Venue: Maskers Barn
Sometimes things happen in life that you don’t expect. But they lead to other things and opportunities and friendships. That’s what happened here. I was invited to photograph at this intimate NJ wedding location for a couple I have never met. And I swear…the moment I met them I felt like we knew each other.
Venue: Maskers Barn | Watchung, NJ
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I’ve known “Petey” for well over 30 years. I know, seems impossible. But yes, it most certainly is true. And his Bride, Annie, was the absolute sweetest and trusted me to be their photographer on their wedding day.
Taking place at the very intimate Maskers Barn in the heart of the Watchung Reservation, the venue was the perfect setting for this wedding. It was rustic and intimate and truly captured the love these two share.
What else did she trust me with? Taking a very special photo for her and Pete announcing that they were expecting 😍🫶🏻✨
I’m from New Providence and so is Pete. It’s a small town. One of the best parts of this wedding was being around people I’ve known almost my whole life. It was really special.
I recently realized that I have spent years with this website and have been REALLY awful about blogging. I didn’t realize how important it was to do. OOPS! So here I am posting weddings from literally YEARS ago.
They said goodbye to their dog not long ago. When I was going through these pics it made me a little emotional to see the way they looked at their pup. How they incorporated him into their special day. How much they loved him <3. I’m happy they have these photos to remember him by.
Lisa reached out to me when she stumbled upon my first dating blog post about ME! When she emailed me I happened to be sitting on my computer and I immediately saw the notification. She basically said she felt like she was reading about her own life. I LOVE THAT! I mean not that I am happy that anyone goes through a divorce and then ends up in this weird online dating internet world, but that she found me relatable. That she connected with what I shared.
We chatted for a little bit about our lives and similarities. Lisa has 2 dogs and cat (I have 1 dog and a cat) and how they get along (or don’t LOL) And ultimately what it’s like booking an online dating photo session with me. And she was in.
As per usual, I sent Lisa my online dating photos questionnaire. I really love these questionnaires because it gives me a little insight about the person I am meeting and I think it gets them into a good mindset about what THEY are looking for and what THEY like. Sometimes with online dating we tend to start thinking about what other people are looking for and how we can craft our profile to attract what THEY want. But listen, that is NOT how to do it. You need to attract what YOU want into your life! So flip that script! Here is a little bit from Lisa’s questionnaire:
What brings you joy?
My pets, PBS Masterpiece Theater programs, my home (I live on a lake!), and hiking in the woods.
What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?
I like music of all kinds. lately, I have been listening a lot to Amos Lee.
What are the 3 most important things you’re looking for in a partner?
Confidence, strength, integrity, health-conscious, etc.
I’m pretty sure that Lisa has a good handle on who she is. She knows herself, she is successful and confident and she has a pretty awesome life. She’s just missing that one thing. And honestly, I don’t think she thinks that she is “missing” anything. She just is open to finding the person that adds to her life. Someone she can go hiking with, watch Philly sports teams with, watch sunsets on the lake with. She would like to meet that person that can grow old alongside her with. And I’m pretty sure they’d be pretty lucky to find her too! As I was editing her online dating photos I realized that she looks like a mixture of Nicole Kidman and Meg Ryan! What do you think?
Lisa I had so much fun with you. I can’t wait to hear how your story unfolds!
AS YOUUUUU WISSSSHHHHHHHH!!!
Here are some of Lisa’s online dating photos from our session.
Karen reached out to me online when she came across my information for dating photos. There was no hesitation in her booking me. She was sure from the get go and as soon as I sent her my booking information, she hopped right on it and booked! I love that! Not only did she know what she wanted, but she put her trust in me immediately. That really made me so happy!
We met at my new favorite spot, Hatch 44, where I have been meeting lots of my clients at lately. There is so much I love about it. The food and drinks are amazing, the staff is so friendly and accomodating, and the atmosphere is buzzing with good energy. And the ambiance aint too shabby either ;). We sat and sipped on some tea and coffee and put in our orders for empanadas (HIGHLY RECOMMEND)! As we enjoyed our food and drink we talked a little bit about our experiences with dating, our interests, and occupations. I really enjoyed meeting up with Karen and I had a great time roaming around Metuchen while we got some good quality dating photos for Karen’s dating profile.
I have this conversation probably with every dating profile client I work with. When I first got into the online dating scene I was dead set against using Tinder. I had my own preconceived notions of what Tinder was all about and who was using it. Not to mention WHAT they were using it for. Random hookups, no commitments, blah blah blah. No thanks!
But I am someone who really truly believes in not having limiting beliefs. For having a positive mindset. For thinking outside of the box. And what I was doing was creating a limiting belief system and it was downright negative! And while I may have had to “kiss” a few toads to find my prince, I found him…on tinder :). I tell this story to my clients so they can reflect on their own choices and approach to online dating. And I shared this with Karen. We can really use any of these apps however we choose to! And that’s how you make them work!
I loved the answers that Karen provided on her dating photo questionnaire (something I have all of my clients complete when they book). Here are a few of the ones that really stood out to me:
“Yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki from Lion King
My favorite band is Ghost, which I am very passionate about. I listen to all music but my favorites are rock and metal. I am open to new band interests always.
I am currently in graduate school for my Masters of Occupational Therapy. My dream job is to use this education creatively to teach children to grow up with security, self-confidence and self-regulation through OT and spirituality.
My Spotify app!
Karen – I could tell just from reading your answers to the questionnaire that you are a compassionate, kind and loving person. Your choice in profession is proof of that. I have a son with emotional regulation challenges. I don’t know if I mentioned that during our little brunch time. But people like you are SO IMPORTANT to parents like me. We need you. So thank you for choosing to work with kids like my son to give them the tools to grow up to be successful adults.
I wish you the absolute best and can’t wait for you to e-mail me to let me know that you’ve found your person!!
James and I had to reschedule his dating profile date to a week later. But I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And sure enough, I got sick that day and so it worked out for everyone.
When we started our session James wasn’t sure if I would be able to get any good pics of him. He mentioned not really having any good pictures of himself. I found that shocking! And also, challenge accepted 😏
I didn’t really realize it during our dating profile shoot, but afterwards while I was editing, it hit me! James resembles a young Elvis! Do you see it? But when it comes to music, Elvis didn’t make it to the top of James’ list
What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favorite band or concert you’ve been to?
Three Days Grace has always been my top band or that’s at least what Spotify says. I also like foo fighters and cage the elephants. Reggae and gym funk is also my top genres at the moment.
James has a bunch of interests from chess to playing with his new adorable kittens. But he also enjoys chilling out with his video games. One of his favorites? Destiny!
James I had a great time at our dating profile session and I can’t wait to hear more about how things work out for you! Best of luck!
You can see more of my dating profile sessions here!
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908.312.1788 | info@joanmariephotography.com