I love Melina and Andrew’s engagement session. The two couldn’t hide how much they love one another even if they tried, and inspire of the cold weather their session was fun and utterly romantic : ) They wanted to make sure Jack, their adorable puggle, was a part of their photos since he is their first baby! He’s so freakin’ cute who could resist?

Their Story:

Melina and Andrew were smitten with one another from the day they met. It took a few colleagues attempting to set them up and a little courage before Andrew finally asked Melina out, but here they are having just celebrated 3 years together. This day was coming, and Melina knew it… it was just a matter of when. The day that Andrew proposed was such an emotional day in Melina’s life for many reasons.  Melina was graduating with her MBA, and this was the perfect day for surprises and celebration. Andrew had picked out a beautiful Pandora charm bracelet with a graduation hat, a little puppy resembling Jack, and something sparkly to give the morning of Melina’s graduation. He knew she would never expect another gift that day. This was also the 6th anniversary of her father’s passing. A day that ever since the couple starting dating Andrew has made it a point for them to do something to celebrate life instead of mourning the loss. Over dinner that night, in front of both of their families, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed. As Melina put it, “It was the perfect culmination and celebration of life and love”.

I am very excited for Melina and Andrew’s July 21st wedding at David’s Country Inn in Hackettstown, NJ. It’s going to be simply beautiful!
]]> http://brandigroomsphotography.com/blog/engagement-melina-andrew/feed/ 0 http://brandigroomsphotography.com/blog/engagement-caitlin-matthew/ http://brandigroomsphotography.com/blog/engagement-caitlin-matthew/#comments Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:00:22 +0000 Brandi Grooms Johnson http://brandigroomsphotography.com/blog/?p=1719 NOTE: the images in this feed have been downsized or removed for copyright reasons. To see them in their unmodified state, please view the original post by clicking here.

I had so much fun with Caitlin, Matt and Tyson photographing their engagement session. We went to a beautiful little park near Caitlin’s hometown of Green Brook, NJ. It was perfect with the just turning Fall foliage.

The Proposal:

Matt had been insisting for years that he would never propose on a holiday or Caitlin’s birthday, because he thought it would take away from the proposal. Christmas was right around the corner, and trying to save money to move in together, Caitlin and Matt had decided that they would limit their gift budget to $50 each.  Matt had told Caitlin that he wasn’t going to be able to attend church with her and her family, because he had to put together her Christmas gift. She couldn’t fathom what could possibly need to be constructed. When she returned from church there was a huge wrapped box in her room. Matt insisted on helping her open it, taking the opportunity to get on one knee while she was distracted. He had filled the box with blankets and pillows, and Caitlin’s engagement ring was sitting on top.

Caitlin and Matt will be getting married this September at The Imperia in Somerset. I can’t wait to share their wedding photos with you too : )

Creating floral designs that go beyond the traditional, D’Lu‘s work is elegant, inventive and distinctive.

Deb Stasi, former owner of Through the Garden Gate in Red Bank and Lucy Moran, former owner of The Garden Shoppe in Old Bridge have combined flower design experience of over 20 years and established D’Lu Floral Impressions.

There is more to come of D’Lu’s work in the next few weeks. I’ve been working with them over the past year, capturing some of the remarkable designs they have created for clients, from brides to Riverview Medical Center.

Keep an eye out for more inspiring designs!

I love the subtle nautical inspired elements such as the rope and the boat shaped arrangement bowl. These elements paired with such delicate looking flowers and shells creates an elegant and sophisticated look.

One of the reasons I love what I do is because of the people I meet and the relationships that grow and are cultivated through our experiences together. This is one of those amazing experiences that I am so proud and honored to be a part of. Chelsea and Shane were married this past year and have now welcomed into the world their newest family member, Mia Catherine. Congratulations!

Chelsea has been a returning client of mine starting with her boudoir session, then the joy of capturing her and Shane”s wedding, followed the images you see below from their Belly Love session. I can’t wait to meet little Miss Mia Catherine, and photograph the whole family!

Joy & Cake!

I can’t think of a better name for a place that brings so many smiles. In December, Elyse Rosati opened Joy & Cake in Atlantic Highlands. Her custom cakes, cookies and cupcakes offer something more beautiful, unique, and creative than the traditional.

I am constantly amazed by what she can produce from a client’s vision or inspirational snip it . Herbs, spices and flowers give Joy & Cake’s delectable delicacies a touch of magic in every bite. Her confectionary masterpieces truly are works of art, from elegant wedding cakes to whimsically themed groom’s cakes and children’s birthday cupcakes.

I haven’t posted in quite a while… the holidays get pretty crazy for BGP. So, my next few posts, both here and on my new Boudoir Blog, will be highlights of 2011 work that didn’t quite make it on the blog yet : )

The week of Thanksgiving I had the opportunity to help out a great cause. Sweetest Sin and Sugarush hosted a wonderful event, Go Naked & Check Yourself, along with Teak in Red Bank. Raising money for the awareness of detectable cancers, such as breast, testicular and skin cancer, 100% of the door, raffle and auction sales went to The American Cancer Society. The event raised $8,405.00… Unbelievable!

The night was filled with music by This is it Entertainment, fabulous raffle and silent auction items from local Red Bank shops, restaurants, salons and photography studios ;-P  Even the owner of Bikini Barbers raffled himself off (for a date, of course). Models strutted around in Sweetest Sin‘s sexy lingerie selling raffle tickets, and stylists from Bikini Barbers helped pass delicious hors d’oeuvres by Teak and scrumptious cupcakes by Sugarush.

The event was such a success. I know next year’s event will be even better… I can’t wait!

It’s Officially Here!

Starting at 12 am November, 25th use promo code:     BlackFriday

** Please note: promo code is case sensitive

All 2010 & 2011 event, portrait & boudoir galleries have been re-released or extended until December 31st. In addition, we have a great holiday sale for you! Our 1 day only Black Friday Sale is a once a year event that you don’t want to miss.

Happy Savings & Holidays!

Please Note: The studio will be closed November 24th through November 27th. All orders are a final sale. Refunds and exchanges are not eligible on sale orders.

Orders placed before November 25th, 12:00am and after November 25th, 11:59pm are not eligible for the Black Friday discount.

I am so excited for the Go Naked & Check Yourself event this Sunday at Teak with Sweetest Sin Boutique & Sugarush! Contact Sweetest Sin or Sugarush for tickets… come out to support a great cause (awareness for detectable cancers:Breast, Testicular, & Skin) and go home with some fantastic gifts from fabulous Red Bank business!

Together with Salon J•Elle of Metairie, LA, Brandi Grooms Photography brings her Boudoir Marathons to New Orleans!

An elegant French Quarter hotel, an awesome team of stylists, a rockin’ photographer and the beautiful YOU = SEXY!!

Don’t wait, spaces are limited… Book Now! ~ 732.889.4790

My Fall Boudoir Marathon 2011 was all about the details…. Bridal details!  Weather it was their first session or a Petite follow-up, each client chose to showcase all of their bridal accessories. I am such a sucker for birdcage veils, great lingerie, and a sassy pair of heels!

Didn’t have the time or budget to squeeze in your session before your big day? Anniversaries are the perfect time to give the gift of you all over again! It doesn’t matter if it’s your first, 5th, or 25th… Boudoir photos say everything without saying anything at all : )

Get inspired:

I love props… Masks, a sassy pair of heels, jewelry, feathers, you name it! Get creative with your boudoir session. Have multiple looks or run with a theme, such as Paris, Masquerade, Pin-up, Satin & Lace, Leather & Lace, Naughty & Nice, Bridal Boudoir, Biker Chic, An all outdoor session, Summer, Fall, Vintage, etc… You get the idea!

I had so much fun with Rob, Allison, Matthew and Ashley! Allison was the winner of one of my Petite Sessions from the Michael’s Feat fundraiser event put on by M Box Events in June. We decided that Sandy Hook was the perfect location for their beach session. I loved it when Ashley danced and Matthew showed me his tough guy face.

In spite of the grey skies and the on again-off again rain, I am so glad we didn’t reschedule. We never would have experienced the most amazing rainbow I have ever seen. It had the most vivd colors, a full arch and made for a great background.

 Chelsea & Shane…. married!

More to come soon : )

Voted the “Best Shop” by Best of Intima 2011, Sweetest Sin has a lot to celebrate! With over 350 lingerie stores reviewed in the United States and Canada, and 165 nominees, Sweetest Sin was one of the 29 finalists. This past week Sweetest Sin also celebrated it’s 2 year anniversary, and the recent launch of a brand new website.

Between the Sheets designer, Layla L’obatte came from New York to celebrate with Angie, and showcase her gorgeous line of intimates and loungewear. I can’t wait to do a photo shoot with her collection… LOVE it!

 Complete with door gifts, a corset Cupcake cake from Sugarush, her award in hand, A little bubbly, and fabulous lingerie, Sweetest Sin’s birthday bash was a blast!

Happy Birthday Sweetest Sin!

Witty, smart, goofy, sexy, fun, talented, daring, trend-setting and much, much more… Mallory is one of those girls I would call “The total package”!

Mallory has been my personal hairstylist for the past five years, and with me professionally as one of my boudoir stylists for the past four a half years.

Mallory is a wealth of knowledge about hair care, styling techniques, tips and tricks, as well as heath and environmentally conscience hair care products (and holistic remedies… I learn a lot from her).

“I want to be a part of a salon that is constantly striving to be the best, work at our craft and be inspirational in our industry and to others”, Mallory says.

You can find Mallory back at Salon Concrete as an educational inspiration and hair designer as of this week.

Meet Jamie & Mark…

 …newly engaged, and planning their February 16th,  2013 Wedding.

It may have been the hottest day of the year, but it was worth it. You can’t even tell we were sweating buckets, haha. Jamie’s parents’ backyard in East Brunswick was the perfect location., casual, lush with greenery with a waterfront view.

What a catch!

More to come of Jamie & Mark’s Wedding in 2013 : )

Roxanne…Simply gorgeous!

Fashion-forward and  edgy,”Every strand counts” at Salon Concrete!

Dedicated to providing an extraordinary experience, Salon Concrete and its phenomenal team of stylists and colorists let no detail escape them. Team concrete is not only passionate about hair and the creative process, but the client experience as a whole.

One thing I love about the Red Bank, NJ salon is that the atmosphere is sophisticated yet unpretentious. What makes Salon Concrete stand out among other salons?… Education! Christine Zilinski, the owner, has made training and education the core of building and maintaining such a talented team of stylists and colorists.

Out of a great respect for the environment and their clients, Salon Concrete pays special attention to the impact of a product, and proudly uses davines product for hair care.  davines uses natural ingredients, and only renewable energy resources. Both davines and Salon Concrete dare to do what they believe in, and rather than conforming to the mainstream they thrive on the freedom to develop concepts and products that are original, authentic and emotionally connect with people.

Thank you to Salon Concrete for awarding our lucky April Showers Giveaways winner, Lee Ann Mittler, the opportunity to explore the incredible potential of hair color with a free color service!

Don’t forget Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Brighten your mom’s day with a color service from Salon Concrete!

Ooh, la la, Frame to Please!

The only framers I trust to frame my clients’ art.

Megan and Mike founded Frame to Please 8 years ago. However, their framing expertise stems from 30+ years experience. A full service custom framing gallery, Frame to Please also specializes in custom mirrors, shadowboxes & sports jerseys. Recently with the move to their new location to The Galleria in Red Bank they have also evolved into a fine art gallery.

I am very excited to announce two earth friendly lines that they carry . The Michal Sparks’ line of recycled and repurposed handbags and artwork is made from recycled plastic bags. Along with the reclaimed, recycled, restored  theme, and one of my favorite lines, Frame to Please also carries the La Ville line of frames that are handmade and inspired from Southern architectural remains from hurricane Katrina. Stop in and check them out!

Beginning on Mother’s Day you can also find Frame to Please at the Red Bank Farmer’s Market every Sunday  through November. Stop by to pick up one of Megan’s original fruit crate labels.

Megan and Mike love to listen and customize their designs based upon the needs of the customer…. No job too big or too small, they Frame to Please : )

For those that are just being introduced to Carla Gizzi‘s wonderful vintage inspired, shabby chic jewelry and home decor products you are in for a treat.

Her Red Bank boutique, located in the antique district, is host to many events not only showcasing her fabulous offerings, but raising awareness and funds for many causes.

Join us at Carla’s Red Bank location on Thursday, May 5th. Pink Girls Night Out (or Pinco de Mayo, haha) is a breast cancer awareness event in conjunction with Red Bank’s Paint the Town Pink ~ Pink Bank.

Last year I announced in a post that Carla Gizzi was opening a 2nd boutique, Carla Gizzi at the beach, at Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ. This year I am excited to announce that she is now expanding her AP boutique. Don’t worry, while construction is under way the AP boutique remains open : )

One  lucky April Showers winner will walk away with a gift certificate to shop at any of the Carla Gizzi boutiques. Check the BGP facebook page for winner announcements.

Stay tuned for more giveaways throughout the month of April. For a chance to win one of fantastic giveaways check out our April Showers blog post for details.