Category Archives: communion

April 7, 2025

little communion girl poses for her portraits at il tulipano reception party

First Holy Communion at Il Tulipano

In May 2023, I had the honor of capturing the beautiful communion reception of a very special little girl, Olivia, at the stunning Il Tulipano in Cedar Grove, NJ. As a photographer, there’s something truly magical about documenting a family’s milestones, especially when it’s a celebration of faith, love, and cherished traditions. For Olivia, her communion was made even more unforgettable by the incredible venue, the love surrounding her, and the rich family history tied to the location. Communion photography in NJ is a very special thing to be able to experience.

A Family Tradition at Il Tulipano

This wasn’t just any venue — Il Tulipano is where Olivia’s parents celebrated their wedding reception. Returning to this breathtaking location for Olivia’s communion reception added an extra layer of sentiment and meaning to the day. Set against a gorgeous water feature and a serene garden wall, Il Tulipano provided the perfect backdrop for capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s a place where family and history intertwine, and it made Olivia’s big day even more special. There’s something about returning to a place with so much significance, and it was an absolute joy to be there to photograph this precious moment.

A Photographic Journey Through the Communion Reception

This was a day full of joy, laughter, and love. Olivia, looking absolutely radiant in her communion dress, was surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. The reception was full of sweet moments — from heartfelt speeches to shared laughter over caricatures being drawn of the attendees. There was a unique touch at the reception — a talented caricature artist who captured the guests’ personalities in fun and light-hearted drawings. It added a personal, interactive element to the event and was a highlight for everyone there.

As a photographer, it’s these small, spontaneous moments that make a celebration truly unforgettable. Whether it’s a smile shared between siblings or a burst of laughter from friends, capturing those emotions is what I strive for in every photograph.

A Connection That Goes Beyond Photography

It’s also important to note that Olivia’s mom, Lauren, and I have shared a special connection for years. We went to high school together at The Academy of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, NJ, and played softball together. Right after COVID, I had the priveledge of photographing Olivia’s sister’s Communion reception at Glen Ridge Country Club. You can read about that here. Having the opportunity to photograph her family’s milestones feels like more than just work — it feels like being part of the family. Their kindness and love are infectious, and every time I photograph an event for them, I feel like a guest rather than just a photographer. This connection, trust, and mutual respect are what make my work so rewarding when I am doing Communion photography in NJ.

A Family That Values Photography as Art

Olivia’s family truly appreciates the value of photography and artwork. They understand the importance of preserving memories in a meaningful way, and that’s why I love working with them. For high-end clients like Olivia’s family, it’s not just about snapping pictures — it’s about creating timeless pieces of art. This reception was a perfect example of how photography can elevate a special event, capturing not just the moments, but the essence of the day.

Whether it’s the family’s connection to Il Tulipano, the joyful spirit of the occasion, or the small but impactful details, I take pride in capturing every shot with intention and artistry. For families who appreciate fine art photography and custom albums, this is what I do best — turning beautiful moments into a legacy that can be cherished for generations to come.

Looking Forward to Many More Memories

As I reflect on Olivia’s communion reception and the opportunity to capture such a significant moment in her life, I’m filled with gratitude. I look forward to many more opportunities to work with Lauren and her wonderful family. Every event with them feels like a continuation of a beautiful friendship, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

For families looking to preserve their most important milestones through the lens of a professional photographer who values the art of storytelling, I’d be honored to be part of your next big event. Together, we can create something extraordinary through Communion photography in NJ.

April 2, 2025

March 27, 2025

silhouette of twin boys with their hands in prayer at their communion photoshoot in Scotch Plains NJ with Joan Marie Photography

First Holy Communion in Scotch Plains, NJ

As a photographer, I often find myself in the midst of heartwarming celebrations, and a recent communion shoot in Scotch Plains at my studio was a perfect example of just that. Join me as I recount the joyous occasion of photographing twin boys as they celebrated their communion, with their darling little sister by their side.

Communion: A Celebration of Faith and Family

Communion is not just a religious milestone; it’s a moment of profound significance for families. As the twin boys, dressed in their crisp suits, stepped into my studio alongside their equally dapper little sister, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was clear from the start that this shoot would be a celebration of faith, love, and the unbreakable bond between siblings.

Twins in Sync

One of the most delightful aspects of this recent Communion shoot in Scotch Plains was witnessing the natural camaraderie between the twin boys and their sister. Despite being dressed to the nines, they exuded a playful energy that was infectious. Whether they were sharing mischievous grins or wrapping each other in affectionate hugs, their bond was unmistakable and made for some truly captivating moments captured through my lens.

Elegance Meets Playfulness

While communion is a solemn occasion, there was no shortage of lighthearted moments during the shoot. From striking elegant poses reminiscent of adults to engaging in playful antics that had us all laughing, the boys and their sister effortlessly blended reverence with joy, resulting in a series of images that beautifully captured the spirit of the day.

Creating Lasting Memories Through Sacrament

As the session came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for being able to document such a special moment in this family’s journey. The images we captured together will serve as treasured mementos, preserving not only the significance of the occasion but also the love and bond shared between siblings for years to come.

Gratitude

As I reflect on this communion shoot, I am reminded once again of the privilege and joy that comes with being a photographer. It’s moments like these that remind me why I do what I do—to capture the beauty, emotion, and connection that make life truly meaningful.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it’s moments of celebration and togetherness like this communion shoot that remind us of the importance of family and faith. I am honored to have been able to document this special day for the twin boys and their little sister, and I look forward to continuing to capture the beauty of life’s milestones for families in the future.

Featured Communion Shoots

June 30, 2023

Communion Photography

This is a little story about an event I did for communion photography. This post is kinda personal. I don’t like to talk about religion. I believe everyone has a right to believe what they want. I was raised Catholic. I went to public school my whole life, but ended up at an all girls Catholic high school, The Academy of St Elizabeth, when I was 14. I went from knowing no one and having no friends, feeling lost and sad and angry, to meeting some of the most amazing girls (now women) that I will ever know. Some of my best friends to this day are girls that I met in my four years at this small and tight knit school. I am by no means a deeply “religious” person, but I am spiritual and I LOVE my St E’s girls.

One of the girls I met was Lauren. Lauren was younger than me, but we both played softball. Age didn’t really matter much once you crossed that sports line. Our teams were like family and we really genuinely cared about each other. Lauren was a hell of a pitcher too, so she had that going for her 😉

Fast forward years and years and years (not telling how many LOL) and Lauren reached out to me for family Christmas photos. When I met her 2 girls I immediately fell in love! They were little fire crackers! And seeing Lauren was like a sweet memory of being young again. Fast forward and it’s 2021 and her older daughter was making her Communion. I was lucky enough to be able to come and document the reception. Her family is pure and loving and genuine and real and sweet and I honestly feel like another one of the family when I am around them. So I was so happy when she asked me to do their communion photography.

But one of my favorite memories of this day was Lauren’s Papa. He was the same age as my Grandma and had this twinkle in his eye. The love that poured out of him when he looked at his family was literally tangible. And I caught it that day. The way he looked at Lauren’s daughters, the way he looked at Lauren. I caught it. This is what I live for…

Lauren recently lost her Papa. I recently lost my Grandma. They were both in their late 90’s. So when I saw her share that he had passed away I immediately understood her sorrow. We were so lucky to have these strong and important people in our lives for so long. To have our kids know their Great Grandparents is such a gift. And while we understand how lucky we are, it is still such a deep loss. Maybe BECAUSE of all the time we had with them.

So when I write this and share pictures from Giuliana’s Communion, the definition of Communion holds so much more meaning. “The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.” I’m sharing the communion of the day I captured with Lauren’s family. I am letting Lauren know that I love her and I am so grateful for her and for the honor to be able to capture these special moments in time for her and her family.

Lauren I am so sorry about your Papa. I met him ONE time that I can remember. Who knows, he may have been at some of our softball games! But he was special. I felt it. I saw it. And you were so lucky to have him in your life. XOXO

All the love to my SEAster, Lauren and her amazing family <3

Here are some photos from 2021. Next time I won’t be 2 years behind on blogging and will share pics from Olivia’s Communion soon!

February 15, 2023

First Holy Communion

Communion : an act or instance of sharing. capitalized : a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ. : the act of receiving Communion.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is a very special time in a child’s life. What better way for it to be documented than with professional portraits? I encourage parents to book Communion Portraits in The Studio prior to the Big Day. The day of can be hectic from timelines to planning, guests and little kids. But when you schedule the session ahead of the celebration, you can relax, take your time and enjoy the Event.