A Spring Wedding at Pleasantdale Chateau

I was super excited about Carlie and Nick’s wedding day. First of all, you couldn’t ask for a nicer, more considerate couple than these two. They even planned their wedding from the perspective of their guests, making sure that every decision catered to their loved ones to ensure a fun and easy evening! Second of all, it was one of the first times (I’m told since 2015) that it did not rain at all for Memorial day weekend. And thirdly, I feel like I really got to know them well during their engagement session last summer. Not only did they pick a special place that we all had to travel to, but I got a firsthand tour of where it all began at Colgate University.

I often mention to my couples that their engagement session can be anywhere (really!) but rarely does anyone take me up on the offer to travel somewhere really special. Carlie and Nick mentioned Colgate University in Hamilton, NY at the same time I was heading north for a family vacation! It’s only right that their wedding day was just as perfect.

I have no idea what the temperature was – it was one of those days that you don’t notice because it’s not hot and not cold. The sun shone and the sky was blue. Carlie and Nick took full advantage of the day by starting their portraits before the ceremony. With a wedding party of about 22 people, this was wise! We had plenty of time to make their portraits fun even with a large group of friends! Both Carlie and Nick included a special first look with their parents – Carlie with her Dad and Nick with his Mom, which I loved.

Carlie and Nick love pictures. Well, they make it look like they do at least! They were more than willing to go everywhere and take advantage of the beautiful light after their ceremony as well. I just love how often Nick would spin Carlie and dip her, steal kisses, and if he wasn’t busy doing any of those things, he simply stared adoringly at her. They truly made my job easy and such a joy!

When the dance floor opened at reception, they never left it! We pulled them away for two minutes to cut their cake, and that ended our night with them. But it’s just the beginning of their future together as husband and wife.

Carlie and Nick, it was an absolute pleasure capturing your wedding day! We are so happy for you and grateful to have been a small part of your story!

Venue: Pleasantdale Chateau, West Orange, NJ

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Hair: JC Hair Design

Florist: Dalsimer Spitz and Peck

Wedding Dress: Palmer Gown, Wedding Atelier in NYC

Rings: Schroth & Lorenson

Invitations: Little Black Dress Paperie

Videographer: ToneMedia

Entertainment: The Frank Simmons Band – Hank Lane