A Wedding in May

I arrived at Sam’s house as the girl’s were getting ready, met her amazing bridesmaids and got settled into the group before heading onto the party bus to Natirar. The girls were in their matching gray robes and relaxing with some White Claw spiked seltzer (the official beach drink, in my opinion) as we headed to our destination. Drink of choice, perfectly fitting considering Samantha and Scott met down the shore! When Barb asked how they met during their portraits, they both laughed hilariously and said “a bar on LBI.” I don’t think either of them thought at the time that this meeting was going to ever be more than a beach fling.

The week leading up to Samantha and Scott’s first weekend in May wedding, the trees finally decided to make an appearance! Natirar Park below was turning a light shade of green and was a sight to be seen from the ceremony location behind historic Natirar. True to spring form, we had wind, oh did we have wind. I didn’t have to worry about anyone tossing the veil, I did have to worry though how far the veil would fly when it finally took off!

We took the entire wedding party on the party bus, of course, down to Natirar Park for some portraits looking back at the mansion. When we got down the park, the wind was gone, and the sun came out. Honestly, I prefer when the sun is behind clouds! You get much more even light and no one has to wince in the direction of the sun! Everyone got back on the bus for some portraits in front of Natirar before the guests arrived.

Samantha’s Dad was teary-eyed from the moment he saw his daughter as a bride all the way through family portraits, but once Samantha was lined up to head down the aisle, her emotions got the best of her. The tears of joy were mixed with laughter, which made Dad laugh, but made Mom concerned. Samantha carried that joy all the way down the aisle and throughout the ceremony. I didn’t hear what was so funny, but it didn’t matter, Sam laughing was contagious enough.

The best part about having a first look? Post-ceremony, you have no concerns about pictures and can just have fun! And that’s just what the new Mr. and Mrs. did. It was a party as soon as they were introduced into their reception, which was beautifully decorated by Viburnum Designs. The Benjamins began to play and I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by so many dancing guests! To end the night, Samantha and Scott quietly cut their cake in the corner of the room. Be sure to scroll down the very end to see Sam’s priceless face as she dropped the first piece of cake on the floor!

Samantha and Scott, it was such a pleasure being part of your wonderful wedding!

Thank you Sonja DeGoria for all of your help coordinating before, during and after the wedding, and thank you Barbara Wentzel for your amazing assistance as always!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Barbara Wentzel

Venue: Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Wedding Planner: Sonja DeGoria Events

Hair: Ashley Park

Makeup: Gia Palmieri

Wedding Dress: Louvienne from Lovely Bride

Bridesmaids dresses: Watters

Florist: Viburnum Designs

Invitations: Rebecca Green Design

Videographer: NST Pictures

Band: The Benjamins