New Jersey Summer Wedding
The second I saw this bride’s wedding dress, my jaw hit the floor. A gigantic round of applause to a bride willing to wear such a fun print on her wedding day! Its pattern continued through their equally amazing wedding cake — don’t miss any of the day captured by W Scott Chester.
From the bride, Christine: Our wedding was held outdoors at my parent’s house in NJ. My mom is an avid gardener so her beautiful landscaping really set the tone for a lush garden theme w/ lots of natural wood elements. We injected our own personalities and style by contrasting the natural elements with modern and playful accents – rustic farm tables met neon orange stationary and exotic flowers, quirky gold animal figurines paired with gold traditional dining chairs, etc. The florist did an amazing job of juxtaposing really soft and feminine flowers with amazing and weird plants that looked straight out of Avatar.
We continued to play up contrast through a color scheme of soft pinks, peaches, grey and gold with pops of neon orange and bright coral. Neon orange isn’t a color often stocked by wedding vendors – so we ended up making a lot of the neon/bright accents ourselves. Post-its come in an array of super bright colors, so one of the first things I made was the post-it piñata that has been circulating the blogs lately. This was so fun and easy to make and the kids absolutely loved it!
The florist (Rebecca Shepherd) had this amazing piece of drift wood that we designed the escort table around. The table itself is made from an old glass pane door and plant stands that we found lying around the garage. We die cut little flags for the escort cards and stuck them in a field of moss that Rebecca built up on the table. For the guest book we used a slab of ginkgo wood that Matthew harvested with his dad from a tree that was struck by lighting in Providence, RI. Matthew also proposed to me while we were collecting ginkgo seeds from a tree at Frank Lloyd Wright’s home + studio outside of Chicago. During the ceremony we planted one of the seeds that we collected that day. This is especially significant to us because his father was a huge ginkgo enthusiast and sadly passed away a few years ago. It is also considered a symbol of peace, longevity and resilience.
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? If you don’t have a wedding planner – definitely invest in a day-of coordinator [or week of coordinator if there is such a thing]. Also, take the time to choose vendors that compliment your style and personality because at some point you will have to step back and let them take the driver’s seat.
View all images from this wedding in the gallery
Wedding Music:
Prelude: Ave Maria
Bride’s Processional: Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Recessional: “Blackbird,” The Beatles
First Dance: Otis Redding “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Otis Redding
Father/Daughter Dance: “Someone to Watch Over Me”
Wedding Location: New Jersey / Photographer: W Scott Chester / Flowers: Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design / Wedding Venue: Private residence / Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier, 2013 resort collection / Wedding Shoes: J. Crew / Hair and Makeup: DePascal Beauty / Groom’s Suit: Lanvin / Groom’s Tie: Gucci / Groom’s Shoes: Westin / Caterer: Emily’s Cafe / Wedding Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique / Cocktail Hour and Reception Music: Big Bang Big Band / Tent: Sperry Tents NJ / Wedding Invitations: Bella Figura / Transportation: Arrow Limousine
Wow, how gorgeous is the brides wedding gown.
Wooow, incredibly beautiful!!
The color palette at this wedding is so divine – especially as seen on the dress and cake! I have never seen a dress like this and the bride looked stunning. The tent at the reception really adds to the theme as it creates the effect that the guests are in a grand boat ride!
Love that the cake coordinates with the dress! And, those tablescapes are to die for- props to the florist! 🙂
Wow, what a dress! Very bold and daring of the bride who definitely pulls it off with her golden complexion and colourful wedding to match! Love it x x
A very brave bride indeed! Love the cake and the dress!
I happened upon this by accident, looking for wedding suggestions for my daughter.
I was lucky enough to be “the day of-weekend co-ordinator” and This beautiful couple had the most gorgeous wedding I have ever seen in ! the pictures don’t do it justice . Matt and Chrissie, I still talk about it! And that dress was AMAZING and suited Chrissies personality perfectly xo
I’ve been SCOURING the web looking for that dress in a size 6 or 8, even to rent for the day… any ideas???
I absolutely adore her clear skin and natural make up! Reminds me of the amazing wonders they can achieve at https://homespa.me
They will even come to you to perform all services. There is truly no comparison to knowing you are in amazing hands on such an important day!
The table itself is made from an old Glass pane door and plant stands that we found lying around the garage? Wow that’s amazing and I really liked your article and I appreciate you for sharing
Like your decoration and a idea’s of taking pictures
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Keep sharing
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