This past sunday I had the honor of shooting an intimate surprise wedding at Chakra Restaurant in Paramus, NJ. Yes, you read that correctly- a surprise wedding! The guests were under the impression that they were coming to an engagement party, but they were surprised to find they had actually come to a wedding. I was thrilled to be a part of this unique and wonderful event. The guests were treated to a video that shared the couple’s life together, how they got engaged, and a welcome to the surprise wedding.

I was so moved by their love story that I wanted to share it with you guys:

Our story began in the summer of 2001 when we met on a social media website (migente.com). We got to know each other online and did not meet til that summer since he went to school in Buffalo and I went to school in Jersey. We planned our first date for the summer since he would be home from college and at that point we would only be 10 minutes away from each other. He lived in Washington Heights and I lived Edgewater. I was a little leary of hanging out with this New York city guy as I was a Jersey girl and wanted no parts of the city…lol. Our first date was ok…I crossed the bridge to the city to pick him up and with $40 in his pocket, we headed to the South Street Seaport. We talked a lot about life, had some dinner at the food court and hung out for the rest of the night. The night ended without a kiss and we did not see each other again. We spoke over IM throughout the years, but nothing ever happened as I was in a relationship and he was busy being a playboy…lol. Fast forward to 2010…I was a single mother left with a 2 year old and a broken spirit. The only person who understood my feelings and thoughts was a non-verbal two year old. I would speak to my son and he felt my sadness, but nothing compares to having someone that really connects with you emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. Anthony came back into my life at that precise moment that I needed him to. I really do believe that God send him to me to save me and my son. We reconnected once again on social media (Facebook)…and have been inseperable ever since. He gave me life, true friendship, intimacy and love. He helped me with my son and he made me a happier woman. We grew stronger together, we encouraged each other to be better and strive for more, we offer each other friendship first and foremost, and a strong unconditional love that I know for a fact, will never be broken. He is an awesome father to my 6 year old and will be an amazing father to our unborn child. These past 3 1/2 years have been amazing and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together and I’m excited for what is to come!

Jane & Anthony