August 22nd was one of those wedding days that just felt good from the start. Amanda and Tyler got married down in New Jersey at Bogey’s, a country club with wide open greens and some pretty great spots for portraits if you know where to look. I was second shooting for this one, which meant I spent a good chunk of the early day hanging with Tyler and the guys before floating around chasing candids. If I am being honest? Second shooting is always a sweet gig because I get to focus on the stuff I love, real moments, unscripted stuff, and the chaos of the dance floor.

Four black and white headshot portraits showing someone wearing a baseball cap and smiling at different angles.

Just a simple portrait of Tyler by the window. I love the hat and his serious expression. Who says you only get to have serious portraits on the wedding day?

A group of groomsmen in light-colored suits gather around looking at something on a phone in a hallway.
A wedding party poses outdoors near a rustic wooden fence at sunset for candid photographs.

Their first look (below) was pretty quick, but heartfelt. Amanda looked amazing. I remember Tyler saying, and I paraphrase, "I am getting emotional already." Before she even rounded the corner. Each first look is different and they always surprise me with how emotional they can get.

A newlywed couple shares a tender moment outdoors surrounded by soft bokeh lights and holding white and green flowers.
A bride in a white wedding dress poses with her bouquet in a sun-drenched garden setting.
A person in a white lab coat demonstrating proper medical procedure techniques in a healthcare setting.
Group of people wearing white uniforms participating in a karate or martial arts class.

The barrel portrait (below) was a time filler, while the main shooter photographed Amanda alone along the edge of the pond. What's good for the goose is not always good for the gander, so Tyler and I found this sweet spot behind the barrels. I had to do a little off-roading, but it was worth it. BTW, speaking of off-roading. Tyler and I made a connection. He and some of his groomsmen have been to Rausch Creek Off Road Park, which is basically in the backyard of my childhood home back in the Skook.

Black and white wedding photo of a bridal party gathered together sharing laughter and smiles under an outdoor arch.
A figure walks through a lush green garden path beside a rustic brick wall, creating a peaceful outdoor scene.

I needed to include these images (below). The weight of not being able to have a close friend at your wedding can be somewhat lessened by honoring them in a subtle way.

A wooden pergola stands in a beautiful garden setting during an outdoor gathering on a sunny day.
Professional wedding photography session in a scenic park setting near water and large trees during golden hour.
Joyful people laugh while someone in the foreground takes a selfie in black and white photography.
A lively outdoor wedding reception scene with dancing couples and guests enjoying themselves on the dance floor.
A joyful couple shares a playful moment looking at their phone during a wedding celebration.
A series of black and white photos showing people gathered in an indoor setting engaging in activities.
Wedding guests laugh and enjoy themselves at an elegant reception with upholstered chairs and greenery backdrop.
Black and white photo captures candid laughter during wedding reception toasts.
People enjoying a lively dance sequence at what appears to be a wedding reception or celebration event.
A group dances and celebrates together at what appears to be a lively wedding reception or party.
Wedding reception guests dance enthusiastically on a purple-lit dance floor during an energetic celebration.
A joyful dancer in a black dress spreads their arms wide on a lively dance floor at a celebration.
People dance at a nightclub while holding colorful glowing LED foam sticks during a party celebration.
People dancing and celebrating together at a lively indoor party or social gathering.

This final shot was a gift to me. These two were done with photos and they just wanted to enjoy the reception, but they granted me one quick shot before they let loose. I think it was worth it.


Amanda & Tyler, it was a pleasure to meet you both, hang for the day and make some fun images. I wish you the best!


Joel

Large indoor space with rows of stadium-style seating shown from multiple angles at an automotive venue.