Coming to you on the blog today is Jessica and Charles’s May wedding, which is a serious contender for one of the most fun weddings I have ever had the chance to photograph. The couple had their special day at The Estate at Eagle Lake, a garden venue perfectly positioned on a quiet lake in the heartland of Central New Jersey’s farmland in Chesterfield, NJ.
From early in the afternoon, when we started the day to late in the evening, it was a non-stop stream of laughing, dancing and merrymaking. (Do people say “merrymaking” still? If not, this wedding is def bringing it back).
These two lovebirds met through mutual friends, 9 years ago, and have clearly been having the time of their lives ever since. Charles popped the question to Jessica in Gettysburg where they took our first of many camping trips together.
Jessica wore a Sheer Back Crepe Wedding Dress with Lace Train from the David's Bridal Collection. The sleek plunging neckline begins the ultra-feminine, body-hugging details of this modern and captivating stretch-crepe halter mermaid wedding dress. Covered buttons line the illusion lace racerback and figure-accentuating trumpet skirt, meeting a lace skirt godet which cascades into a chapel train. When I asked Jessica about her dress, she said that she's just not a dress person but tried going in with an open mind. She went to a boutique first and found very nice dresses but since she doesn't like wearing dresses so it was super overwhelming. Many months later, she went to David's Bridal needing to get a dress because everyone keep telling her "it should've been done 3 months ago." Jessica chose the first dress she put on - she knew it was the one because she actually really loved wearing a dress. It was beautiful.
When it came to planning the big day, Jessica did give some advice for future brides. "Just sit back and let your fiancé plan it, you won't be stressed and everything ends up being way better than you could've ever imagined. Chuck planned it all. Also, bustle your dress for your first dance, lol". As for photography related advice, she says to "just go about the day. The best pictures were the ones where we were living in the moment. And don't forget to smile when you walk down the aisle."
And, as you’d expect, the bridesmaids and groomsmen were just as much fun. I mean, there are wedding parties… and then there are wedding PARTIES. I mean, you be the judge - roll that beautiful footage.
Not only did the bridesmaids and groomsmen decide to recreate The Office wedding entrance, THEY KILLED IT! Also, we prepare for the NFL playoffs and race to the Superbowl, we must mention the special guest that surprised Charles and Jessica during the reception - SWOOP, The Philadelphia Eagles' mascot! The couple said it was one of the highlights of the day when Swoop came out and all the guests and DJ Fuzzy singing the fight song - Fly Eagles Fly.
Mingled in with the uproarious events were some genuinely sweet moments, too. I loved when Jessica had a first look with her father before the ceremony. Just goes to show that fun and love go together really, really well. Congrats again, Jessica and Charles, and is it too much to ask that you put me on the invite list for any of your future get-togethers…? Ha!
Photographer: Brittany Harmening Photography - Amazing. Youse were super chill. You took beautiful pictures of us as we went through our day. You were so kind and literally got me through most of my day with your encouragement and advice. So grateful to have had you as our photographer!
Bridal Boutique: David's Bridal
Venue: The Estate at Eagle Lake
Planner: Brianna & Works of Love
DJ: DJ Fuzzy
Florist: Birds of Paradise -Jimmy, our florist, was incredible; he decorated our cake beautifully! And our bouquets and corsages were so beautiful too.
Caterer: Summit Catering - Literally the best food ever and the dessert parade, bartenders, servers far exceeded my expectations.
Limo: Arrive in Style