Their Wedding: Rock Island Lake Club, Sparta, NJ

A beautiful location, amazing autumn sunset, and the sweetest couple made this fall Rock Island wedding one to remember!!! The weather was perfectly fall with crisp air but a strong sun to keep everyone warm. Although Rock Island Lake Club is gorgeous in every season, there is something magical about this time of year on the lakefront!

Gabby and Andrew shared an emotional first look together. Andrew also had the sweetest reaction to ceremony vows and found himself with some more happy tears. It was such a pleasure to photograph these moments and more, as Gabby and Andrew were up for anything when it came to portraits!

They spent the night on the dance floor together, allowing me to capture really memorable candid moments. Such a fun day with an incredible couple and a great team of vendors, including some personal favs of mine!

Their love story

Gabby and Andrew met in chemistry class in their junior year of high school. Science was never Gabby’s favorite, so when she wasn’t grasping the material, she reached out to Andrew who sat in front of her. He was always willing to help. It wasn’t long before they became close friends, talking on the phone for hours. Once they started getting closer, Andrew would pick Gabby up in his small convertible and they’d just drive with no destination in mind, having long conversations about anything and everything. He made her feel so comfortable.

Gabby said “I’ve never laughed or smiled more than when I was with him and that continues to this day. Fast forward a few months later, he asked me to prom and I had the best night of my life. While we were in Wildwood, we walked on the beach and he looked me in the eyes and asked me if I’d go out with him. I’ll never forget that day. After high school, Andrew enlisted in the Air Force. It was hard but we made long-distance work for 4 years! After his time in the Air Force, we moved in together and started really building a life together. Here we are… and I’m just as crazy about him as I was when we first met.”

Fast forward to a fall day in 2019, Andrew was ready to pop the question. With a shared love of wine, he decided to propose after a wine tour and tasting at Villa Milagro Vineyards in Phillipsburg, NJ. With the beautiful foliage surrounding them, Andrew dropped to one knee, and Gabby quickly found herself saying, “Yes!” Gabby says, “After, our parents came to meet us and tears of happiness ran down their faces. When we got back on the bus, everyone on the tour quickly knew what happened and all congratulated us. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.”

Gabby and Andrew,

You two have just been the best!!!! You both radiant such kindness and light. It’s been such a pleasure capturing these milestones in your relationship. You share such a sweet love story and I know the future holds more incredible chapters for you! I wish you the very, very best!! xo