Kristen and Jim’s big day at The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey was a dream! We’ve gotten to know these two pretty well, I think at this point we’ve photographed almost all of their pals’ weddings from their TCNJ friend group.

The bride got ready with her girls on site at The Manor. The groom prepped very close by at the Residence Inn by Marriott of West Orange, which resides on the same grounds. Keeping things convenient and close by is key to a stress-free day that will run on time! The ceremony was held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Nutley, NJ which was also not far away at all!

The bride’s dress was by Bijou Bridal and the bridesmaid dresses were a juniper green color from David’s Bridal. The groom’s tux was from Men’s Wearhouse. The groomsmen wore black tuxes with juniper bowties. The florals were green, white, and gold but the overall scheme was a simple green and white. There was lots of fresh greenery and eucalyptus.

The Manor is a very traditional and ornate venue, but the couple preferred their photos to be more simple and classic. But they loved the brickwork at The Manor, and we even took night shots out back by the trellis. Although Kristen and Jim had a traditional church ceremony, they wanted to do a first look and to read each other short notes during that time since they were not doing their own vows during the ceremony. We were all for that!

The Manor has so many great nooks and crannies around the interior to use, including the wine cellar where we had the bridal party do a big toast together! There was so much love and good energy at this wedding.

Congrats again to Kristen & Jim!

How They Met

“We met six years ago at a summer camp in East Brunswick. Jim was in his last year at Rutgers and Kristen entering her sophomore year at TCNJ. A few short weeks into the summer, our first date was dinner and a movie. The rest of the summer we were inseparable. We would work together then spend all of our free time together. We’ve been inseparable ever since!”

The Proposal

AUGUST 28, 2019
“We were on vacation in Iceland. Jim had planned to pop the question on the second day of the trip at the top of a Volcano. We spent an hour trekking up this volcano, and once we made it to the top, Jim decided it was too windy and not the right spot. The next location he had planned would be perfect – Diamond Beach. Unfortunately, the weather was treacherous. Storms ensued for the next few days. Finally, after driving a few hours through landscape that looked like another planet and up a huge mountain, we arrived at the cutest little fishing town called Seyðisfjörður. Upon arrival, the sun came out and gave us the most beautiful day exploring the town and enjoying an amazing dinner outside with the locals. The next morning at 6 am Jim insisted that we go back to Seyðisfjörður’s most iconic location, a rainbow walkway leading up to a church to get some pictures without people in the background. While taking pictures he got down on one knee. We decided on forever!”

 

 

VENDOR NOTES

Venue / The Manor
DJ / DJ Jay G
Hair + Makeup Artist / The Updo Guru
Videographer / Folded Crane Films
Florist / Jacqueline’s Florist & Gifts
Dress / Bijou Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses / David’s Bridal
Tux / Men’s Wearhouse
Planner / Cristina Gomez – Carismas Design
Transportation / Moonlight Limousine and Party Bus Service