A Dreamy Hydrangea Blue Natirar Wedding

I have been looking forward to Kelly and Michael’s wedding for a long time now. A first wedding for both families, the entire event was a team effort for the bride, her Mom and her Mother-in-law. From the very first moment I met Kelly and Michael at their beach engagement session, I was introduced to their mothers – Traci and Linda. How fortunate these two are that their mothers have become best friends. I quickly learned that Kelly and Michael were very comfortable in front of the camera. Perhaps more importantly, they are comfortable in front of a lot of people and cameras! Kelly and Michael weren’t for one moment phased when I had them sharing “eskimo kisses” or “nuzzling” with their mother’s watching from afar.

Leading up to the wedding day, Traci kept me informed of every single detail. I felt like I was included in the planning process of this wonderful Natirar wedding! When I heard that they used some Benjamin Moore paints as their inspiration color scheme, I knew that I had to make a custom mat for the occasion. How fortunate that Kelly’s father works for Benjamin Moore and the paint samples were ordered for me! Villanova had a big part in the decor and the color scheme for the wedding, but was so subtly and tastefully incorporated into the elegant wedding details!

When it comes to the wedding day timeline, there are so many things to consider to make the day flow easily, without feeling overwhelmed with all the pictures to take and shot lists to tackle! Kelly and Traci were completely trusting of my suggestions to make the day flow smoothly! Sometimes a first look isn’t necessary for church ceremonies. However, not wanting a large break between ceremony and cocktail hour was a priority, so we had the best of both worlds. Not only did Kelly have a first look with Michael, she also had one with her bridesmaids, one with Dad and a very sweet moment with her brother as well.

Often times, my couples tell me that the ceremony is the most stressful moment of their day, so I love when they opt for a first look, allowing them to remove some of the tension by seeing each other before the main event! Kelly and Michael’s first look was so sweet. Michael immediately pulled Kelly toward him and gave her the best hug! You just can’t do that in the church!

Kelly had originally booked a vintage car from 1952 to set off to the church. The significance was a nod to what would have been her grandparents’ 70th wedding anniversary. Such a beautiful momento. Unfortunately, that particular car had an issue with AC. There are practical necessities to consider, like an air conditioned car to take the bride to the church on a mid-summer New Jersey wedding day! They were still able to find a vintage car to keep with their timeless theme.

Toward the end of cocktail hour, the staff at Natirar invited the bride and groom (as always) into the ballroom to see how it all came together before their guests took their seats. It was such a wonderful moment, not only for the newlyweds, but also for Kelly and her Mom. It was fun to see them have their moment and take a spin on the dance floor as well!

We danced and they danced, and made their way through the sparkler exit to end our time with this amazing family.

Thank you so much to both the O’Neills and Molstads for making us feel like part of the family, and trusting us to capture a most cherished wedding day! Congratulations, Kelly and Michael!

Venue: Mansion at Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Wedding Planner: Peony Events

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Hair: J. Walker Bridal

Rings: Long Jewelers

Wedding Dress: Anne Barge, Elizabeth Johns

Bridemaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

Tuxedos: Prima Tuxedos

Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers

Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie

Videographer: Tone Media

Transportation: BBZ Limo

Entertainment: Clara Jordan Band, Hank Lane