Bernice and Elliot’s Wedding at The Addison Park in Keyport, NJ – Destination wedding photographer in New Jersey

Often, love is thought of as this magical thing that is fireworks from the beginning. There is some meeting that is purely fate and at once two people know that they are meant for each other. While this very well may be true for some, there are many couples out there who find love another way – a way that is far more subtle and much less electric. At least, at first. This is what happened to Bernice and Elliot – a beautiful couple who met each other on campus as young adults. For Elliot, it was love at first sight. He walked directly up to Bernice, stopped her, and asked her directly if she was from Ghana as he was. After she confirmed that she was, he then asked her if she were married rather than for her name – something traditional to his roots. Though Bernice was rather offended at first, she didn’t leave without giving Elliot her number, and the spark began.

At first, the couple merely texted each other, but it wasn’t long before they realized they had much more in common than what Bernice had originally thought. Their connection turned into more, and before they knew it, we photographers from Judah Avenue were photographing their engagement at Top Of The Rock NYC – but that wasn’t the only afternoon we’d spend with these two. Bernice and Elliot chose to officially tie the knot on August 13th in 2017. We met with Bernice as she made ready in her room at the hotel, where the bed had been elegantly set up for the moment. We snapped photos of the flowers and rings, the shoes and the cards – and as much of the bride and her bridesmaids as we could.

Laughter and jokes filled the air as the bride enjoyed donuts and good times with her friends and loved ones as they helped her prepare for her big moment.

Meanwhile, Elliot also made ready for the ceremony surrounded by his own friends and family – and the good times were rolling along in there, too. With the game on tv and plenty of teasing going on throughout the room, we had a great time snapping photos of everything. Once everyone was ready, it was time to head to the ceremony.

Bernice and Elliot had chosen Addison Park in Keyport, NJ, and what a beautiful day it was. The pavilion had been beautifully decorated, and the guests had piled into the chairs on either side, of the runner, creating a beautiful aisle for the bridal party. When the procession began, all eyes were on the bride. Each member of the procession – from the oldest to the youngest did a beautiful job playing their part, but Bernice herself looked like she belonged on the cover of a magazine. They exchanged their vows, and we photographers set to work, snapping photos of the newlyweds as husband and wife for the first time. It didn’t matter if we caught just the bride and groom or them with their parties. They were stunning no matter what!

The reception took place at The Addison park, where the reception hall had been gloriously decorated with beautiful streamers, candles, flowers, and a cake that could stand in the royal palace itself. The celebration kicked off immediately, with speeches, laughter, blessings, toasts, and most of all – dancing. A smoke screen threw a mystical enchantment over the entire room, and the bride and groom looked regal as they danced in each other’s arms. Several of the guests donned traditional Ghana attire and joined the celebration, further highlighting the roots of this wonderful couple.

We wedding photographers slipped in and out of the crowd, taking photos of all the joy and celebration. At the end of the evening, we managed to sneak the bride and groom away from the group for another round of parting shots, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your wonderful day, it’s clear that you are going to have many, many beautiful years together, and all of us here at Judah Avenue wish to extend our congratulations. If you are a guest who just wants to say hello to us you can do so on our Instagram page @judahavenue, or if you engaged and looking for a wedding or engagement photographer in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, you can connect with us at (240) 643-4708 or make an appointment to visit our studio at 718 Cloverly Street, Silver Spring, MD 20905. Our email is info@judahavenue.com