Ryan and Mike said “I do” on September 30th of last year and celebrated with a rustic-meets-classic wedding in Randolph, New Jersey.
I first met the couple when they’d asked me to shoot their engagement session. It was then that I had the opportunity to get to know them and learn how they met and how he proposed.
Both the bride and groom got ready at the hotel where they were staying—separately, of course—surrounded by their wedding parties and family members. I love shooting the raw excitement and anticipation while the bride and groom get ready!
Ryan’s mother and bridesmaids were just as excited as you’d expect as she got her hair done and stepped into her lace wedding gown.
And the emotion on Ryan’s face as she opened this card from Mike.
Equally fun was shooting Mike and his groomsmen as they popped open a bottle of whiskey to enjoy.
Like many couples these days, Ryan and Mike did a first look before the ceremony.
Note: I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. First looks, while not required, make the formal portraits process quicker since a lot of them can get taken care of before the ceremony. That means more time for the couple to spend with their guests during cocktail hour. A win-win!
Unlike a lot of others couples, they took a moment to have a quick toast together at the hotel’s bar.
Somehow, these two even managed to squeeze in some foosball and air hockey before the ceremony. Talk about a fun-loving couple.
The ceremony (as well as the reception) was held at the Meadow Wood Manor and was attended by about 125 guests. Fun Fact: That’s where my wife and I got married in 2012!
Meadow Wood Manor is known for their customer service and attention to detail. That’s one reason why Ryan and Michael chose to get married there.
Amazingly, many of the staff members even remembered my wife and I from our wedding there almost 5 years later! It was such a treat to be back there from the other side of things. They were incredibly helpful and accommodating with anything the couple or my staff needed. And I may be biased, but their food is amazing!
At the reception there was plenty of dancing, laughing at toasts, and enjoying cake. Everyone was having a great time.
How cute is this picture of Ryan waiting for a bite of cake?
Thank you to Ryan and Mike for allowing me to photograph your wedding and be there for such an amazing moment in your lives! I know you have a lifetime of happiness ahead of you!
Thanks to my other shooters, Amanda and Jess!
Vendors
Ceremony & Reception Venue
Meadow Wood Manor —MaryEllen Hatcher
MaryEllen@meadowwoodmanor.com
(973) 607-0609
http://www.meadowwoodmanor.com/
Florist
Monarch Floral Designs —Maria Caplan
reecap9@aol.com
(862) 881-2342
Wedding Dress
Park Avenue Bridals
341 Pompton Ave, Verona, NJ 07044
(973) 239-7111
https://www.parkavenuebridals.com/
Hair: Style Me Up Pretty—Niki Likos
(973) 943-7918
http://www.stylemeuppretty.com/
Makeup: AM to PM Makeup by Andrea—Andrea Mitsaelides
(973) 896-9335
DJ: Krystian- Alpine Entertainment
info@alpine-entertainment.net
(201) 478-8990
http://www.alpinedjs.com/
Cake: Gourmet Touch Bakery
21 Church St
Liberty Corner, NJ
(908) 604-0600
http://www.gourmettouchbakery.com/
Favors: Wine made by bride and groom @ Your Own Winery
92 Route 23 North
Riverdale, NJ
862.200.5808
Michele Crecca- yourownwinery@gmail.com
http://yourownwinery.com/
leave a comment