Classic Wedding for a Classic Bride

When I first met Alyssa and Rob for their engagement session last fall, it was really important to her that we take the pictures near her Grandmother’s house in Rumson. We started out by taking photos of just the two of them at Hartshorne Woods near the Atlantic Highlands. It was a perfect crisp, fall day, and I loved walking through this expansive park getting to know the two of them better. They met in DC at a University of Miami alumni night, having just missed each other when they attended school there. Flash forward, and I learned just how important University of Miami is to these two! We had groomsmen wearing (surprise) UM suspenders, and the UM chain even made it’s way onto their dance floor!

After the first part of Alyssa and Rob’s engagement session, we drove a short distance to her Grandmother’s house. Grandma Pauline has a solarium, filled with orchids and drawings from her days of being a fashion artist for the New York Times. What a fascinating woman! She, Rob and Alyssa sat down with her to go through her wedding album, and I loved being there to capture those moments of them together!

On the wedding day, I collected Alyssa’s details. She had orchids cascading out of her bouquet and pearl earrings, such classic elements that paired so well with her forward-thinking thick lace dress that was perfect for the hot summer day. The combination was a perfect mix of contemporary and classic that made her wedding day so beautiful, yet timeless!

While I was photographing details, the guys were busy getting dressed and reading the cards that Rob had written for each groomsman, his Father-in-Law, Mother-in-Law and future wife. Such a sweet sentiment. One of my favorite pictures is of Alyssa and her Mom reading Rob’s letter together!

For their first look, I knew that the Natirar gates were super important to Alyssa and Rob. We did most of our portraits there! I just love how many beautiful locations are surrounding Natirar. The options are endless!

While everyone hopes for great weather on their wedding day, I just love the way storm clouds look in photos! It’s actually quite difficult to get a sky to have color when you are really exposing for faces! Alyssa and Rob got all of their bride and groom portraits done before (and while!) the storm clouds were rolling in! The sky is just beautiful in those pictures!

The rest of the day? A constant flow of smiles, greetings, congratulatory hugs and kisses, and that’s when we get to document every candid moment!

Alyssa and Rob, you two are such a beautiful couple inside and out! We are so thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with you on the best day! Thank you for having us! A special thanks, also, to Barbara Wentzel for her amazing assistance and photo skills!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Barbara Wentzel

Venue: The Mansion at Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Wedding Planner: Taylor Larson, SociaLife Events

Florist: Faye & Renee

Invitations: Minted

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Hair: Styles on B

Video: Shutter and Sound

Band: Frank Simmons Band, Hank Lane