There are just some brides that you get to know really well, so that by the time the wedding day comes around, you’re already friends. That’s how I would describe my relationship with Cara. Leading up to the wedding day, there were several emails, texts, direct messages, etc. and I absolutely loved it!

I first met Cara while I was photographing Jenn and Brian’s wedding in April 2018, and while I was setting up some glorious Louboutin’s for a detail shot, Cara came running over, gasping at their beauty and even took a picture on her phone. A few days later, she contacted me. It was friendship at first shoe. Speaking of shoes, Cara had several, and I just love all of them! I lined them up to photograph them all together, and then gave them each their own spot light. I may be first and foremost a portrait photographer, but a beautiful pair of shoes holds a solid second place.

I really wish I could be two places at once, because even though Cara insisted no gifting, Adam couldn’t help but spoil his lovely bride. My favorite was seeing her expression as she opened the box with a Cartier watch, only to find out that she too got Adam a watch. You can experience them both crying as they read their cards, and laughing as they open their watches below. Honestly, this is one of the best parts of seeing your wedding pictures! You get to see moments that you never actually experienced on the day!

Cara and Adam decided to do their first look by the famous Natirar gate, so after Cara met with her Dad so he could see his little girl all dressed up as a bride, we walked her out the back toward the gate to meet her groom. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I love tears. Tears of joy, of course, and there were plenty to be had. Adam’s expression when he sees his bride for the first time is priceless!

All through portraits, Adam was kissing Cara’s hands and nuzzling in even when I didn’t tell him too! Their portraits are a wonderful mixture of classic and iconic bride and groom portraits and hilarious moments that caught them both in full laughter. They’re joy was absolutely contagious.

After portraits, we snuck them back inside while guests filed out onto the back patio to take in the perfect fall day. The ceremony site overlooked the view of Natirar Park below as Cara and Adam became husband and wife. Before heading back up the aisle, I got on a 10 ft ladder to capture all the guests below! It’s one of my favorite pictures!

Natirar always makes sure their bride and groom have 10 minutes to themselves after the ceremony to relax, have a drink and enjoy cocktail hour food. Once the new Mr. and Mrs. rested up, they brought cocktails out to meet the sunset for some fun pictures with glowing sun, and magical bugs. Seriously, those bugs were quite annoying, but look beautiful when they catch the light!

As Cara and Adam were introduced into their reception, Adam carried his bride onto the dance floor for their first dance, followed by the most beautiful toasts by Cara’s Dad, her sister and Adam’s brother. The rest of our night was filled with dancing, the hora and an intimate sparkler exit. We grabbed a quick picture at the end with the bride and groom, Fen, the videographer, and Kelsey, one of the wedding planners. This picture was taken by Cara’s Mom, Laura. Credit where credit is due! The picture looks amazing!

Thank you Cara and Adam for having us as your wedding photographers and making us feel like family! We loved celebrating with you and hope France is an amazing experience! Thank you to Barbara Wentzel and Maggie DiVirgilio for your awesome help the entire weekend!

 

 

Photographers: Lauren Kearns and Barbara Wentzel

Venue: Mansion at Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Wedding Panner: Allison Sargent Events

Video: Fen Video

Makeup: Danielle Arci

Wedding Dress: I do… I do

Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale

Groom’s Suit: Tom Ford

Florist: Jardinere

Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie

Band: Hank Lane – Russ Bennett Band