Bridget and Brian planned their Olde Mill Inn wedding in the Summertime and envisioned a romantic & rustic garden party. The venue offers a quaint little courtyard in the center of the Inn where an intimate ceremony can be held. Due to some scheduling changes at Olde Mill Inn, we opted for the first look and earlier portraits to take place instead at Cross Estate Gardens. Read on to find out how things all worked out!

Change can be a good thing!

This couple ended up with an absolutely gorgeous Summer day, hot – but not sweltering. The original plan was to stay at Olde Mill Inn for their first look and portraits, right in the same spot they would be married. However, due to a scheduling conflict at the venue we had to change the plan about a week or so prior to have portraits take place at Cross Estate Gardens. Luckily, OMI wound up providing transportation shuttles for the bride, groom and their bridal party / families. And furthermore, we discovered that Cross Estate Gardens is positively beautiful for portraits! It’s honestly our new favorite place. Prior to the wedding day, Bridget had been back and forth with us trying to figure out the logistics of leaving the venue for photos, but CEG is only 10 minutes away!

Going forward, we’re going to highly recommend the gardens for anyone getting married at OMI. It added some versatility to our backgrounds, because we ended up doing a lot in the courtyard later.  After Bridget and Brian saw each other at their first look, we walked them all around the gardens. Everything was in full bloom as butterflies floated by. CEG has a gorgeous trellis with winding vines that they stood underneath.

Before we left, we discovered an old mill (which was appropriate, given their venue). Brian lifted Bridget in the air and she had the biggest smile on her face in front of the mill! We wouldn’t have planned it any better.

Sparkler send-off and a donut wall

Back at OMI, the couple was married in the courtyard. The sun was setting and the on-coming evening brought a pleasant and welcomed chill to the air. After the ceremony, guests convened in the courtyard for group photos and mingling. It turned into such a nice night to hang outside! Following dinner and lots of dancing, we all headed back outside for a sparkler send off with the bridal party. String lights filled the trees and everyone gathered for final well-wishes to the newlyweds. Upon returning inside, a donut wall courtesy of Duck Donuts (our favorite!!) was being assembled as parting snack gifts for the guests. Big fans of Duck Donuts over here, so obviously we might have had to take a few for the road ourselves!

Congratulations again to Bridget & Brian!

 

 

 

 

Venue / @oldemillinn

Portrait location / Cross Estate Gardens

Florist / @thebotanicalbox

DJ / @barrentertainment

MUA + Hair Stylist / @prettypleasebridal

Video / @carriedawayfilms

Dress / @antoinette_rose_prom

Bridesmaid Dresses / @iheartazazie

Suit/Tuxedo  /  Tuxton Formal Wear, Morristown