Rainy Wedding Day at Hamilton Farm

Olivia and Rob’s wedding was 10 years in the making. This lovely couple practically grew up together, after beginning their relationship at the end of senior year of high school. Their wedding came together as a combined effort between Olivia and her Mom, planning the events from the start. From the sound of it, I imagine it was quite the bonding experience for both and certainly a time that they cherished. And then, of course, the wedding day was a day none of their loved ones will forget!

Olivia told me from the beginning that she didn’t want to have any plan B for weather, so the ceremony in Hamilton Farm’s ballroom was the original plan. That was fortunate, since their October wedding day decided it would be a rainy one. The decor for the day was classic, with a touch of magenta flare, inspired by Olivia’s Manolo Blahnik pumps. From this favorite detail of hers, spurred the addition of magenta flowers for the bridal party bouquets and also subtle details throughout the ceremony and reception decor.

We started our day in Hamilton Farm’s garden room, where Olivia and Rob had their first look followed by private vows. This is one of my favorite new traditions. With a wedding party of more than 200 people, it was nice for them to have this intimate moment with just the two of them.

My goal for any wedding day is comfort and getting great pictures, so I’m often gauging how to balance the two on a rainy day! Olivia and Rob were willing to brave the outdoors, with a consistent rain, under the umbrellas so we could enjoy some of the gorgeous aspects of Hamilton Farm’s outdoor facade. It was a slow stroll, but so worth it! We even got the entire 18 person wedding party outside under umbrellas! One of my all-time favorite photos! The girls had adorable, matching shrugs that one of the bridesmaid’s mothers made for the group.

All the formal portraits were finished before the ceremony even began. At the start of the ceremony, Olivia had her brothers act as “flower boys” to line the aisle with petals before Olivia was escorted by her father. At the end of the ceremony, the families surprised the newlyweds with confetti poppers! The look on Olivia’s face was priceless! She was so surprised that she forgot to put the ring on Rob’s finger!

After the ceremony, the staff at Hamilton Farm escorted all the guests through the rain to the row of tents that were attached to the main house for a comfortably enclosed, and dry cocktail hour experience.

The ballroom was the perfect indoor/outdoor set up, surrounded by Hamilton Farm’s courtyard fountain. The candles lent warmth to the room. The florals were a classic white and green for the combined long and round tables, and the sweetheart table boasted more of those magenta florals to bring all the details to a full circle.

When the guests were introduced into the room, the music resounded from the gazebo where Good Noise was set up. The sweet and lovely serenade soon turned to a full out party with a full dance floor. I’ll admit to being a little jaded by reception entertainment. With 25-40 weddings per year over the last 17 years of photographing weddings, I’ve heard many bands. Good Noise is one of the best I’ve ever experienced! I found myself dancing my way through the crowd on the dance floor capturing guests as they enjoyed themselves, and I was having the best time as well!

Olivia and Rob, we are so happy for you and thrilled to have been a small part of your big day! Congratulations, newlyweds!

Venue: Hamilton Farm Golf Club, Gladstone, NJ

Planner: Brittnie Kuschke, Ride or Bride Events

Photographer: Lauren Kearns Photography

Hair: Tops Knots by Aimee

Makeup: Beauty on Location NJ

Wedding Dress: Kleinfelds

Florist: Wildflowers, Englewood Cliffs

Invitations: Paper Girl Creative

Cocktail Hour Entertainment: Sweet Harmony Music

Entertainment: Good Noise