Their Wedding Day: Rock Island Lake Club, NJ

Melissa and Phil’s spring lakeside wedding at Rock Island Lake Club was such a dreamy day! From thoughtfully curated details like their multi-piece invitation suite to the picture honoring Melissa’s father on her bouquet to Phil’s gear watch, there were some many incredible elements that made up their day!

They shared the sweetest first look on the dock before their wedding ceremony overlooking the lake! It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day, and even with a slight breeze, Melissa had her father’s coat to keep her warm!

I loved seeing these two in action with their friends and family! You can just tell how much they’re loved by everyone, which is even more special to photograph! The emotions during the ceremony all the way through toasts were so real – laughter and tears all day long! The best part of it all was getting to see these two break it down on the dance floor all night! They let loose and soaked in the fact that they were finally married!!

Their Love Story

In the fall of 2014, Phil and Melissa met at TCNJ after swiping right on Tinder. Melissa was only at the start of her freshman year while Phil was enjoying his one last fall semester before graduating that spring!

On their first date, Melissa told me, “He suggested taking me to a Starbucks near our campus. As a freshman stuck in her dorm with no car, I jumped on the opportunity to get out and explore the community! When he arrived to pick me up, he actually got out of his car, met me at my dorm, and gave me a soft forehead kiss upon meeting in person for the first time! I absolutely melted at his confidence but came to find out he was internally cringing at his own boldness. Kind of funny how two people can perceive a situation. Anyway, we got to Starbucks and subsequently talking and found out that we grew up one town away from each other. I also remember texting my friends about “this hot tinder guy I just met” and from the second he paid for my sugary mint hot chocolate, I was in love.”

You can read all about their love story and proposal, and see their adorable engagement session in Spring Lake here!

Melissa & Phil

Thank you for being such a joy to know – both of your positivity and laidback personalities made everything so much fun! I loved getting to capture your love from engagement session to wedding day – seeing your love grow is so special to me! Wishing you two a lifetime of love, kitty snuggles, and happiness! Love you bunches! xoxo