MAKEUP ARTIST: DIANA MARGULIES PHOTOGRAPHER: KATE DYE PHOTOGRAPHY SECOND SHOOTER: COURTNEY RUSCIN OF SUNDAY’S ARROW VIDEOGRAPHER: JUSTIN REID