Catherine has the best face. Period. And probably the best part is her striking beautiful beauty mark on her right eye, that I love all the more because she was adamant about not minimizing it with editing. Love your gorgeous self!

Although they didn’t want to have a first look, Catherine and Joe were so excited to marry each other they wanted to say hi just before the ceremony. I almost forgot to shoot because I thought this was so touching and I didn’t want to interrupt.

Catherine knows she scored a good one.

My goodness, I wish all of my couples looked at each other with so much kindness and warmth. It makes my job so easy!

When you have a cathedral veil, you know I’m going to want to play with it!

The reception is giving starry night at sea vibes and it’s all I ever want.

After a wedding-photographer-nap (is that the technical term for when you shoot till 1AM and wake up to shoot again at 5AM?), we took in the amazing sunrise lighting with a bunch of portraits again before jumping in the water.

A little bit of fun in the sand never hurts! Although I was super worried about their rings washing out to sea…

Although they were really excited about the idea of trashing the dressing, they did not anticipate the nearly freezing water and weren’t so excited once they got wet. They were troopers there and stuck it out for like 6 minutes longer for a few more photos!

Best part of all of this: Catherine brought her amazing gown to the dry cleaner who had it back to new for $50. And before you ask, no I don’t know where this magical dry cleaner is.

The post Asbury Park Wedding and Trash the Dress | Catherine + Joe appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

No. Don’t actually. That never works for a good photo, in my experience.

Tickle attacks, evil laughing, talking about your first kiss, syncing your breathing, celebrating, and whispering sweet nothings into each others’ ears. Those are the coaching techniques I like to use while making portraits of couples and their wedding parties. Mixing those little suggestions with documentary photography lets me find amazing moments with my couples without getting posey. The hour or so I get to spend with the happy couple and their closest friends is always my favorite part of the day, so narrowing down the best moments was difficult but also so nostalgic and sweet.

I love when a couple can look badass and intimate at the same time!

An adventurous wedding party can make all the difference in a portrait session. Nicole and Bobby’s happily climbed up on this bluff for an epic shot!

Jean and Maddie’s nuptials were especially meaningful for me as I got to document the wedding of my childhood best friend. I cry a lot at weddings that I photograph, but that was at a whole other level.

Reid Castle at Manhattanville College is one of my all time favorite venues since there are literally endless places for portraits.

Brides being dope on rooftops is my favorite thing about 2016, and it better continue for years to come.

Flower girls can be total divas, but also have moments of being adorable, too.

The street art game in Brooklyn is always on point, so it is easily my favorite backdrop to have couples play around in front of.

I really don’t like bright, mid-day lighting. But I’ll make exceptions for Maggie’s brighter-than-sunshine smile, sparkly dances between Sara and her bridesmaids, and a little lens flare during a little stroll with Justin and Danny.

Brides are always gorgeous, but I especially love those in between moments.

As much as I can, I try to let my clients do their own thing so I can tap into my photojournalism training. Above are my two favorite 100% genuine moments from 2016. Ben just groovin with his Mom was so absolutely cozy and sweet, while Emily and Jim’s first look is so filled with emotion my heart swelled more than the Grinch’s.

Group shots with your wedding party can be a bit of a pain, but the effort can surround you in love. 

Even between two husbands, I love finding the individual quirks and personalities of subjects to highlight them in their portraits.

A hearty laugh is the most attractive thing in the world.

Mother Nature can be a pretty kickass backdrop. I love the simplicity in nature as Dexter and Kevin walk out of a weeping willow, and also the spark you can create with some well placed flash, a drizzle of rain, and lovebirds like Ian and Saba.

The subway > Limos.

No matter what I do, it’s just great to work with couples who are definitely star crossed lovers. (Without the whole double suicide thing.)

The post Favorites of 2016: Portraits appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

Their demure and calm ceremony was contrasted beautifully by the boisterous tisch beforehand with chanting and singing. They didn’t tire though, with an incredible hora during the reception that lasted longer any I have ever seen. The love and laughter warmed the rest of the night even with an unseasonable snowstorm – which I had to grab at least one photo in.

Both were overwhelmed with emotion during their first look, siming from ear to ear despite the chilly weather outside.

I am officially obsessed with bouquets of lavender, they’re not only gorgeous but fragrant and liven up the entire day!

The post B’Nai Shalom Ceremony | Lauren + Jesse appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

I love their attention to detail, from a cute yet cool clutch to remembering family heirloom jewelry to remember those who couldn’t attend in person. Not to mention a kickass Scrabble tile mosaic dedicated to their personal love story! All the wood and subtle details perfectly fit the antique vibes of the space.

Everyone has seen a Bride dress hanger, but how about one for the groom? They thought of everything!

These natural light portraits are among my favorite ever. Serene and demure, with a smirk.

I might have shed a tear after their first kiss. Scratch that, I definitely did.

This is pretty much my dream venue.

Golden hour portraits have my heart fuzzy and warm.

The post Jack’s Barn Farm Wedding | Arielle + Chris appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

The post Alexis & Kevin’s Red Bank Engagement Session appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

Venue: Olde Mill Inn

The post Gigi & Brennan: Winter Wonderland appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

The post Claudette & Susan: Simple and Sweet Ceremony appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.

The post Sheila & Todd: Country Club Courtship appeared first on Justin McCallum Photography.