A Fall Wedding Day at Hamilton Farm

One of the most important decisions in life is deciding who you are going to spend it with. Naturally, planning your wedding day around this major decision should be as original and authentic as the relationship itself. Lauren and James’ wedding day was just that and more. I loved hearing about the detail that went into the planning, because much of this day was so personal. From the invitation suite, created by Lauren’s graphic designer sister, to Lauren’s use of her Grandma’s purse, to a close friend officiating the ceremony.

To be sure that Lauren’s grandparents could attend one of their grandchildren’s weddings, they married back in February in their family church in Hoboken. Lauren is the 4th generation family member to get married in Hoboken, so bringing some tradition into their wedding year, made it all that more special. The underlying secrecy to their already married state created a relaxed atmosphere of their October wedding day.

The colors surrounding Hamilton Farm in the form of mums and turning leaves was magnificent and the epitome of an autumn wedding. Lauren was ready to go before anyone else. Excited to see James, and also *patiently* urging him to hurry up and get outside so she could see him made our jobs so easy. The clouds created a thin veil of filtered light that allowed us to utilize scenic areas around Hamilton Farm’s property that we otherwise would not be able to photograph in the harsh daytime sun. The time we had with the two of them also gave them some quiet time to spend together, before inviting their giant wedding party of 21 people to join them!

Lauren’s grandparents did make it to this wedding as well, and Lauren’s grandmother was just beaming with pride to see her granddaughter as a bride. It was so sweet to observe, as an outsider, the close bond that this family has with one another. The mention of family tradition as well as admiration of previous generations who laid the foundation for what a successful relationship and family should look like, and aspire to, was prominent. One of my favorite moments of the day, was when Lauren’s father, during their father/daughter dance, sauntered over toward his father to create a grandfather/granddaughter dance moment. I struggled to clearly see my viewfinder as my own eyes teared during this sweet moment.

Both siblings had plenty to say about their sister and brother during the toasting portion of the evening. This is clearly a family that has a lot of fun together, but it was the perfect combination of big brother/big sister jest and sentiment.

Once Elegant Music Group got the dance floor going, it was one giant party from that moment on. We managed to hit pause long enough to witness Lauren and James cut their cake and say our goodbyes before the married couple enjoyed their party for the rest of the night.

Congratulations, Lauren and James! We laughed, we cried and we had the best time celebrating you! Thank you for making us a part of your wedding day!

Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone, NJ

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Florist: Jardiniere Fine Flowers

Invitation/Signs: Gabrielle Guglielmelli, Sister of the bride

Hair: JC Hair Design

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Wedding Dress: Alexandra Grecco, The Lovely Bride NYC

Groom/Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux

Rings: Cohen Brothers Jewelry

Videographer: Chris Dixson Films

Entertainment: Elegant Music Group