Capturing Family, Maternity & Newborn Photography Across Morristown, Mendham, Chester, Madison, Chatham & Surrounding NJ Towns
Specializing in natural light storytelling sessions filled with love, connection, and those fleeting in-between moments you’ll never want to forget.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! I’m Dawn - not Jade :) Jade is actually my daughter — my muse, my inspiration, and the reason this little dream of mine exists. So naturally, I named the business after her!
I’m a Brooklyn girl, born and raised, but I’ve called Morristown, New Jersey home for many years now. These days, I’m soaking up all the love & Teen chaos with my sweet daughter - Jade, husband - Mark, and our two fur babies - Oreo and Ollie.
A few fun facts:
☕ Starbucks over Dunkin’ — always
🌿 Obsessed with plants and avocado toast (bonus points for cottage cheese)
🎧 Eminem is my forever favorite - maybe one day he will read this!
🍷 Red wine is my love language
🛍️ And let’s not forget Anthropologie - 💕
I’ve always had a creative streak — even though as a kid, I thought I’d be a veterinarian (didn’t we all?). But by high school, I was all about art electives and even took a photography class. Fashion, though, was on my radar. I studied Fashion Design at F.I.T. and spent many years designing children's clothing in NYC.
Then came Jade. I became a stay-at-home mom and, like so many new parents, found myself completely obsessed with documenting every little moment. One photo led to another... and the rest is history.
In 2017, I officially launched A Lovely Shade of Jade — and it’s been a wild, wonderful ride ever since. It’s hard work running a small biz, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Not only does it give me the freedom to be present for my family, it’s also brought so many incredible people and opportunities into my life — including becoming a Click Pro Elite in 2020 (you can read more about that HERE).
If parenthood has taught me anything, it’s how CRAZY fleeting childhood really is. I swear I blinked and now my daughter is a teen! But having these photos to hold onto? It’s like pressing pause on time — and that’s exactly what I hope to give you.
So if you're in the Morristown, NJ and beyond area (such as Mendham, Madison, Chatham, Randolph + more) and looking for a photographer who’s all about warmth, connection, and those real, love-soaked moments — let’s chat!
Click that “Let’s Chat More” button below to start planning your session.
And don’t forget to follow along on Instagram (where I post most often!) and Facebook for sneak peeks and everyday inspiration.
"a photograph keeps a moment from running away" -eudora welty
-Dawn xoxo
a few more things before you go…
1. I basically grew up in a zoo.
Growing up, we had 5 cats, parrots, 2 lizards, a dog (or two), hamsters, guinea pigs — even a snapping turtle — all in a Brooklyn house. So yes, I love animals, and I absolutely welcome them at sessions (as long as they’re well-behaved & the location allows 🐶🐱🐢).
2. I’m a beach girl at heart.
I dream of living in a cozy little beach house someday — toes in the sand, family and pets by my side. Can you picture it too?
3. Our garage is full of glitter... and big ideas.
Some of my favorite sessions begin with glitter in the air & music in the background.
Yep—that’s my garage-turned-mini-“studio”, where BIG personalities shine & sparkle flies (literally). Our love for creating joyful things doesn’t stop there… last year, we launched Ollie Pop Design Co, a fun little shop full of pup bandanas, playful tees, & happy vibes—inspired by our very own four-legged sidekick, Ollie! 🐶✨🎉
4. I wish I were vegan...
But, let’s be real — cheese. So while I love the idea, I’m not quite there. Still, I’ll happily be the cheese-loving cheerleader for all the veggie fans out there!
*Family Photos by one of my faves — Stacy Mae Photography 💕