Kayla and Richie got married in an outdoor wedding with a pavilion, which is at Fireman's Field in
Rockaway, New Jersey and it was beautiful! The couple first met when they were kids at Shady Acres Campground in Pennsylvania. Richie's grandmother owned the campground and Kayla's family went up there during the summers. They knew each other for over ten years and have been friends since then. On Christmas of 2020, Richie proposed by giving Kayla her last gift, which was a new iPhone, and in the wrapping was an engagement ring!
The day started with Kayla getting ready in her family home, followed by a sweet first look with her parents and bridesmaids. We then jumped on the bus from DLA Executive Limousine and headed to Hurd Park, in Dover, for photos! God sure blessed us with a bright, sunny day for those photos and luckily we were able to find decent shade to keep from getting too hot!
While we were heading over to the park, Richie and the groomsmen were getting their photos done. Once Kayla and the bridesmaids arrived, along with the families, we set them up to do their first look. Kayla said that their "first look was perfect. I knew I wanted to do it before the ceremony so after the ceremony was over we had more time with family and friends and didn’t have to do all family photos at that time and take away from the wedding."
Next up were the family and wedding party photos - and we couldn't forget a few pics with their dog!
We then headed to the field where the rest of the evening would take place. Shortly after arriving, the ceremony, which was performed by a close friend, began! The couple had their friend Brian, who was ordained, perform their ceremony. Honestly, that made it so much more special for both of them. After the "I dos," the tent opened and the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour with corn hole in the field and a photo booth set up under the pavilion.
As the reception opened up, the couple shared their first dance to Luke Combs' "Better Together." After their sweet first dance, Kayla's father escorted her out to the floor where they danced to "Piece by Piece" by Kelly Clarkson (which is always a tear-jerker for me)
Ask me what was served for dinner?!?! PIZZA! The couple actually had a pizza bar, which was provided by Pizza Rustica - located in Rockaway. They had specialty pizzas and regular pies -which everyone raved about. That was the first time I have ever seen it done and Kayla was worried about how it would turn out but they all loved it!
As the sun was starting to set, we took some intimate couples portraits, and I have to say, these are some of my favorites. Afterward, the couple did their cake-cutting and the dance floor opened up. Fantasy Productions, out of Hackettstown, NJ, keep everyone on the floor - and even included a "line dance" that I had not seen done at a wedding before - the Chicken Dance, which was apparently a campground favorite, and made for some amazing dance pictures.
Congratulations again Kayla and Richie! Here is a brief overview of their special day!
Photographer: Brittany Harmening Photography - It was effortless. No poses were uncomfortable or something we didn’t want to do. Both of you made it so easy and natural we absolutely loved it and had such a fun time. Do not skimp on the photographer. This will be the only thing you have to look back on when the day is over
Bridal Boutique: David's Bridal - I went to David’s Bridal to get an idea of the type of dress I wanted to look for, not even thinking I would find the one. I tried on 3 dresses and the third one made me cry. I tried on one more and ended up going back to the third dress and bought it that day. I knew I didn’t want anything but that dress. I felt amazing.
DJ: Fantasy Productions - They were amazing! We had Bob Albrecht and his assistant. They had the dance floor packed the entire time and everyone loved them.
Caterer: Pizza Rustica
Limo: DLA Executive Limousine
Hair and Make-up: Lauren Berlingeri - I cannot say enough good things about our hair and makeup team with Lauren Berlingeri. They all did a phenomenal job with the bridesmaids and bride, everyone looked stunning and the hair held up through all the dancing!