Hi all! Thanks so much for taking the time to find more of my favorite moments/photos/events of 2018. This past year was one of our busiest seasons to date. Although we are only featuring a few examples of our favs, the year was packed with gorgeous weddings, awesome couples, and exciting moments. I could go on and on about each, but we have to limit it somewhere, haha. The KJAD crew is letting me have 15 instead of just 10… so consider the extra 5 a little bonus. So, here are a few of my favorites out of the 120,000 plus photos we captured this year. Enjoy!

1.) NICHOLETTE AND JUSTIN – MARIAH AND RYAN

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I began and ended my year celebrating New Year’s Eve with hundreds of wonderfully happy people. New Years has always been the way to commemorate a new beginning, some place to start anew. Weddings in general are that, too. So, what better way to celebrate your wedding than to countdown to your new beginning with your closest friends and family? We can’t think of anything better.


“This is the start of something good, don’t you agree?”

Click here to see more from Nicholette and Justin’s wedding,

and here for Mariah and Ryan’s big day.

2.) ELLEN AND DONNIE

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So yeah… they had a SECOND LINE BAND AT THE END OF THEIR WEDDING THAT DANCED THEM OUT OF THE SCRANTON CULTURAL CENTER, DOWN THE CLOSED STREETS OF DOWNTOWN SCRANTON, AND RIGHT INTO THE AFTER PARTY HELD AT THE BACKYARD ALEHOUSE!!! That was me yelling… ’cause it was that cool. Everyone needs one. They won’t mind if you all copy their idea.

Click here to see more shots from this wedding!

3.) ELISA AND ALEXANDER

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Their first look was one that I’ll remember forever. I won’t get into the emotional side of it (I’m sure someone else will hit on that incredible experience), but my favorite part was Elisa’s long walk down the steps and across the flagstone walkway of the timeless, historic Skytop Lodge. To me it felt like she was in slow motion – maybe because of her epic dress or the gorgeous setting. Or, maybe because I was just as nervous/excited as they were. I’m not quite sure how to describe this unforgettable moment, but our videographer, Stephen, captured it exactly the way I remember it. Check it out here.

Want to see more from this wedding? Click here!

4.) ALLYSON, MATT, AND STELLA – RYANN, COULTER, AND EVELYN

I just love it when we get to see our past brides and grooms, especially when we get to do it from behind the camera… oh, and especially when we get to meet their newest additions to their family. We spend so much time getting to know our clients before their wedding day – during meetings, phone calls, and engagement shoots – that when we get to their wedding, they already feel like they are family. Then, once we spend the bulk of one of the most important days with them, we are definitely much much closer. It’s important to all of us at KJAD that no matter who we are taking photos or video of, they are comfortable with us being there… they may not like their photo being taken, but we tread lightly and carry big cameras. We absolutely want your experience to be whatever you hope it will be (but have it include us… and our cameras). So, to get to the reason why these photos were on my top 10 of 2018, it’s just because it was so nice getting to see everyone again… so thank you.

5.) KIM AND JOE.. AND LIAM, TOO

This one really gets me. Nothing compares to being a parent. I now realize what my parents meant all this time. Kim and Joe’s wedding was filled with beautiful details, (Kim’s shoes, dress, invitations, jewelry, and killer rings) wonderful people (especially my bubble blowing gentlemen), and even better (dare I say the word) moments. If you know me, you’ll know that I feel the word “moments” is totally overused in this industry. It mostly gets under my skin when it’s used to describe a forced or preconceived event. In this case, though, I feel it’s the only word I can use to show the weight and importance of a stand-out moment of sincere love and happiness. Before I tell you more about Liam, check out some photos from their wedding.

Cue Liam, Joe’s son. He completely changed how I look at weddings. Liam, also one of Joe’s best men, was right there in all of the important-best-man-spots throughout the day. He helped with the rings, spoke at the reception, posed properly for all of his best man photos, had a few laughs with dad, gave Kim the biggest hugs, and helped make the day full of wonderful little Liam moments. Everything we do at weddings is about family. It always has been and now, after this little fella, always will be.

For more from this wedding, click here!

6.) JACKI AND KEVIN

I’m one of the few people who loves to take photos of my friends’ weddings. As a photographer, I have a front row seat and get to see the entire day play out through my camera. I’ve known Jacki and Kevin for quite some time now, so it was absolutely the best when they asked KJAD to be a part of their wedding. For their engagement session, we ran around our hometown of Wilkes-Barre, and for their wedding we got the opportunity to shoot at the 900 Rutter Ave building – an eclectic, mural-covered warehouse filled with great local businesses. Each location allowed us to try some new things with our cameras – low light detail photos (that ring though!!), lifestyle engagement pics, epic pans and even tilt-shift portraits. I can’t pick just one of my favorite backdrops… so here are a few! P.S. don’t tell anyone, but KEVIN IS A SUPERHERO… just sayin’.

Want to see more? Click here!!

7.) ALLIE AND ANTHONY

Rice was one of the determining factors of Allie’s venue decision. No one ever gets to throw rice, no one ever rides off into the sunset after the wedding ceremony like they do in the movies with tin cans clanging around from the back of their vehicle. Well, Allie and Anthony actually had both at the historic Omni Springs Bedford!  Another great moment from Allie and Anthony’s wedding was their amazing ring ceremony. Their rings were threaded on a continuous string and passed around to every guest so they could pray, bless, and send best wishes to the couple while holding the wedding bands. I couldn’t get over how great this idea was, so I needed to find a way to leave my mark on the rings. I found the two guests where the string crossed the aisle and asked them to hold it taught for me so I could capture this meaningful shot for the couple.

See more by clicking here!

8.) MARY KATE AND JOHN

Getting to do a lake-front engagement session is amazing, especially during sunset at a meaningful place that holds years of laughter and fun memories for the couple. During this session, I wanted to showcase both the gorgeous sunset and their family’s boathouse. Mary Kate and John bounced all over inside and out with me to find that perfect balance. Two shots really stand out to me. One was taken from the opposite side of the home, through glass, and involved me hanging off the edge of the dock to frame them in silhouette against the evening sky. The other was taken when we made our way inside and incorporated the interior of the house with the night sky (made possible by some off-camera flash kung fu – thanks Miranda!).

9.) CAILA AND ROBERT

So, I’m not one to edit photos in a trendy way (don’t get me started on this subject – it’s a long, heated conversation that usually goes well with a beer or two). Anyway, I love that KJAD’s photos are true to life, colorful, crisp, clean, and timeless. In many ways, this photo of Caila and Robert is the exception. A HUGE trend in photography over the past few years has been to “fade” the blacks and whites. Lowering the white point and raising the black point in the tone curve creates a dusty, low contrast image. It’s super-noticeable in black and white photos. I chose to use this technique to blend the white sky into the glass and interior of Tavern on the Green, making a more cohesive image with less visual distraction. So, does it fit a photography trend? Yes. Does it serve the photo? Absolutely. In fact, we were thrilled when Tavern on the Green shared this photo on their social media network a few weeks ago. Special thanks to Caila and Robert for suggesting such a great location in Central Park.

10.) AMANDA AND SHAUN

Longwood Gardens’ majestic fountain display was one of the backdrops from Amanda and Shaun’s engagement session. We chose to do an evening shoot so we could end the session with the lit up fountain show. At one point during fountain portion of the shoot, I stopped to glance behind me to see if I was in anyone’s way. Turns out, I was standing in front of hundreds of people… not that I’m that tall, but I imagine I was a bit of a distraction to say the least. I mentally apologized, quickly got over it, and went back to capturing some of our favorite photos from this session.

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11.) ALYSSA AND ALEX

I just love these two. No one has more fun than Alyssa and Alex. I feel like I could put any photo of these two in this blog and it would have a great story to match. Thanks for an amazing beach engagement session and for a touching, heartfelt, laughter-filled, and joyous wedding day! Cheers you two!

Click here to see more from this day!

12.) GERALYN AND LEE

We love getting the chance to capture stunning evening photos. In Geralyn and Lee’s case, we tried something a little different. I could go on about the technical side of it, but I think it’s just better to say that the shot of Geralyn and Lee with the full sky behind them may be my favorite photo of 2018. Yay! But seriously, I can’t think of any part of the day that didn’t produce something amazing. We recently updated our studio walls and portfolio, so look out for quite a few photos from their day. They had such a beautiful wedding, and were such a wonderful couple to spend the day with.

Check out more from their day by clicking here!

13.) ELLEN AND DONNIE

I love bride prep. It might be my favorite part of the day. I always love getting to capture a beautiful portrait of the bride before hair and make-up are complete. Ellen’s before and after prep photos are a perfect example of just that. Can you guess which one is which? I can barely notice, and I was there!

14.) JULIANNA AND CODY

Look who caught me taking this candid of Julianna. Her pup was dressed to impress and ready to roll.

See more of this day by clicking here!

15.) RING, RING, RING

I love my ring shots.. just sayin’. I also love my Canon 100mm macro 2.8 lens of goodness. Here are few of my favorites.
“ring-a-ding-ding-ding-dong … keep their heads ringin'”

Counting down to the New Year is always filled with so much energy and excitement. Counting down to the New Year at a wedding multiplies that excitement times a million. Counting down to the New Year at Mariah and Ryan’s classy winter wedding put that excitement through the roof! Woo! Unlike the couple’s sunny, snowy engagement session, there was no white stuff on the ground for their big day. There was, however, the chilliest rain that helped us capture some incredible shots of the newlyweds outside of Scranton Prep, the high school where they first met! Oh!.. Let’s not forget about the coolest celebrity appearance.. Dillon got to play the most important role of Dog of Honor!! We hope you enjoy this look into Mariah and Ryan’s best day ever!! Congrats to the newlyweds!!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steve and Lisa

VENDORS:

Ceremony Site: Saint Patrick’s

Reception Venue: Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel

Dress: Pronovias

Bridesmaid Dresses: Dress Lounge

Tuxes/ Suits: Sarno and Sons

Flowers: Tomlisons Floral

Officiant: Father Fox

Lighting/ Entertainment/ Photo Booth: 570 Events and Joe Burke

Catering: Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel

Cake: Lynn Sandy

Decor: DIY

Invitations: Somersault Letter Press

Sarah, Peter, The Radisson Lackawanna Station, and all of the feels. There wasn’t a face not beaming, laughing, or crying at the start of Sarah and Peter’s ceremony that was officiated by Sarah’s own uncle. We love seeing family members perform wedding ceremonies; it always makes for such a personalized and special wedding. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into their big day!!

To check out Sarah and Greg’s feature in Tacari Weddings, click here!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steve and Amanda

VENDORS:

Ceremony/ Reception Venue: The Radisson Lackawanna Station

Salon: Lavish Body and Home

Dress: The Dress Lounge

Tuxes/ Suits: Sarno and Son

Shoes: Betsey Johnson

Jewelry: Olive and Piper

Flowers: House of Flowers

Officiant: Greg Wagner, Sarah’s uncle

Lighting/ Entertainment: I Do DJ Services

Coordinator: Amanda Depierro of The Radisson

Dessert Table: Mrs. D’s

Invitations: Knot Just Any Day, YAY!

Jacki and Kevin’s Wedding!! MEGA YAAAYYY!! We were counting down the days to their wedding even before we got to hang out for their amazing engagement session. The happy couple celebrated their special day at NEPA’s newest wedding venue; The Room at 900 in Forty Fort. The venue is also the newest addition to the wonderfully whimsical 900 Rutter Ave. building which is the perfect setting to capture the coolest photos. Aside from being blown away by both Jacki’s gorgeous dress by Anne Barge and Kevin’s super sweet reaction during their first look, we were so incredibly excited to see photos from their engagement session displayed on the venue’s massive video wall. We wish the newlyweds all the best!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: STEVE AND MIKE

VENDORS:

Ceremony/ Reception Venue: The Room at 900

Dress: Anne Barge at The Darling Dress

Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN

Tuxes/ Suits: Indochino Custom Suits

Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden

Groom’s Shoes: Cole Haan

Flowers/ Lighting/ Decor: MCR Design Group

Officiant: Judge Joe Cosgrove

Coordinator: Amanda Kornak of MCR Designs

Entertainment: DJ Hersh of BeatTeks

Catering: Grico’s

Cake: Bakery Delight

Invitations: Zazzle

2018; the year that it rained every single day.. or at least it seemed that way. However, we didn’t let that stop us, especially for HanaRae and Brad’s wedding. Besides, rain is good luck on your big day. We cannot get over Hanarae’s adorable shoes by TOMS or the epic umbrellas that the wedding party was equipped with. We celebrated at the Irem Clubhouse, and while we were able to sneak a few photos outside, the rain helped us scope out some sweet nooks and crannies inside with the coolest wallpaper. Congrats to the newlyweds!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Amanda and Mike

VENDORS:

Ceremony Site: St. Ignatius

Reception Venue: Irem Clubhouse

Dress: Christina Wu from The Dress Lounge

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Tuxes/ Suits: Men’s Wearhouse

Shoes: Toms

Flowers: A&M Florals

Officiant: Reverend Joseph Mosley

Coordinators: Ashley Cozza

Entertainment: DJ Mike Walton

Transportation: Luxury Limo

Catering/ Cake: Irem Clubhouse

Yay, Kristyn and Gary! They decided to celebrate their wedding day at Constantino’s gorgeous venue, but not without making a pit stop at the Electric City Trolley Museum first for some shots of the wedding party! Woop, woop! Or should we say, Clang, clang!?! From Kristyn’s epic ride to the ceremony and the bridal party’s bouquets of roses to most adorable ring security, we absolutely love every detail from the couple’s special day. We hope you do, too!!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steve and Matt

VENDORS:

Ceremony Site: Clarks Green Assembly of God

Reception Venue: Constantino’s

Dress: Exclusively You

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azzazie

Tuxes/ Suits: Sarno and Son

Flowers: Cathy Gliniecki

Officiant: Pastor Dan Miller

Transportation: Northeast Transit

Catering: Constantino’s

 Geralyn and Lee had the most romantic, October wedding day without any rain!! We were ecstatic to be able to find some breathtaking, sunlit nooks and crannies between the green on Fox Hill’s golf course. We think Geralyn was even more excited to be able to drive the golf cart though. What better way to show your love than by letting your bride steer the cart while you step on the gas!? From Geralyn’s sweet prep shots to the smile on Lee’s face after saying ‘I Do’, we just can’t stop reminiscing over their special day! You’ll see what we mean..

Cheers to the newlyweds!!

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PHOTOGRAPHERS: Steve and Amanda

VIDEOGRAPHERS: Stephen and Jimmy

VENDORS:

Ceremony Site: Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church

Reception Venue: Fox Hill Country Club

Salon: Sapphire

Dress: The Bridal Chateau

Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way

Tuxes/ Suits: Tara Tailoring and Custom Clothing

Shoes: Shoes of Prey

Jewelry: Oliver and Piper

Flowers: Floral Designs

Officiant: Father Jack Lambert

Lighting: Party Peeps

Entertainment: DJ Pat McGlynn of PM Audio Visual

Catering: Fox Hill Country Club

Cake: Electric City Bakehouse

Ain’t no party like a Haywood Party, ‘cuz everyone really knows how to break it down! Holy moly! After hanging out in Philadelphia with Maggie and Craig for their engagement shoot last year, we knew their wedding day was going to be epic, and epic it was!! Our favorite part of the day was getting to see these two amazing people tie the knot, hands down. However, it’s followed closely by everyone getting down with it on the dance floor at the newlyweds’ fun-filled Westmoreland Club reception! We still can’t get over Craig’s reaction to seeing Maggie walking down the aisle, nor do we ever want to. So sweet!! We hope you enjoy this peek into their big day! Congrats to the Haywood’s!!!

Check out their feature in Modern Weddings by clicking here,

and click here to check out their feature in Tacari Weddings!

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Amanda and Mike

VENDORS:

Ceremony Site: St. Leo’s Holy Rosary

Reception Venue: The Westmoreland Club

Dress: Mikaella

Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu

Tuxes/ Suits: Generation Tux

Flowers: Mary Clarke Holmgren

Coordinator: Shauna Strellish of The Westmoreland Club

Transportation: Finntastic Tours

Decor: MCR

Videographer: Molly Rupert