Tommy's Tavern: Where Love Blossomed

It was a gorgeous day when I had the opportunity to photograph this wonderful couple, Angela and Anthony, at Tommy's Tavern in Clifton, New Jersey. This wasn't just any location but the very place where their love story had unfolded, making it all the more special. The tavern owners, who were nothing short of amazing, gave us unrestricted access to the property for our shoot, allowing us to capture the essence of their memories in this beloved setting.

Angela and Anthony's story is one that is imbued with laughter, surprises, and an undeniable connection. It all began on a seemingly ordinary day, June 28, 2022. Angela, a dedicated teacher, was on the brink of cancelling the date as the end of the academic year chaos coupled with the arrival of summer made her question whether it was the right time to step into the world of dating. Thankfully, her trusted coworkers managed to convince her otherwise, resulting in a decision she has never regretted.

Seated at the outdoor bar of Tommy's Tavern, the duo found themselves immersed in conversation, sharing laughter over the amusing coincidence of having navigated the same school system and even having the same chiropractor, yet never having crossed paths. It was like finding hidden pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that fit together perfectly. As the summer days rolled by, they became inseparable, making the most of their free time to go on as many dates as possible.

Their relationship soon evolved to a stage where they introduced each other to their families, seamlessly blending in and adding to the warmth of both households. A notable incident occurred on August 9, when Anthony was dog-sitting his brother's dogs, Penny and Zola, and invited Angela over for dinner. However, the evening was far from perfect. An adventurous Penny managed to snatch an entire mozzarella ball and Zola was less than thrilled to meet a stranger, barking incessantly and not allowing the couple any peace. Angela was convinced that this would mark the end of their dating phase. But as fate would have it, Anthony officially asked her to be his girlfriend that very night, turning what could have been a disastrous evening into a memorable milestone.

This love-filled journey that started at Tommy's Tavern has since unfolded into a beautiful narrative, one that Angela and Anthony are eager to continue writing. As a photographer, being able to capture this tale of love was a fulfilling experience. Their story is a testament to the fact that in the midst of the everyday hustle, extraordinary love stories are born.