I couldn’t have imagined any other way to end my 2017 weddings than with Krista and Brian’s intimate wedding at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster.  I first met them at a coffee shop in Summit, and we discussed all of the details of their wedding from location to lighting.  After our initial meeting, Brian immediately contacted me to help him out with a canvas he was working on for Krista.  Fast forward a couple of months before their wedding, and Krista contacted me to help her work on a gift for Brian!  I felt like a double agent!  At one point, Brian asked “have you talked to Krista lately?”  I immediately said “NO!” and I am not a good liar!

When I arrived at Fiddler’s Elbow, Krista immediately found me and said “you are so sneaky!”  They had exchanged gifts the night before their wedding and realized I had assisted BOTH of them with each other’s gifts and neither of them had figured it out!  It didn’t surprise me that they both contacted me to work on such thoughtful gifts for each other.  It was evident from the first moment I met them that they had a deep love and devotion for each other.  As their photographer (and confidant) I feel so honored that they trusted me to document their wedding day!

Per usual, I checked the weather every 6 hours for a week leading up to their Friday wedding.  The temperatures continued to drop and on their wedding day, the winds had made the wind chill 25 degrees.  Their 1st look and ceremony were moved inside, but neither Krista or Brian were fazed.  The only thing that mattered is that they were getting married.  The only thing that fazed Brian, is that I might not have a picture of him not crying.  I assured him that every photographer secretly hopes the groom will cry…I don’t know if this made him feel any better.

Krista braved the weather and we took them outside for about 3 minutes of pictures.  It wasn’t the cold that was the problem, it was the wind.  Krista couldn’t help but laugh as her veil danced in the high winds and her hair flew around her face.  After getting the shots we wanted, ever dependent Barb took off her parka, wrapped it over Krista’s shoulders and helped her back inside.  We had the country club to ourselves and we would continue their portraits inside!

Their ceremony was beautiful and warm, and their was hot apple cider waiting for the guests as they entered.  The ceremony flew by and cocktail hour felt like a large living room filled with the closest family members.  Brian carried his bride onto the dance floor and as they danced their first dance, I could see every couple holding each other and swaying along.

After having their fill of warmth and hot apple cider, Krista and Brian braved the outdoors one more time for their last portrait by a lit tree outside, and we congratulated the couple and left them to their party.  Krista and Brian, we loved working with you and wish you the very best!  Thanks Barb, for your skills and your parka 😉

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Barbara Wentzel

Venue:  Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Bedminster, NJ

Florist:  Flowers by the River, Califon, NJ

Dress: Seng Couture, Fanwood, NJ

DJ:  Elite Entertainment, Cranford, NJ