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Your wedding day should feel relaxed, joyful, and completely yours.

I’m Alex Kaplan, a wedding photographer and videographer based in New Milford, NJ, serving Northern NJ, NYC, and the Hudson Valley. For over 30 years, I’ve helped couples enjoy their day without feeling rushed — while I quietly capture the real moments, natural portraits, and genuine emotions you’ll still love decades from now.

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Stress-Free Family Portraits at Amanda & Sean’s Wedding

October 2, 2025

Weddings are full of energy, laughter, and movement — and that’s exactly how it should be. But when it comes to family portraits, we know they can sometimes feel overwhelming. Dozens of relatives, limited time, and the excitement of the day can make gathering everyone at once a challenge.

That’s why we approach family portraits with the same mindset we bring to every wedding: calm direction, careful planning, and professional creativity.

At Amanda and Sean wedding at Our Lady of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church in South Orange, NJ, we had the perfect chance to show just how stress-free portraits can be.


The Ceremony at Our Lady of Sorrows

Amanda and Sean exchanged vows in the stunning Our Lady of Sorrows, a historic church filled with warmth, color, and timeless beauty. Father Brian led a heartfelt Catholic Mass, and the couple’s family and friends surrounded them with love and celebration.

It was a day full of real emotion — the kind of moments couples treasure forever.


Creating Timeless Family Portraits

After the ceremony, it was time for portraits. Instead of rushing everyone into one large group shot (which can sometimes feel chaotic), we photographed Amanda and Sean with each side of their families individually.

By keeping the couple in the same position and the lighting consistent, we were able to later use professional compositing to create a seamless “all-in-one” family portrait. The result looks like everyone was standing together in the same moment — but without the stress of wrangling a crowd.

Groom with parents and family during wedding portraits inside Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in South Orange NJ, captured by Alex Kaplan Weddings.
Bride with parents and family after wedding ceremony at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in South Orange NJ, photographed by Alex Kaplan Weddings.
Full wedding family portrait with bride and groom surrounded by both families at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in South Orange NJ, created by Alex Kaplan Weddings.

Reception at The Wilshire

From there, the celebration continued at The Wilshire in West Orange, NJ. Amanda looked radiant in her gown from Seng Couture, while Sean looked sharp in Men’s Wearhouse. The ballroom sparkled with florals by Connie Riemer, music by 1800JamMusic, and heartfelt moments like anniversary dances for both sets of parents.

Every detail was a reflection of love, family, and celebration.


Why Couples Love This Approach

The best part? Amanda and Sean never had to worry about their family portraits. They knew everything was handled, and they walked away with the timeless photo they dreamed of.

This is the kind of expertise couples can count on:

  • Calm, confident direction during the portraits
  • Creative solutions that make the process stress-free
  • Professional editing that ensures every detail looks perfect

Because in the end, wedding photography isn’t just about the photos we take — it’s about the peace of mind we give couples.


Final Thoughts

Amanda & Sean’s wedding was filled with unforgettable moments, and their family portraits are proof that even the busiest parts of a wedding day can be simple and stress-free with the right photographer.

📸 If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in New Jersey or New York City who can handle every detail with professionalism and creativity, contact us here.

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The Calm Behind the Camera

About Me — But Really, It’s About You

The most meaningful wedding photos never come from stiff poses.
They come from the quiet laugh you didn’t think anyone saw.
The look on your partner’s face during the vows.
The warmth of your people all around you.

I’ve been doing this for over 30 years — and I still get nervous before every wedding.
Not because I’m uncertain, but because I know how much it matters.

After photographing hundreds of weddings over the past few decades, I’ve learned something simple:
The best photos happen when you feel fully present.

That’s why I work calmly, behind the scenes — guiding when it helps, then stepping back when the real moments unfold. I’m always anticipating what’s next, so you never have to think about a thing.

My goal is simple: to help you relax, feel confident, and walk away with photos that feel like you — not a filtered version of someone else’s idea of perfect.

Most of my couples say the same thing:
We’re so glad we didn’t have to worry.”

Behind the Camera

Alex made everything feel effortless — and the photos are incredible.”

Free parts of our entire wedding. 

“One of the most stress

— Kevin & Sarah
Alex Kaplan Weddings

Alex captured a version of me that actually felt confident and real.”

I look in photos

“I’ve always hated how 

— Tina R.
Alex Kaplan Weddings

it’s all there. Looking through our gallery feels like reliving the day.”

moment. Every laugh, every tear

“Alex didn’t miss a single 

— Alyssa & Brandon
Alex Kaplan Weddings

 ★★★★★ 560+REVIEWS

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