The older I get the more I realize my mom is usually right. Ok, so more like she’s always right. So upon telling her that I was going to be photographing Michelle and Tom’s engagement session and she started going on about how Tom is so nice and so funny and that Michelle had hit the jackpot, I knew I was going to like him. Once again, mom was right. And Michelle is just as nice and just as funny, so I’d say he hit the jackpot as well!

Michelle is actually my brother John’s sister-in-law, so I’m lucky enough to know the entire Butrico family. They are the type of people who welcome you in with open arms into their family. We’ve been invited to BBQs, birthday parties, showers, etc. with them and I can’t say enough good things about their family. I would say Tom knows this too because after meeting Michelle on Match last November he quickly new she was the one, and within a year he was planning a sweet engagement at the restaurant they went on their first date to. Afterwards the whole family surprised the two with a party thrown in their honor. How great!

When Michelle asked me to photograph the two of them it was perfect timing as I had been spending some time at home with my parents in New Jersey while waiting to close on our new home in Charleston, South Carolina. Being that I’m not local anymore when trying to find a great engagement session location I did what any good photographer would do…. started stalking other photographer’s blogs! When I saw pictures of Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, NJ I knew it was the perfect place with its beautiful architecture. Even in the middle of winter it was stunningly gorgeous, so I can’t begin to imagine what it would look like in full bloom.

One of my favorite parts of this session was how Michelle and Tom incorporated some of his fire house gear from his job as a Cranford, New Jersey firefighter into their photos. His Hannen name patch from his jacket was the perfect addition as the name they will share in November. I admire the bravery and work firefighters do each day, so thank you so much for your service as a firefighter Tom!

Michelle already has most of their November wedding ceremony in Cranford, New Jersey and the reception atBear Brook Valley in Newton. With how quickly she got to her planning I am even more honored that thought of me to help capture the memories of their day. She was a girl on a mission and I in turn will now be the same in my job to give her beautiful images of their wedding. Michelle and Tom, I can’t wait to be back in New Jersey in the fall and know it will be fantastic celebration for the two of you!