Janelle & Franklin // Morristown, New Jersey

Are you ready for an epic love story? Janelle and Frank met while enrolled at Drew University, less than two miles down the road from where they got married. Both passionate political science majors, they had several mutual friends as “senators” in their student government. They didn’t really get to know each other until they ran on opposing tickets for the spring Student Government presidential/vice presidential election where they shared the stage (as opposing counsel) and knocked on doors around campus encouraging voter turnout. They admired each other from afar but kept it professional. Fortunately, they eventually confessed their crushes to the same mutual friend who spilled the beans! From there, Frank asked Janelle to grab a bite to eat after the next student government meeting. The conversation was effortless, the connection was obvious, and they were separable for the rest of the semester. It was then they began their “movie and wine night” traditions that continue in their relationship even now.

Kind Words from Janelle & Franklin

I mean… just look at my photos. They speak for themselves. When considering our wedding photographer options, it was very important to us to have incredible, timeless photos that we would cherish forever. Lizzie delivered. She is an incredible photographer and - if possible - an even nicer person. She is a gem. Hire her. In all seriousness, we are absolutely thrilled not only with our resulting photos, but also with our experience in working with Lizzie. She is professional, responsive, patient, kind and FAST (we got our sneak peak preview photos the day after our wedding!). All of our photos are gorgeous and timeless. She captured everything we asked for, and also knew exactly how to capture all of the little special moments that we didn't even know to ask for. We cannot thank Lizzie enough for how wonderful our experience has been, and for the photos that will grace our walls for decades!

Choosing The Madison Hotel Wedding Venue

The hunt for the perfect venue is not always enjoyable (unfortunately), and that was certainly the case for Janelle and Frank. They couldn’t find a venue that matched their wish list and felt “quite right”. Finally, they remembered The Madison Hotel and reflected fondly on how they always admired the Madison Hotel during their time at Drew University. They toured that weekend and booked immediately. It ended up being the most extraordinary setting for their wedding day.

Outdoor Wedding Portraits at the Madison Hotel

When Janelle and Frank were both ready, I set them up for a cheerful and intimate first look moment outside on the grounds of the Madison Hotel. Janelle and Frank wanted timeless portraits they could hang on their wall, with some genuine natural candids in the mix. I was happy to deliver. I already knew these two were so much fun in front of the camera from their engagement photos in Central Park so we were able to dive in and make the most of all the breathtaking Madison Hotel backdrops. Plus - it was nice to see their sweet dog Teddy again (her made an appearance during their engagement photos as well). How handsome is he in his puppy tuxedo?!

Gorgeous Wedding Ceremony at the Conservatory

The Conservatory at the Madison Hotel is absolutely iconic, and for good reason. Adorned with an abundance of white florals and greenery, the stage was set for Janelle and Frank to make it official. When I spoke with them before their wedding day, they mentioned just how excited they were to start the next chapter of marriage. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting for this next chapter to begin.

Luxury Reception at the Madison Hotel

Understated glamour is what you can expect at the Madison Hotel, and boy did they sure deliver. The lighting was soft and romantic between the candles and chandeliers. There was such a joy in the room it’s almost hard to put it into words (but that is one of the reasons photos are so important, isn’t it?). Their wedding reception truly flowed effortlessly into the evening and I couldn’t have been more honored to be their capturing all of the joy and genuine moments.

College Sweethearts to Husband & Wife

Finishing off the evening, I had to capture the two of them with a Drew Rangers flag. After 12 years of fond memories with one another, these two have grown with each other and shared so many milestones. It was an incredibly special thing to witness it all come together. They now live in Hoboken and enjoy live music, dining out at their favorite restaurants, making it their mission to watch all of that year’s Oscar-nominated films, planning trips to Napa, talking politics, bringing true crime and trash reality TV, and course - cuddling with their sweet dog Teddy. Does that not sound like the perfect marriage?

Congratulations Janelle & Franklin! Your wedding day was filled with lots of love and dance moves. I loved celebrating you!