Apr 14, 2017

The Best Kind of Love // Jennifer + William

We didn’t get very many snow days this winter, but as luck would have it, the snow made sure to fall on this gorgeous wedding day! Jenny and Will’s wedding day was held right after the New Year’s holiday, right in the heart of the winter season, and the light snow fall was really the perfect addition to this winter wonderland wedding! And it was a really extraordinary way for us to begin a bright new year of wedding films.

Jenny and Will met through mutual friends, although they weren’t being ‘set up’ in any way. They began dating and fell in love, Jenny knowing Will was ‘the one’ as she watched him fit in so well with her family. Will often made breakfast on the weekends for Jenny so Will chose this opportunity to pop the question one morning. He suggested breakfast in bed for a change, then proceeded to bring her a delicious breakfast display that also included a diamond ring! After saying “yes” (of course!), Will took her on a tour of many of their most important places in the city, each stop hiding friends and family waiting to surprise and celebrate with them!

Winter weddings truly are so warm, festive and full of love and we’re always glad to be able to film a few each year. Jenny and her bridesmaids got ready that chilly morning in front of a cozy fire at their chosen venue, The Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Meanwhile, Will and his groomsmen prepared for the day, dressing into their classic black tuxedos, at the Westin Governor Morris Hotel. The beautiful bridal party wore long, deep green mismatched gowns and carried such gorgeous bouquets in white from Carroll’s Wedding & Event Floral Design. Jen’s lovely larger bouquet was filled with white roses, succulents, berries and foliage in chestnut & gray-green.

Before getting dressed into her gown, Jenny and Will opened gifts and read cards that each had given to the other. These are the special, intimate moments we love most… it’s simply impossible to hide the feelings of both tenderness and excitement as love notes are read in those last hours before becoming husband and wife.

Then, Jenny dressed into her exquisite wedding gown. She wore a beautiful dress with a ball gown silhouette, a lovely lace covered bodice and a full, multi-tiered skirt. Her long, lace sleeves were perfect for a January wedding event and she accented with a sparkling headband and a mid-length veil fastened at the back of her sleek updo. Jenny was such a radiant bride and “the perfect princess”, as her father aptly stated! We loved the moment Jen’s father saw her for the first time before escorting her down the aisle to Will.

The two skipped a first look, opting instead to share that first glimpse of each other as Jenny walked down the aisle at Holy Family Parish. The church was still delightfully decorated for the holidays with festive, lit Christmas trees and fresh, red poinsettias. Reverend Monsignor Peter Finn’s message was so poignant and beautiful and was filled with many lighthearted moments as well. Before leading them in their recitation of their vows, he asked if they were ready to “take the leap”! They sure were! Jenny and Will recited traditional vows and made it official!

Following their ceremony, formal photos were taken in the church and at their reception venue, The Park Savoy Estate. We were also so pleased to film as they were photographed outside in the falling snow! What a glorious backdrop! And it’s always such a pleasure to film alongside Paul and the team at Paul Francis Photography. Don’t forget to view some of the photos from the day on his blog!

A vintage Plymouth took Jenny and Will to their grand reception at The Park Savoy where the ballroom was decorated so beautifully, including a lovely sweetheart table for the couple featuring an elegant garland draped across the top. And their amazing five-tier wedding cake set up near their table from Pasticceria Bruno had an eye-catching row of cascading florals! After they were announced, the two danced a wonderful first dance to ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ and kicked off the evening’s celebration.

The toasts given by their fathers and by the maid of honor and best man were so well written and engaging, replete with sentimental touches, humor and even some Godfather references! After a stirring song dedication to Jenny’s grandparents, Jenny and Will’s dances with their parents were also so touching to witness and again demonstrated their and their family’s wonderfully exuberant personalities. The Craig Scott Orchestra kept the party going on the dance floor all evening and their guests showed off some really fancy dance moves!

Jenny and Will are such a sweet and thoughtful couple and working with them truly was a dream for us. And their winter wedding was absolutely phenomenal! We’d like to echo the words of Monsignor Finn in our wish for them that every day of their marriage “be filled with the same joy, happiness, love and enthusiasm.” Congratulations to Jenny and Will!