Becky and Tyler’s love for planning their wedding was palpable; they left no stone unturned in making their special day truly unforgettable. From personalized porch chairs that will be a part of their lives for years to come, to custom cake toppers and sentimental cow bells, every detail at their picturesque garden wedding in New Jersey was infused with sweetness and charm.
The stunning photographs by Brae Howard Photography perfectly capture the joy and relaxation that filled the air on their big day, which Becky describes as ‘happy, relaxed, and personal.’ As we gaze upon her beaming smile throughout, it’s easy to see why this was a celebration for the ages.
The Photography
I stumbled upon Brae Howard Photography through our venue’s blog, where she had showcased her work from a previous summer wedding. Her natural and effortless style immediately resonated with me, as did the warm, candid moments she captured. Given her ability to effortlessly capture beautiful, carefree moments, I felt confident that she would be an excellent fit for our special day. As someone who values informality, I appreciated her laid-back approach.
During the planning process, Brae proved to be incredibly flexible, accommodating to my needs and even kindly agreed to a Skype meeting – we didn’t meet in person until the wedding itself. On the big day itself, she was an absolute delight to work with. Separately, our videographer, Black Box Films had recently worked on a friend’s wedding, and I was blown away by their trailer.
It provided me with a wonderful sense of how the day unfolded and what it felt like – the fact that we shared a high school connection with the videographer made it even more special.
The Personal Touches
Our wedding program was a unique reflection of our relationship and personalities. The back of the program featured a fun Q&A section, which included details about our cats, honeymoon plans, alma maters, and how we met in college. This personal touch helped set the tone for our special day. As a way to commemorate our guests’ presence, we wanted a guest book that would become a treasured keepsake.
Tyler’s brother, one of his groomsmen, crafted an exquisite pair of Adirondack chairs as our wedding gift. His parents kindly drove them from Minnesota to New Jersey, along with my wedding dress and other essentials, for us to display on our front porch. Our cake topper was a whimsical representation of our college days at Williams College in Massachusetts. A custom design featuring two purple cows holding hands, inspired by the college’s mascot, Eph, was commissioned from an Etsy artist.
The bride wore a softball glove as a nod to my athletic pursuits, while the groom donned a speedo and towel instead of a traditional tuxedo, paying homage to Tyler’s swimming background at Williams College in Massachusetts. To replace the traditional toast request for the newlyweds to share a kiss, we incorporated cowbells into our wedding decor.
Antique bells from Wisconsin, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Georgia were carefully collected over the year, each one representing a special location that held meaning for us. The cowbell note read ‘Ring for a Kiss,’ allowing guests to participate in this unique tradition. Tyler’s creativity shone when he crafted two cornhole sets as a thank you to our parents for their unwavering support.
He painted the outline of New Jersey on one board and Minnesota on the other, symbolizing the significance of these places in our lives. Our reception featured lively games, with guests enjoying the custom boards. Instead of traditional wedding favors, we chose to honor our love for philanthropy by making a donation in everyone’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where I have been involved since high school.
We received adorable teddy bears from the foundation, adorned with little ribbons and notes expressing our gratitude.
The Refreshments
As we mingled and socialized, we indulged in a selection of signature cocktails crafted with our go-to beverages. These included Cinnamon Toast Crunch-infused drinks, New Jersey Sours (a personal favorite), Napa Margaritas (Tyler’s weakness for tequila), and Raspberry Tea sips. The real showstopper, however, was Fireball Whiskey – it seemed as though everyone was taking shots of this fiery drink throughout the evening.
Following dinner, we sat down to a sumptuous meal featuring an array of delectable dishes, accompanied by plenty of appetizers to get our taste buds dancing. And to top it all off (literally), we enjoyed a simple yet elegant vanilla cake adorned with a custom cake topper.
The Decor
As we planned our special day, the charming venue took center stage. The gardens, bursting with vibrant blooms, served as a picturesque backdrop for our celebration. The rustic charm of the old barn and farmhouse added to the ambiance, providing a unique setting that reflected our personal style. To complement the natural beauty of the surroundings, we incorporated floral elements into our decor.
Mason jars filled with fresh flowers adorned the aisle, while colorful centerpieces brought warmth to each table. The big tent was transformed by whimsical lanterns, which added a touch of magic to the atmosphere. We also worked with Event Designs by Katherine to create meaningful and beautiful signs that told our story. These unique touches included hanging wedding photos of our parents and grandparents, serving as a touching tribute to our loved ones who came before us.
Our tables were deliberately kept simple, with crisp white tablecloths paired with burlap runners adorned with delicate lace. This understated yet elegant approach allowed the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage.
The Flowers
To add a splash of vibrancy to our navy dresses, we opted for a bouquet of orange, peach, and yellow blooms, which instantly injected a sense of joy into the decor. To create visually appealing centerpieces that wouldn’t overwhelm the space, we used a combination of milk jars, mason jars, and galvanized pots in three smaller holders placed along each table. Our goal was to strike a balance between adding color and fun without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
The Music
As our recession came to a close, we opted for an acoustic rendition of Hall and Oates’s ‘You Make My Dreams’, a favorite among us that set the tone perfectly for the dance party we had in store. The evening’s festivities only picked up pace from there. Tyler and I took to the dance floor ourselves, spinning to Garth Brooks’s upbeat ‘Wrapped Up In You’. As country music enthusiasts, this choice was an easy one.
On our invitations, we cleverly included a specific request for guests to RSVP with their go-to dance track – something that would undoubtedly get them moving and boy, did they deliver! The requests poured in, offering a delightful mix of songs that our DJ could draw upon to keep the party going all night long. As the night wore on, you’d hear excited chatter give way to joyful shouts of ‘this is my song’ as friends and loved ones alike made their way onto the dance floor.