You’ve probably been planning this day for a while—maybe even years. You picked the dress, booked the venue, figured out the music, the food, everything. But when the day actually comes, what you really want is to be in it. To feel present. To actually enjoy it without being pulled in a hundred directions.

That’s where I come in.

I’m Alex Kaplan. I’ve been photographing weddings in New Jersey, NYC, and beyond for over 30 years. But honestly, the gear and experience don’t matter as much as this: I know how to keep things calm, easy, and real—so you look like you in every photo. Not stiff. Not overly posed. Just confident, comfortable, and present.

This guide will walk you through exactly what it’s like to work with me—before, during, and after the wedding. No surprises, no stress.

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A Personal Welcome

First off, thanks for being here. Whether you’re just starting to plan your wedding or you’ve already booked me—welcome. I know photography can feel like a big unknown, and my job is to take that pressure off your plate.

You’ll know exactly what to expect, and more importantly, you’ll feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. I’ll guide you through every step so the experience feels easy and natural—and the photos actually feel like you.

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Your Wedding Photography Experience, Step by Step

Here’s what working with me usually looks like from start to finish:

1. Inquiry & Quick Consult

We hop on a call (or Zoom) to go over your plans, talk through what you’re looking for, and make sure we’re a good fit.

2. Booking & Planning

Once you’re ready, we handle the contract and retainer. I’ll help build a custom timeline that fits your day—and make sure we carve out time for the photos that matter most to you.

3. Engagement Session (optional but highly recommended)

This is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding. It’s relaxed, low-pressure, and actually kind of fun. Plus, you’ll walk away with some great photos for invites or your wedding website.

4. Final Prep Call

A few weeks before the big day, we’ll go over logistics, family photo lists, and any emotional moments you want me to look out for.

5. Wedding Day

I show up early, fully prepped, and ready to go. You get to enjoy your day while I handle the moments, the light, the timing, and everything else.

6. Sneak Peeks in 2–3 Days

I send you a preview gallery within 48–72 hours—so you’re not waiting weeks to relive your day.

7. Album Reveal Session

We hop on a Zoom call to design your first family heirloom. I’ll walk you through the options and help tell the full story of your day.

8. Final Delivery

You’ll receive your full gallery, downloadable files, album upgrades, and any other products you’ve chosen. Everything will be delivered clean, fast, and beautifully presented.

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Before the Wedding: Calm Prep, Not Overwhelm

Most of my couples start by telling me the same thing:

“We’re so awkward in front of the camera.”
“I just want to feel relaxed, not overly posed.”
“I don’t want to worry about the timeline.”

I get it. And that’s exactly why we walk through everything ahead of time—so when the day comes, you can stop thinking and just enjoy it.

During our consult, we don’t just go over logistics. We talk about how you want to feel throughout the day—and what matters most to you.

Together, we:

• Build a photo timeline that works around your ceremony, lighting, and real moments
• Go over family groupings so there’s no stress or confusion on the day
• Scout the best locations at your venue for soft, natural lighting
• Talk about emotional anchors—like the one photo you have to have

If you choose to add an engagement session (which I always recommend), it’s not just a practice run. It’s a chance for us to connect, for you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and for you to walk into your wedding day already trusting the process.

You’re not just hiring someone to show up with a camera. You’re hiring a calm, experienced guide who’s going to make sure you feel good and look good—without the stress.

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On the Wedding Day: Calm Direction, Real Emotion

I show up early and prepared. My goal? To blend in, give gentle direction when needed, and capture the moments that actually matter.

Here’s how it flows:

• I guide you and your partner with calm, natural cues
• Posing never feels forced—it feels like you being you
• I capture the in-between moments: the laughter, the nerves, the quiet joy
• Family portraits are done quickly and efficiently—no chaos, no stress

Weather shifts? Timeline delays? I’ve seen it all. My job is to adapt without making you feel rushed or thrown off. Your wedding isn’t a photoshoot—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And the photography should enhance it, not interrupt it.

You don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands or how to smile. I walk you through it all. Most of my couples say things like, “I didn’t even realize you were taking that shot!”—and that’s exactly the point. Real memories, captured naturally, without disruption.

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After the Wedding: Sneak Peeks & Emotional Album Reveal

Within 2–3 days, you’ll receive a sneak peek gallery. These aren’t just random photos—they’re handpicked to tell the emotional story of your day. Most couples say they tear up seeing them.

But the part people don’t always expect? The album reveal session.

We’ll schedule a live Zoom call where I walk you through a custom-designed layout of your wedding album. It’s set to music and built to feel like reliving the day all over again. And yes—you’ll have the chance to upgrade your album, but it’s never a sales pitch. It’s because these images deserve to live beyond a screen.

These albums become your first family heirloom. Something you flip through on anniversaries, share with your kids someday, maybe even grandkids.

Each album starts with a clean, thoughtful design—but we personalize every page together. You can choose:

• Cover materials
• Debossing or engraving
• Parent albums
• Framed wall art

It’s not just a collection of images. It’s your story—beautifully told and preserved.

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What Sets Me Apart

There are plenty of talented photographers in the NY/NJ area. But what I consistently hear from my couples is that this experience just feels different. It’s not just about getting great photos—it’s about how you feel in the process of getting them.

Here’s what makes that happen:

Calm, Confident Guidance

Whether you’re camera-shy or just feeling overwhelmed, I know how to step in with subtle direction that helps you relax. No awkward posing—just small cues that bring out your natural chemistry.

Fast, Reliable Delivery

You’ll get sneak peeks in 2–3 days and your full gallery on time. No chasing. No delays.

Experience You Can Feel

After 30+ years of photographing weddings, I’ve learned how to pivot in any situation without adding stress. I’ve got backup plans for lighting, timing, and everything in between.

Real Connection

I ask questions that help me understand who you are—not just what shots you want. The result? Photos that look like you, feel like you, and bring you right back to the moment.

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What Clients Say

“We felt so taken care of. It was like having a friend with a camera who knew exactly what to do.”
— Jennifer Dorian

I’m grateful that so many couples have shared their experience working with me. If you’d like to hear what others have said, you can read real client reviews here:

What couples say about working with me

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What if it rains on our wedding day?

Rain doesn’t ruin the day—it just shifts the plan. I always have a solid backup ready. Before your wedding, I scout covered areas at or near your venue, and I bring professional lighting equipment so we can still get clean, beautiful photos regardless of the weather.

Some of the most romantic images I’ve ever taken have been in the rain. Whether it’s a kiss under an umbrella or soft light filtering through clouds, we’ll make it work—and make it stunning.

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Do we need to provide a shot list?

For family portraits? Yes—please. I’ll help you put together a short, efficient list so we don’t miss anyone important and can move through those groupings smoothly.

But beyond that? Not really.

My best work comes from observing and documenting what’s actually happening. You don’t need to worry about Pinterest boards or directing the day. I’ll capture the emotions, the details, and the in-between moments as they naturally unfold.

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How long does it take to get our full wedding gallery?

I aim to deliver full galleries within 3–4 weeks—sometimes sooner depending on the time of year. I believe in a fast turnaround that doesn’t sacrifice quality. While you’re still basking in the newlywed glow, your gallery will arrive beautifully edited and ready to relive your day.

You’ll also get a sneak peek within 2–3 days, so you have something to enjoy right away (and share with family and friends!).

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Can we customize our package later?

Absolutely. Most couples end up adding things like:

• An engagement session
• Extra coverage hours
• Albums or framed prints
• Second photographer
• Video coverage

You don’t have to decide everything up front. As your wedding plans evolve, we’ll adjust the coverage to match what’s most important to you.

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How do we stay in touch during the process?

You can reach me anytime by email or phone—I respond quickly and clearly.

You’ll also hear from me at key points throughout the journey:

• Right after booking (welcome + planning info)
• Before the engagement session (if applicable)
• A month before the wedding (timeline check-in)
• The week of the wedding (final prep call)
• 2–3 days after the wedding (sneak peeks!)
• When your full gallery and album design are ready

I don’t ghost you. You’ll always know what’s next, and you’ll never feel like you’re chasing updates.

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Final Thoughts: This Is More Than Photos

If you’re planning a wedding, I want to leave you with this:

You want to remember how the day felt. Not just how it looked.

That’s why this is more than a photo shoot. When you work with me, you’re getting an experience built on:

• Trust — so you can let go and enjoy the day
• Calm, confident direction — so you never feel awkward or lost
• Expert timing — so you don’t miss the moments that matter
• Emotional memory — so your photos feel like you

And that’s the difference between just having pictures—and having a story you can feel for the rest of your life.

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Ready to Connect?

If this sounds like the experience you want, I’d love to hear more about your plans.

Reach out here to get started
Or call/text me directly: 917-992-9097

Let’s make something timeless together.

Book a Consult →

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P.S. One year after your wedding, you may hear from me again—with a little anniversary message and a few tips to keep your album looking its best. I love staying in touch and seeing how your story continues.