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Erica + Kris

In mid-November, we filmed a beautiful wedding at one of our favorite venues, the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and with one of our favorite photographers, Drew Noel.  But the best part for us was getting to work with this fantastic couple and their sweet family.

Erica and Kris met each other after being set up by mutual friends. And they had a very fun first date, roller skating!  It wasn't too long before Kris knew he had found 'the one' and was excited to propose to Erica.

Kris's proposal to Erica was a total surprise to her!  While they were enjoying a date, walking through a sunflower maze one afternoon, Kris had sprouted plants set up in window boxes on the ground to read, “Will you marry me?”  He chose the little sprouts because a seed is a symbol of new life growing, and those sprouts were a poetic symbol of their lives sprouting and growing together.  What a creative and thoughtful way to recognize the new life they're forming together and to ask the most important question to the love of his life.

Erica and Kris each got ready in separate cottages on the grounds of the Ryland Inn.  Kris dressed into his classic black tuxedo, looking so very handsome with his dapper groomsmen by his side.  After they were all primped and polished, they joyously toasted the groom outside!  Meanwhile Erica had fun with her mother and bridal party in their matching or coordinating blue shirts, enjoying a drink and having photos taken as they readied for the day.  Erica's mother made a beautiful shawl for her to wear over her gown for when the temperature was cool at her reception.  And her gown was absolutely gorgeous too!  Erica wore a strapless ball gown from Provonias that featured a sweetheart neckline and a beautiful lace overlay.  She was such a stunning bride!  And we were touched to see her father as he was treated to his first look at his beautiful daughter on her wedding day.

After they were all dressed, Erica and Kris met for their first look outside.  It was so sweet to see their excitement and joy!  Following their first sight, first kisses, first slow dance and first hugs on their wedding day, the couple enjoyed their wonderful photo shoot with the team at Drew Noel Photography.  We're sure the entire wedding party had such a ball posing for those iconic formal photos and for all the fun and artistic candid shots too.

It was on to Erica and Kris's Catholic ceremony at Saint Luke Parish in Long Valley.  Kris's sister played the violin beautifully, and during their traditional ceremony, Erica and Kris participated in the lighting of a unity candle and presented flowers to Mary.  The couple recited their sacred vows, their promises to each other for their lifetime, and after being pronounced as 'husband and wife', they kissed to the applause of their family and friends.

Erica and Kris's reception at the Ryland Inn was absolutely perfect.  Laura Clare Design layered the venue with gorgeous floral arrangements in deep burgundy, blue and green.  And a live event painter, Amanda Hawthorne from Live Well Paint Often, created a portrait of the evening's events as they happened.  Sweet and heartfelt toasts were given that evening from Erica's father, from Kris's best man and from Erica's matron of honor as the couple sat in front of the roaring and romantic fire.  Then, RPM Entertainment got the party started with music to keep everyone out on that dance floor!

In the words of their officiant, Father Michael Drury, we were all there to celebrate an amazing moment in the lives of Erica and Kris, a moment that will never be the same because it's all moving forward wonderfully in a positive direction.  Congratulations and best wishes to Erica and Kris!

 

Photographer:  Drew Noel Photography - Ewing, NJ 

Floral Design:  Laura Clare Design - Bernardsville, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Jessica Chapman - Morristown, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Aline Rizzo - Morristown, NJ 

Wedding Gown:  Provonias

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Entertainment:  RPM Entertainment - Union, NJ

Live Event Painter:  Live Well Paint Often - Amanda Hawthorne - New York, NY

Cake:  La Bon Bake Shoppes - Edison, NJ

Officiants:  Father Michael Drury - Clifton, NJ; Deacon Thomas Healy 

Church:  Saint Luke Parish - Long Valley, NJ

Venue:   Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ

 

Nicole + Christopher

Nicole and Chris were married on a lovely fall day at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.  Everything took place at this gorgeous historic venue, from the early morning preparations to the very last dance at their reception.  And we were so overjoyed to be able to share in their celebration and film their wonderful wedding event! 

Nicole and Chris’s wedding at the Park Savoy was just as special as Chris’s proposal.  He decided to pop the question to Nicole on a grand trip to Italy!  One evening, after a romantic dinner on the rooftop of their hotel, they walked out onto the private balcony which overlooked a bustling city square in Rome.  And with that magical piazza serving as their beautiful backdrop, Chris asked Nicole to be his wife.  She said “yes”!  And they continued their tour of Italy, visiting Florence and ending their excursion in a gorgeous villa in Tuscany.  That will certainly be a trip that both will remember and treasure forever.

We return now to their beautiful wedding day… In the early morning hours, Nicole, Chris and their families and wedding party got ready for the exciting day’s events in the suites at the Park Savoy.  Nicole’s bridesmaids wore long burgundy gowns in keeping with the burgundy and gold wedding theme colors, while Chris and his groomsmen dressed into their matching, classic black tuxedos.  

Nicole then put on her amazing wedding gown.  Her dress had a beautiful lace illusion bodice and a full skirt with an equally lovely overlay.  She wore her long hair down in full, loose waves fastened with a dazzling brooch that perfectly matched her earrings and a dramatic, long veil for the ceremony.  She was such a breathtakingly beautiful bride!

Nicole and Chris shared an exciting first look in the courtyard that morning before their ceremony was set to begin.  We always love capturing this moment for our couples for their wedding films!  There’s so much energy in the air, sweet anticipation for the events ahead and pure and simple joy!  

Then, their photo shoot took place outside on the always perfectly manicured grounds at the Park Savoy.  And we couldn’t have been happier to film Nicole, Chris and their wedding party as an amazing photographer and our good friend, Paul, and his talented team at Paul Francis Photography took professional photos!  

After the photo shoot had wrapped up, we gathered our things and got ready for the big moment, as their wedding ceremony was about to begin.  The Park Savoy recently unveiled their new onsite chapel, and it was everything we expect from this venue: beautiful, romantic and simply perfect.  And the gorgeous white floral arrangements from Flowers by Connie Riemer were the icing on the cake.  A very talented violin quartet played for the processional and Nicole entered the chapel on the arm of her father.  Nicole’s brother was their officiant as they recited their vows and said their “I do’s”, making it official!  Then, the newest ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ kissed for the first time!

Nicole and Chris’s reception kicked off in early afternoon, as the happy couple entered the grand ballroom and danced a wonderfully choreographed first dance together.  We also heard such wonderful, heartfelt toasts from Nicole’s brother and man of honor and from Chris’s brothers.  And the rest of their reception was filled with music and dancing!  They even had an Elvis impersonator, Jim Barone, entertain guests with "the King’s" biggest rock n’ roll hits!  And PAE Event Group provided DJ services and music, a fantastic saxophonist, and a ton of energy, to keep everyone enjoying themselves all afternoon long!

This special wedding day was so unique and personalized, and truly, so much fun!  We'd love to thank Nicole and Chris once again for allowing us to capture their wedding day on film so they can relive their wonderful memories for years to come.  And congratulations again to Nicole and Chris!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ  

Floral Design:  Flowers by Connie Riemer - West Orange, NJ 

Hair Stylist:  the Bride

Makeup Artist:  Amanda Sarracino; Lindsay Jenkins

Entertainment:  PAE Event Group - Paul Anthony Centamore - Flemington, NJ; Consonance Music Ensembles - Violin Quartet - Palisades Park, NJ; Jim Barone - Elvis Impersonator   

Cake:  Calandra's Bakery - Caldwell, NJ 

Officiant:  Michael Spagnolo 

Venue:  The Park Savoy Estate - Florham Park, NJ 

 

Shannon + Nick

Even though Shannon and Nick grew up only a few miles from each other, they didn't meet until just a few years ago.  The two were set up by one of Shannon's co-worker's daughter one day, and met for the first time on a blind date.  They ended up clicking... talking, laughing and sharing stories all evening long.  On their second date, Nick took Shannon four-wheeling and Shannon knew right away, in her words, that "this was something to hold on to (Literally, you don't want to fly off the back of a four-wheeler)"!

A year into their relationship, Nick was ready and excited to propose to the love of his life.  And what better place than at Shannon's favorite place of all, the charming beach town of Sea Isle City, New Jersey?  With a friend of Shannon's (and future bridesmaid) hiding in the dunes, ready to capture the perfect moment on film, Nick asked Shannon to be his wife and presented her with her dear late grandmother's engagement ring.  And of course, she said 'yes'!  Shannon's family and a best friend were back at the beach house waiting to celebrate with the couple!

Everything on this wedding day took place at the beautiful Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.  The resort is so picturesque with its tree lined drive, lush green fields and lovely stream views.  What a rustic and romantic setting for a wonderful wedding.

Shannon and her bridal party got ready in the stone mansion at their venue.  As they dressed and prepared for the day, the girls all enjoyed a bottle of champagne to celebrate this special occasion!  And we saw for the first time, Shannon's enchanting floral bouquet with its fantastic burgundy flowers and deep green eucalyptus from Sarah's Floral Designs.

Then, Shannon's mother helped her dress into her gown.  Her beautiful wedding dress featured cap sleeves, a glittering beaded lace bodice and a full and flowing A-line skirt.  Shannon's updo featured romantic braids and was fastened in a loose and wispy bun with lovely flowers.  And her amazing Badgley Mischka shoes provided that 'something blue' for the day.  She looked absolutely gorgeous!

Nick looked so handsome wearing a wonderful navy blue suit and a contrasting burgundy tie, coordinating beautifully with Shannon's bouquet and with her bridal party in their long, mismatched burgundy gowns.

After they were all dressed and ready, Shannon and Nick met for a first look outside along the garden path at Allenberry Resort.  Nick's laughter was so contagious as he saw his bride for the first time that day!  They held hands and kissed before taking a stroll together by the stream.

All of their photos took place on the grounds of the resort and we were so delighted to film alongside Earthmark Photography on this beautiful day.  Be sure check out a few of their wonderful photos from Shannon and Nick's day on their Facebook page!

Shannon and Nick were married in a Catholic ceremony earlier, so during their outdoor ceremony at Allenberry, the two reaffirmed their vows to one another, reading vows they personally wrote.  During their ceremony, they also participated in the ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting, where strands of fabric or "chords" are wrapped around the couple's hands and tied into a knot.

The reception that followed was held under an enormous white tent on property.  Shannon and Nick kicked off the celebration with a touching first dance, followed by Shannon's father's welcome speech to all the guests.  Then, we were all treated to fantastic toasts from Shannon's two maid/matrons of honor and from the two best men, Nick's brothers.  We loved how Shannon's matron of honor, Caitlin, reminded the two to be sure to periodically  take time to look around, acknowledge and be proud of the life they're building together... excellent advice for newlyweds.

Shannon and Nick cut and enjoyed their lovely homemade cake, then shared beautiful dances with their parents.  Afterwards, lively dancing continued all night as DJ Chris Garrett from Mixed Up Productions rocked the house!  We understand that before the evening was over, Shannon even took a turn behind the DJ booth!

What a wonderful wedding this was at such a gorgeous, romantic venue.  Congratulations to Shannon and Nick and thank you for letting us share in your special day!  We're wishing you both all the best!

 

Photographer:  Earthmark Photography - Gettysburg, PA

Floral Design:  Sarah's Floral Designs - Sarah Klunk - Carlisle, PA

Hair Stylist:  Steele Salon - Hershey, PA

Makeup Artist:  Steele Salon - Hershey, PA          

Wedding Dress:  Essense of Australia

Bridal Shoes:  Badgley Mischka

Entertainment:  Mixed Up Productions - DJ Chris Garrett - Harrisburg, PA        

Wedding Coordinator:  The JDK Group - Kelsey Ivan - Camp Hill, PA

Rentals:  Swoon Vintage Rentals - Hummelstown, PA

Officiant:  Andrew Weigel    

Venue:  Allenberry Resort - Boiling Springs, PA

 

Mel + Jon

Maryellen, or Mel as most call her, and Jon met at a Super Bowl party hosted by Jon's football teammate back when they were in high school.  Neither knew, of course, that fateful evening that this night would change the course of their lives.  Eleven years later and the two would be, in the words of our couple, "officially signing on to forever together"!

And the proposal that led to this day was so special too!  Mel was a little suspicious when Jon planned a trip for them to visit the Outer Banks in North Carolina since she's the one who usually plans their trips!  On the evening that they arrived, they visited Jockey's Ridge State Park and watched the beautiful sunset.  Mel was sure to eye Jon's pockets for the telltale outline of a ring box, but she didn't see one.  And just as the sun set on the horizon, Jon got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.  He had made sure to order a special, extra small ring box so as not to spoil the surprise!

Mel got ready on the morning of their wedding at her parents' home while Jon and his groomsmen, which included his two brothers as his best men, prepared at their reception venue.  There, the guys dressed into classic black tuxedos, Jon standing apart from the guys in their charcoal neckties looking ever so handsome in a black bow tie, after they all enjoyed a nice cigar break!

The couple also took a little break from getting ready to read cards that they had exchanged.  We loved that they chose the same card with the cute red string detail and when Mel read Jon's words, "I love you to the moon and back".  Mel's card for Jon echoed his sentiments and added "I love you and I like you", as they both would also say to each other later during their beautiful ceremony.

Mel's sisters (her maid of honor and bridesmaids) helped her dress into her beautiful wedding gown.  Her dress from Provonias was absolutely wonderful, with an A-line silhouette, a sweetheart illusion neckline and a lovely floral lace overlay with beautiful beadwork.  She wore her lovely blond hair up and in a loose, wavy hairstyle and fastened a long veil edged in lace to the back.  Mel was simply stunning!

Mel and Jon decided not to have a first look before the wedding and instead traveled straight to Saint Luke's Roman Catholic Church in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey for their ceremony.  Mel's bridesmaids were so beautiful in their charcoal colored gowns and the flower girls and ring bearer, all the beautiful children of Mel's sister and Jon's brother, were so darling all dressed up for the ceremony.  They celebrated a Catholic Mass and were led in reciting their vows by Reverend James Manos.  After they exchanged rings, the two were soon pronounced 'husband and wife'!

We were over the moon to be filming alongside Paul Francis Photography for Mel and Jon's wedding event.  Paul is a good friend of ours and he and his team have such amazing talent!  Photo shoots were held at the church and by the lake at their reception venue, where their precious pup, Luna (as their 'dog of honor'), was in on the action too!

We were all ready then to enjoy Mel and Jon's fantastic reception at Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes.  Gorgeous tall floral centerpieces in white and watercolor peach and periwinkle adorned the guest tables and lush, green garland draped along Mel and Jon's sweetheart table, all from Flowers by Joan.  And A Little Cake bakery created the fantastic four-tiered white wedding cake embellished with beautiful blooms, including those delicate white anemones.  Everything looked amazing!

The couple of honor entered the ballroom of the Lake House, with its amazing water views, rustic stone fireplace and its bright and sunny interior, and danced a beautiful first dance together.  Then touching parent dances followed and wonderful toasts were given by Mel's maid of honor and by Jon's best men.  DJ Jared West at Premier Entertainment rocked the house with the all the tunes the guests loved to dance to all evening and the party continued well into the night!

This spectacular wedding event was so much fun and it was also so wonderful to visit Indian Trail Club for the very first time.  Mel and Jon are such a sweet couple and we loved every minute working with them!  Congratulations to Mel and Jon!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ

Floral Design:  Flowers by Joan - Waldwick, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Michelle Elise Artistry - Montclair, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Michelle Elise Artistry - Montclair, NJ       

Wedding Dress:  Pronovias

Bridal Shoes:  Bella Belle

Bridesmaids Gowns:  Sorella Vita

Entertainment:  Premier Entertainment - DJ Jared West - Elmwood Park, NJ      

Cake:  A Little Cake - Park Ridge, NJ

Stationery:   The Write Occasion - Wyckoff, NJ

Officiant:  Reverend James Manos - Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ    

Church:   Saint Luke's Roman Catholic Church - Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ   

Venue:  Indian Trail Club - Franklin Lakes, NJ