A Great Way to Start Memorial Day Weekend

I met Nicki and Jason for the first time at their engagement session at this very spot on the hill behind the Natirar mansion last fall. I was so excited to meet them and they were such an enthusiastic couple, I knew their wedding day would be amazing. Fast forward 8 months later, and they’re dancing on the same hill as husband and wife.

When I walked into Natirar‘s bridal suite on this glorious Friday afternoon, I saw all the girls at different stages of hair, makeup, coffee and champagne, and Nicki was helping her Mom and Aunt sample from a vast collection of Jo Malone perfumes (heaven!) in her bridal robe, with pins in her hair. She lit up when she saw me and helped me find all of the different details for me to photograph, including the delicious scented Jo Malone perfume she would be wearing.

Yes, I shoot quite a few weddings at Natirar (it IS one of my favorite places ever!) so I love to vary which rooms I use for details based on what I think my brides would love best of all! I chose the green room with the mahogany mantle for Nicki’s dress, and it was the perfect choice, because we decided that would be a great place for Nicki to actually get into said dress!

Before heading down to Natirar Park, where Jason was waiting, Nicki greeted her father in the foyer, and his expression when he saw his baby girl was priceless! Nicki’s Dad drove her down to the park to meet Jason, and she could hardly wait for Dad to take her clutch and for me to fluff her dress before she called “Jason!”

That’s when we all faded into the distance. I actually don’t think they noticed we were still around. There was no wiping those smiles away for the rest of the day, although I did catch Nicki trying to stretch her face a couple of times. Smiling is an actual exercise, I’m convinced. But there was no fighting it, not today. The remainder of the day was filled with joy from the wedding party portraits, to the family formals, to the signing of the Ketubah, the ceremony and an epic sunset. Jason twirled Nicki, picked her up, swooped her around, and truly loved and doted on her the entire day. A day, which I need to add here, was also Jason’s birthday!

Reception arrived, and let me tell you, this was a dancing crowd. The party did not stop. I actually looked at Barb at one point while Jason was dancing with all 13 of his groomsmen on the dancefloor and said “Yea, this is a pretty awesome birthday.”

It was so much fun to capture!

Nicki and Jason, you guys are awesome! I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my Friday than celebrating with you! Thank you Barb for your hard work and being equally awesome!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns and Barbara Wentzel

Venue: Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Wedding Planner: Beth Flyer

Wedding Dress: Made with Love Bridal found at Lovely Bride NYC

Bridemaids Dresses:  Monique Lhuillier

Groom & Groomsmen Attire: My Suit

Florist: JM Florals, Madison, NJ

Wedding Cake: Swiss Chalet Bakery, Morristown, NJ

Videographer: ToneMedia

Band: Brooklyn Sound, Hank Lane