This collection is perfect for those super intimate weddings. Whether it’s just you and your fiancé or a small group of your closest loved ones, I specialize in capturing your love story in its most authentic form. From breathtaking locations to the quiet moments between you two, every photo is designed to tell the unique story of your elopement. Let me document your special day in a way that feels personal, genuine, and entirely yours—creating memories you’ll cherish forever. Elopements are for couples who want to get married in a more intimate, personal way, often without the traditional fanfare or large wedding celebration. They appeal to various kinds of people, but typically, they are suited for:Couples who want a private, intimate ceremony,who want to save money,who love adventure,Couples with smaller social circles,who value simplicity,Couples who are non-traditional. In essence, elopements are for anyone who values personal connection, intimacy, and simplicity over large, traditional ceremonies. Destination Elopement Collection If you are an adventures couple and would love to get eloped at a location outside of New Jersey, this collection is for you!I love traveling and would love to meet you at any stunning destination you chose for your special day. This collection also starts at $1500, but the final total depends on accommodation, transportation and any other necessities for capturing your incredible day.

Engagement Session

Glassboro, NJ, USA

PNG Black White Minimalist Initials Monogram Jewelry Logo.jpg

Jose Manuel Lopez

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Instagram

Elopement Collection

The Chronicle Collection

This collect is perfect for those of you who want to have an intimate wedding with a few select family members and/or friends. Whether a court wedding, backyard, or small venue, no wedding is too small. Micro-Weddings are under 50 guests. *You can also add an Engagement session to this collection for a discounted price. If you are thinking about video but want to keep things minimal, I am partnered with a Content Creator who can capture the highlights of your day. Contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.

Content Creation (Raw Format)

Micro-Wedding Collection

"To say Jose M. Lopez is not a good quality photographer, is a huge mistake. He was very helpful and understanding in what you would want to be remembered in a single picture."

Jashley & Samuel

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I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

Core Plan

light tan

A Documentary Wedding Photographer tells the story of the day through candid, unposed images, allowing you to enjoy every moment with friends and family without the need for awkward poses or lengthy formal shots.
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This style of photography focuses on documenting the wedding day naturally, in a photo-journalistic manner. Rather than staging or manipulating moments, it highlights the emotions, interactions, and special details as they happen.
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A documentary wedding photographer blends into the background, capturing real moments that often go unnoticed by both the couple and their guests. 
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From preparation to ceremony to reception, every part of the day is captured authentically&mdash;showcasing laughter, tears, and joy in images that feel genuine and full of emotion.
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The authentic-real story of your wedding, told from a guest's perspective.

One of the key advantages of documentary wedding photography is that it allows couples to fully immerse themselves in their wedding day without the distraction of posing for photos. With this approach, couples can relax and be themselves, trusting that their photographer is capturing their true, raw, unfiltered love story. 
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This style of photography is ideal for couples who wish to relive their wedding day just as it unfolded. The images created by documentary photographers provide a timeless reflection of the day, preserving memories and emotions in a way that will be cherished for a lifetime.
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Documentary photographers are also proficient at capturing the small details, such as the flowers, decor, and rings, alongside significant moments like the first kiss, first dance, and the cake cutting.
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In conclusion, documentary wedding photography focuses on capturing the natural, unscripted moments of the day. It&rsquo;s the perfect choice for couples who want to experience their wedding again exactly as it happened, with images that are authentic, heartfelt, and full of emotion. Documentary photographers skillfully craft a visual narrative that will be treasured for generations to come.

This style of wedding photography goes by several names: 
documentary wedding photography, photo-journalistic photography, candid photography, and reportage wedding photography.
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In my view, these terms all refer to the same thing, with the only real distinction being how social media, or bridal magazines choose to label the trendiest way of describing raw, storytelling wedding photography.
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">Why does Documentary Wedding Photography Matter?</h1>

<h1 style="text-align: center;">Imagine This:</h1>
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Years from now, your children and grandchildren are flipping through your wedding album. What will they find?
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<li style="font-size: 20px;" data-end="246" data-start="131">Will it be a collection of stiff, posed photos, where every smile looks the same and every moment feels staged?</li>
<li style="font-size: 20px;" data-end="385" data-start="247">Will there be beautiful landscapes with you and your spouse barely visible in the distance, more like props than the stars of the day?</li>
<li style="font-size: 20px;" data-end="564" data-start="386">Or will they find something real&mdash;moments that tell the true story of your day, moments that show the laughter, the love, the little imperfections that made it uniquely yours?</li>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">Consider This:</h1>
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You are part of something much bigger than yourself, something that reaches far into the future. Think about your great-great-grandchildren, who will never meet you, but will still be connected to you through the bloodline you helped create.
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<li style="font-size: 20px;" data-end="901" data-start="830">Without you, they wouldn&rsquo;t exist. You are the reason they are here.</li>
<li style="font-size: 20px;" data-end="1121" data-start="902">Don&rsquo;t you think they&rsquo;d want to see more than a posed picture of someone who looks like a stranger? Wouldn&rsquo;t they want to catch a glimpse of the real you&mdash;the one who laughed, cried, and lived fully on that special day?</li>
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A true documentary-style wedding album doesn&rsquo;t just capture faces; it captures lives in motion. It&rsquo;s not about perfection&mdash;it&rsquo;s about authenticity. Your story, your emotions, your relationships, your unique moments frozen in time.
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">Gift your future generations something meaningful:</h1>
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Give them a genuine keepsake&mdash;a historic window into your life that reveals not just who you were, but how you lived. A keepsake that connects their hearts, their stories, to yours, and creates a bond across time. Wouldn&rsquo;t that be a gift worth giving?
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-Do Documentary Wedding Photographer's Photograph Details, Bridal Prep?
It depends on the photographer, but in most cases, yes. Jose Manuel takes the time to communicate beforehand to ensure he captures what matters most to you. The details, the bride's dress, the tables&mdash;each element contributes to the story of your wedding day. This includes moments like the final touches of makeup and hair, as well as the pre-wedding nerves and excitement. Since every wedding, like every bride, is unique, not all couples want the same details or prep shots. That&rsquo;s why Jose Manuel places such a strong emphasis on communication leading up to your big day.
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-Is Documentary Wedding Photography Only Black and White?
No, not at all. While black and white photography beautifully highlights emotion, color plays a significant role in documenting the full story. Most documentary wedding photographers offer a balanced mix of both black and white and color images. Color is a vital element in capturing the essence of any wedding.
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-Do Documentary Photographer's Take Group Photos?
Yes, in most cases, time will be set aside for family and group photos. For Jose Manuel, most weddings are 90% documentary and 10% guided. The 10% involves making time for couple portraits, family photos, and group shots&mdash;this is a small but important part of nearly every wedding. 
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Why hire a Documentary Wedding Photographer?

Your wedding isn't a photoshoot, it's a love story in motion, and i capture it just as it happens.

Video Title

Documentary Wedding Photographer in NJ and Beyond

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage

Bride's Dress Try-On/Shopping Documentary Photos (You Need to Confirm with your dress Shop Before Purchasing)

35mm Film Photography

Content Creation (Raw + 2 Reels)

1 Week Gallery Turn-Around

Anniversary Couples Session (One Year Post Wedding Shoot)

In the charming town of Bridgeton, NJ, nestled amidst historical buildings lies the Bridgeton Court House - a courthouse that recently bore witness to an event that was as intimate as it was beautiful. On this day, Jashley and Samuel Lopez chose to intertwine their lives forever in a ceremony that was as unique as their love story.
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The Bridgeton Court House, with its grand architectural design and timeless appeal, served as the perfect backdrop for this special occasion. It subtly blended the old-world charm with the couple's modern love, creating a surreal atmosphere that was felt by everyone present. The courthouse, known for its simplicity and elegance, complemented the couple's desire for an intimate elopement, making it a day worth remembering.
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The day was all about Jashley and Samuel, a couple whose love story is as enchanting as a fairytale. The two exchanged their vows intimately and very tremendous joy, casting a magical glow on the entire event. The intimate setting allowed the couple to truly immerse themselves in the moment, savoring each second as they embarked on their journey together as husband and wife.
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As a photographer, capturing the raw and heartfelt moments of this intimate elopement was an absolute delight. The genuine laughter, the shared glances, and the pure joy that radiated from the couple made every photo a testament to their profound love.
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In deciding to have a small, budget-friendly elopement, Jashley, and Samuel proved that love transcends all and that the essence of a wedding lies in the union of two souls, not in grandeur or extravagance. Their day was filled with love and warmth, shared with those closest to them, creating memories that will surely be cherished for a lifetime.
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As the day came to a close, it was clear that the intimate elopement of Jashley and Samuel was not only a celebration of their love but also a testament to their commitment to each other. Their elopement at the Bridgeton Court House was indeed a day to remember, a day filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of memories.

A Day to Remember: The Intimate Elopement of Jashley and Samuel Lopez at Bridgeton Court House

December 6th, 2023

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