Spring Wedding Day at Fiddler’s Elbow

If “spring showers bring May flowers” then we are in for a floral May! I traveled back and forth from FL to NJ for the last two weekends of April and sunny days were a rarity in the time spent in the northeast. These rainy conditions continued into Ally and Fran’s wedding day. If I could pinpoint one element of stress for any couple (more particularly, any bride) it would be the weather. It’s something you can’t predict and you can’t control. But you can choose to accept it, and that’s exactly what these two did!

No inclement weather would prevent Ally from enjoying her lovely pink tulips in full bloom in front of Fiddler’s Elbow. Those blooms are the reason Ally chose to get married at Fiddler’s Elbow in April! Their spring tulips are famous and you never know what colors will emerge, they change year after year. How fortunate that the most lush tulips were pink, which tied perfectly into her wedding day color scheme.

Weather isn’t the only important factor on the wedding day, and is surpassed by the gathering of family and friends. This is what it’s about – making a commitment to your loved one in front of every other important person in your life. This did not escape Ally and Fran. They shared laughter and tears with their loved ones all day. I love how close Ally is with her Mom and Grandmother. They both helped her get ready for the ceremony. These moments are ones she’ll cherish for a lifetime. To add to these sentiments, the rosary and charm on Ally’s bouquet held memories in themselves. Fran gave Ally the rosary for her Confirmation, and the charm is of her grandparents. Ally’s something borrowed, Frans mother is loaned her bracelet to Ally, her earrings, a gift from Fran for Christmas. She had not worn them yet, and was saving them for her wedding day. I think my favorite is Ally’s shoes – a wedding gift from Fran. And to top it all off, Ally surprised her grandmother with a “Grandmother/Granddaughter dance” during reception.

Fran is very thoughtful, which I knew from our first meeting in Central Park at their engagement session. But, when I arrived on the wedding day, Ally was drying her eyes after first reading Fran’s letter to her. A handwritten letter, complete with a seal over dried flowers. This thoughtful letter, complete with a beautiful presentation was very impressive. The most important part of this day for Fran was clearly getting to marry the love of his life.

Often times, the rain changes our timeline, our plans, and our photo options. This was not going to stop Fran. We hopped into the golf cart, in the rain and headed out to one of Fran’s favorite spots on Fiddler’s Elbow’s golf course. With umbrellas in hand and towels underfoot (you didn’t think I would put a bride’s dress into the mud, did you?!) We had the course to ourselves and the newlyweds sharing an intimate moment under one umbrella, far away from everyone! It was definitely a memorable moment!

The rest of the night was dancing, and Fran and Ally danced all night long until their sparkler exit end! And of course, the rain let up for that one moment, to which we are grateful!

Ally and Fran, we loved being part of your day! We are so happy for you and wish you all the best in your new life together!

Venue: Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Hair: JC Hair Design

Florist: Gray’s Florist

Invitations: Melissa & Seventh

Wedding Dress: Augusta Jones from Kleinfeld

Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Banks

Rings: Tropiano & Son Jewelers

Videographer: Rovayo Studios

Entertainment: Elegant Music Group