James + Anne || Sunrise DUMBO Engagement Session
There is always a first for everything, as the saying goes.
For us at Dreamlite Photography, this engagement session marks the first time we’ve ever started an hour before sunrise, in the darkness of dawn. In doing so, we had the opportunity to photograph James + Anne beneath three unique lighting situations in one session: dark pre-dawn skies, golden sunrising skies, and bright Monday morning commuter skies.
James + Anne are a really sweet couple, full of laughter and super easy going. They were real champions, meeting us all the way in DUMBO Brooklyn for an early 5:45am start time. They are also two really talented professionals in their own rights (one in medicine, and one a professional musician). As with any couple, differences are nothing more than differences, so long as they share something deeper in common.
We had such an amazing time photographing Anne + James’ engagement. Our favorite moments were probably hanging under the Manhattan Bridge, waiting for “the moments”. Moments such as the sun rising from the east, providing us with a breathtaking backdrop that only nature can elicit. Also, all those wild city birds flying around us, adding something really fun to the final images.
A special thanks to James + Anne for finding time in their long-distance love story to join us for these photos on an early Monday morning! Can’t wait for your wedding next year!!
Mandi + James || The Prallsville Mills in Stockton, NJ
While James and Mandi’s love story really began some 7 years ago, their new life together as husband and wife started this past Sunday… and I (Jon) had the privilege of documenting their wedding celebration.
Many months ago, Mandi had shared with me her wedding day vision. “I’m picturing this as a really upscale picnic,” she wrote in an email, “with really great food. Nothing stuffy about it.” It’s safe to say Mandi + James hit the bullseye on this one. Their wedding was certainly anything but traditional. The bride opted for “real” pushups to relieve her stress instead of bubbly mimosas, church bells were replaced by the cool summer breeze swooping off the Delaware River, and the standard hotel reception was nixed in favor of a more historic setting– a four-story Grist Mill dating back to the 1870’s. Topping it all off, Mandi + James were simply incredible to work with.
From their love of cycling to honoring the loved ones in attendance, they made it a point to incorporate all the things (and people) they loved into their wedding celebration. It was far from an “all about me” kind of day– and that’s really what made their day memorable. (and yes, special shoutout to the Mexican Coca Cola the bride + groom chose as their dinner beverage of choice.)
Special thanks to Cherie and Lisa of On This Day Weddings for coordinating the event, and the videography team led by Adam Nawrot for being so professional + cooperative to work with. Wedding ceremony + venue took place at the historic Prallsville Mill along the Delaware River in Stockton, NJ.
Last but not least, congratulations to the newlyweds Mandi + James.
To see more images from their wedding day, check out the photos on our Facebook page.
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Their Wedding Day Video can be seen here. Credit to Adam Nawrot (assisted by Spencer T. and Carrie.)
