Classically Neutral Elegant Wedding at Natirar

There are just some wedding days that remind me of my first days photographing weddings. I started photographing weddings 18 years ago, so this takes me back quite a bit here. There are many fun trends and new traditions that my couples incorporate into their wedding days, and I love them all. However, there is something so sentimental about traditional weddings in one location – classic cars, small wedding parties, white roses, and a bride and groom that started out as high school sweethearts.

Not to say that Samantha and Alex’s wedding was without personality and unique details! Samantha’s father and Alex are both big “car guys,” so the parking lot full of collector items was essential. Alex drove over in a Mercedes convertible to add to the mix of cars already lining Natirar’s driveway. One of the cars included in the mix was the car that Alex and Samantha’s father drove when Alex asked his permission to marry his daughter. Their invitation suite is one of my all-time favorites, with it’s vertical oriented envelope and let’s not forget the ornate telephone guest book!

Samantha and Alex had a first look in the back of Natirar, overlooking the park, so we spent this time taking lots of pictures of the two of them, their wedding party and family members before the rest of the guests arrived. Since Sam and Alex have been together for so long – I believe Sam was driving Alex on their first dates since she was the one who had her license – it was such a fun experience to be amongst two families that have known each other for so long. This was already one big happy family, ready to celebrate the long awaited wedding day.

As the sun began to dip behind the tall pine trees, the guests were perfectly shaded for the outdoor ceremony. Friends and family tossed petals at the newlyweds as they walked down the aisle. Jazz music serenaded the outdoor cocktail hour as we pulled Sam and Alex away from the crowd to twirl around (both twirled!) the last of the golden hour light.

The ballroom was full of candles and hundreds of single roses covered the long table center table as Sam and Alex entered to test the dance floor, before their guests took their seats. Now, no offense to some of my past grooms, but I don’t have many expectations for the groom on the dance floor. Don’t get me wrong! I have many past grooms who tore up the dance floor all night long! But, no one compares to Alex and his groomsmen. Alex didn’t leave the dance floor all night! There were moments when the dance floor looked like the cast of “Footloose” had just taken over!

We ended the night with one of the cars pulled out front with the “Just Married” banner that Sam and her sister made for the occasion! It was the perfect ending to the perfect wedding weekend!

Congratulations, Samantha and Alex! We had such a great time celebrating with you and are so thrilled to have been a small part of it!

Venue: The Mansion at Natirar, Peapack, NJ

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Coordinator: Mandy Mondoro

Hair & Makeup: J. Walker Bridal

Florist: Jardiniere Fine Florals

Invitation Suite: Little Black Dress Paperie

Wedding Dress: I Do I Do, Morristown, NJ

Videographer: NST Pictures

Entertainment: Elegant Music Group