Ali & Brad’s Greek Wedding

I’ve been looking forward to this wedding all year! Ali and Brad’s wedding was my first Greek Orthodox wedding, so we decided from the start, that I would attend their rehearsal the night before so I could watch them go through the motions and learn about this beautiful ceremony! There is one Bible, but so many different cultures that create a variety of traditions, and the wedding ceremony was unlike any other I’ve seen before. First of all, the entire ceremony is sung by the Priest, and his voice echos up into the dome of the church so everyone can hear, no matter where you’re standing. All of the different rituals happen three times as well. As my second shooter Barb says “we get three chances to photograph everything.” I loved the symbolism of the circle throughout the entire ceremony. The rings were switched over their fingers three times, the round crowns that were connected, placed over their heads, and the journey around the alter three times as well. It was such a beautiful transformation of two individuals who would forever become connected.

As the newlyweds made their way out the doors of the church, their guests greeted them with a cheer or red rose petals, and we were off to Morris County Golf Club!

When we arrived at Morris County Golf Club, the wedding party was greeted with champagne and a golden sun setting behind the beautiful golf course. The fire pit was aflame and there were tartan blankets over every Adirondack chair ready for all the guests who ventured outside to watch the sun set during cocktail hour.

Before the guests arrived for cocktail hour, we took the first pictures of the new Mr. and Mrs. on the golf course as the sun set behind them. It was breathtaking. Also, Ali and Brad are naturals. Ali’s smile could light up a room, and Brad has a killer “Blue Steel,” not to mention that one look at Ali has him glowing. You wouldn’t even know that the first time I even took their portraits was the night before! They look like they’d had tons of practice in front of the camera. No, my friends. They’re naturals.

My favorite part of the wedding day is golden hour. It’s usually during cocktail hour, and everyone is lighthearted. The ceremony is over. The only thing that awaits everyone at this point is spirits and dancing! Not only is the light stunning, the people are elated. To my surprise, though, the best was yet to come!

I entered the ballroom at Morris County Golf Club, and was greeted by a full on banquet! I love working with David Mitchell Designs because I know that there is always some creative and monumental display of florals, but this I did not expect! The tables were adorned with pomegranates, kumquats, succulents, and orchids. The tablescapes were as tall as they were long and the room dazzled!

The only thing that made this room more perfect was the Greek dancing that accompanied it. Morris County Golf Club has a balcony at the end of the ballroom, making the room look so magical with the entire party dancing in a circle in the middle of the dance floor. You really have to see it to believe it.

Ali and Brad, you are such a beautiful couple and have such wonderful families! We are so happy for you, and are so thrilled you had us there to document your wedding! Thank you Barbara Wentzel and Maggie DiVirgilio for being my voice all day, and capturing this beautiful day alongside me!

This tray was a gift from Ali’s Grandmother from all of her travels! Ali’s Mom was so excited to have it part of her details!

That light! It was coming through the window in such a way that it only hit the alter! Just divine!

Can we talk about how excited these Moms are?! I love them!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns Photography & Barbara Wentzel

Venue: Morris Country Golf Club

Wedding Planner: Joan Glenn, 6 Degrees of Celebration

Ceremony: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield, NJ

Florist: David Mitchel Fine Event Design

Hair & Makeup: Beauty on Location

Wedding Dress: Carolina Herrera, Little White Dress

Groom Attire: Brackish Bow Ties

Invitations: Cambridge Street Papers

Videographer: Fen Video Production

Band: 45 Riot