A Romantic Spring Wedding at the Pleasantdale Chateau

Anna was one of the first inquiries I received for her 2022 wedding and it seemed so far away at the time! I quickly learned that she is a talented photographer, and she even tagged along with me to one of my 2020 engagement sessions. I love when my clients understand photography, more specifically portrait photography. When rain is looming and I’m looking for beautiful locations, it’s helpful to have a bride who fully understands the lighting and locations I’m envisioning!

We were fortunate enough to have clear skies in the early part of the wedding day, so Anna and Mike saw each other for the first time outside the Pleasantdale Chateau, right under the fairytale turret. One of the many things I absolutely love about this venue is how nothing ever changes. Real classic architecture never needs to be renovated or updated. Its charm is in its architecture, and only adds to the most classic and timeless wedding. When the rain started getting heavy, we utilized the many wonderful locations that the Pleasantdale had to offer. First, we started with the greenhouse. You can even see the rain coming down as we tucked Anna and Mike under the overhang and had them practice their first dance! The greenhouse and indoor pool are two of my favorite locations, and we were able to take a majority of their portraits in there and keep them dry.

Anna and Mike added many personal touches to their wedding. Anna had her father’s bow tie wrapped around her bouquet as a way to remember him, and in a way, have him walk with her down the aisle. The back of the program also included a poem dedicated to her father. Mike’s sister designed their wedding invitations. And only Mike could own the Star Wars theme song plus “Play that funky Music White Boy” as his personal anthems.

We saw Anna and Mike’s personalities come to life on the dance floor, and not only them! All the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced the night away, and I’m starting to see how these friends became the wedding party crew!

Anna and Mike, we loved celebrating with you and are so happy to have been part of your special day!

Venue: Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange, NJ

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Wedding Coordinator: Slick Little Bride

Makeup Bliss Salon , Towaco, NJ

Hair: Jason Hallman

Florist: Dalsimer Spitz and Peck

Engagement ring/Wedding bands: Elsie Fine Art Jewelers, Montville, NJ

Videographer: Ever After Studio

Band: Elegant Music Group, Hydepark