A Midsummer Wedding in the Somerset Hills

I first met Emily and Scott at the crack of dawn last summer on a super windy day down the shore. I often refer to engagement sessions as “training ground” for the wedding day. Emily and Scott got extra credit for their training session, because the wind was literally spiraling around them! The morning light brought intense winds and finding Emily’s face was a challenge, as her hair whipped about her! I would click about 3 frames, and then wipe down my mist-covered lens before attempting the next few shots. Despite the difficult circumstances, the session was full of joy and insightful into how easy-going and fun Emily and Scott are.

One year later, they got married on a perfectly still and beautiful summer day in the Somerset Hills. Posing for photographs without harsh winds or sea mist? Well this was a breeze! Pun intended.

The girls got ready at the bridal suite in the Mansion at Natirar, while the guys got ready at Ninety Acres. On our way to St. James Church, Emily and her parents stopped at her childhood home for one special picture. At the entrance of their home is a large spiral staircase. When Emily’s Dad bought their house, he envisioned Emily on them in her wedding dress someday. That day had finally come, and Emily looks classically stunning.

Emily and Scott became husband and wife before all of their family and friends in Emily’s hometown. Before heading up the hill to the mansion, we took the wedding party into Natirar Park for some portraits with the mansion in the background. The sun hid behind some clouds for a few minutes, allowing us some time for portraits in the large field in front of the view, and I am so grateful! I love their wedding party portraits!

Some of my favorite moments about Emily and Scott’s reception are best described in photographs. When being introduced for the first time as husband and wife, Emily and Scott leaped into the air as they ran onto the dance floor. During their first dance, we learned that Emily has some amazing twirling skills, and Scott’s Mom cried tears of joy through every dance.

We quickly pulled Emily and Scott off the dance floor as the sun set, and they thought I was out of my mind when I asked them to run around the way we had on the beach during their engagement session. That session included casual clothing and bare feet. I made them do everything in her layered dress and heels! I figure anyone who can stand wind whipping around their face and keep their composure could handle the challenge, and I wasn’t wrong! You gotta love the energy from this 5 minute session!

Just before we headed outside for a sparkler exit, Emily and Scott cut their wedding cake…and in the blink of an eye, Scott was covered in cake. Before Scott could take his turn, his Mom came to wipe his face for him, and then Emily soon after wore cake (a bit more gracefully).

We set up sparklers on the back patio with Emily and Scott’s closest friends and family, and it was the perfect ending to a perfect wedding day.

Emily and Scott, congratulations! You two are so much fun, and I loved getting to know you over the past year! Thank you for having us there to celebrate with you! Thanks to Barbara Wentzel for working along side me and being an awesome photographer, and to Maggie Divirgilio for keeping me together!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Barbara Wentzel

Assistant: Maggie Divirgilio

Venue: The Mansion at Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Wedding Planner: Mandy Mondoro

Florist: Laura Clare

Makeup: Beauty On Location, NJ

Hair: La Sorella Bridal

Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander, Sara’s Bridal Boutique

Rings: Roman Jewelers

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff

Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie

Band: EBE Entertainment