Natalie and Ben got married at Crossed Keys Estate this summer and let me tell you, it was phenomenal from start to finish. They are a couple who absolutely loves details, just like I do, and from the getting ready photos to the last photo of the night, their wedding was flawless. When I asked what they were looking most forward to on their wedding day, both agreed that they couldn’t wait to celebrate with all of their favorite people in the same room. And celebrate they did! Natalie and Ben chose an absolutely beautiful outdoor wedding venue and if you are considering a Crossed Keys Estate wedding – you’ll find more than enough inspiration here!
New Jersey Photographer & Videographer Team
Did you know that here at Mile Square Moments we have a partnership with Murphy Studio (wedding videographer) to offer seamless wedding photo and video packages?! Every time I work with Alan, I’m reminded of what a good team we are. If you are looking for a New Jersey wedding photographer and videographer team, you can learn more about us by clicking the button below! Or, skip straight to our services page to learn more about pricing. If you already have a 2022 wedding date, get in touch here to check availability and connect with me (Devin!) directly.
Fall Engagement Photos in New Jersey
I never expected to be in New Jersey for this long, but honestly, I’ve fallen so in love with the Garden State. One of my absolute favorite seasons for New Jersey engagement photos is the fall because the colors are just absolutely gorgeous. We took a mix of candid and posed photos around the city and by the waterfront. Natalie and Ben were absolute naturals in front of the camera! True love shined through.
Do you love a good proposal story? Rarely do my brides-to-be ever admit they were completely surprised, but Ben managed to pull it off! Natalie thought she was going out to a girlfriend’s birthday, but it was a complete setup so Ben could propose on a dreamy secluded rooftop in Manhattan. When she walked upstairs, the area was covered with candles and rose petals. Before she said yes, she made sure he checked with her dad! You have to love strong values (and marrying someone who knows what’s important to you – so that you can say yes). After the proposal (and a lot of tears!), the surprise continued into another room with their family and closest friends. A few drinks later, they migrated to another area only to be surprised by even more family and friends. It was truly an evening full of celebration.
Getting Ready at Crossed Keys Estate
I’ve already said I love this wedding venue, but the stellar getting ready locations are just icing on the cake! As a wedding photographer, I always appreciate a wedding venue that has two spaces for getting ready, so we don’t waste any time in transit. Too many wedding venues just have one “bridal suite” when I’m a firm believer that both members of the couple deserve to feel like VIPs on their wedding day (and not to mention – not every wedding has a bride!). Natalie got ready at “The Playhouse” with her side of the wedding party and Ben got ready at “The Estate House” with his side! Both rooms were filled with joy and anticipation for the day!
A First Look with the Bride’s Father, and then Each Other
Once they were ready, we set Ben up at the perfect first look location while Natalie enjoyed a sweet first look with her father. Crossed Keys Estate is a larger wedding venue so there are many stunning outdoor options for us to use as a backdrop for the photos. Natalie brought a gift to her first look with her father and it was deeply emotional and sweet. After that, we brought her over to the first look location where Ben was waiting for a first look that was full of joy. I don’t need to tell you they were ready to celebrate, you can see it in their faces! After their first look, I was able to take classic wedding couple portraits of just the two of them. I also captured a few solo shots because these two were show-stopping! I wanted them to remember this moment forever.
Large Wedding Party Photos!
Although Natalie and Ben wanted a more secluded location for their first look (they did not want an audience!), they wanted to meet up with their wedding party shortly after to get those classic wedding party photos done before the ceremony! A large wedding party can be a little more time-consuming (after all – you are often having too much fun to pay attention to your photographer) but we always manage to strike a balance between efficient and relaxed. I’m not afraid to take control but I also don’t want you to remember being miserable taking your photos. Natalie and Ben made the photos so much fun with their easy-going demeanor and we even finished off with a champagne pop!
Crossed Keys Estate Wedding Ceremony
I know I’ve mentioned this a million times by now but truly, every minute of their wedding day was gorgeous. Natalie and Ben got married outdoors and let the beauty of nature speak for itself with a classic white and greenery color palette. To make their wedding ceremony their own, they incorporated a special reading into their ceremony and finished by breaking some glass to incorporate their faith. After the wedding ceremony, we took just a couple more photos of Natalie and Ben in the Farmhouse Suite and then they met their guests at cocktail hour!
Photographing Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception Details
Natalie and Ben enjoyed the cocktail hour with their guests under an open-air tent, and I enjoyed photographing them both mingling with their guests AND sneaking away to photograph some of the most incredible wedding reception details. As you start to plan your wedding photography timeline (don’t worry – your photographer will help you!), always build in enough time for your photographer to capture all of the details you have spent the last 12-24 months planning!
Crossed Keys Estate Wedding Reception
Is it weird that a part of me wished this reception would never end? It was truly just so much fun. From the grand entrance (not only did the wedding party come in dancing – the parents were, too!), to a night filled with excellent food, toasts that would make you both laugh and cry, and campfires to roast marshmallows outside, there was absolutely nothing stopping this Crossed Keys Estate wedding from being the most incredible night ever.
Personally, I loved that their wedding was just as fun as it was stunning. They also included some traditions that were important to them, like an Italian dance to “That’s Amore” (you can see guests waving their napkins in the photos below!) and the Horah (chair) dance. Natalie and Ben really made it their mission to have it all and it was incredible to witness.
A Wedding at Crossed Keys Estate
If you are considering a wedding at Crossed Keys Estate, they handled almost everything for Natalie and Ben (and did a phenomenal job). The gorgeous event space, luscious florals, and catering were all incredible. To Natalie and Ben, I am beyond honored you chose Mile Square Moments to photograph your wedding day. I wish you absolutely all the best and can’t wait to see what the future brings!
Vendor Squad
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company based in Hoboken, New Jersey. We love getting to know each couple personally. Wondering if we would be the right fit? You might be a MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of getting a little up close and personal in photos. We love natural chemistry and a little PDA around here! BUT, also enjoy a night in binge-watching Netflix. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you are, Contact us here to find out about our photography/videography packages. We also love stories on Instagram. If you want more outdoor wedding inspiration, check out this outdoor wedding in New York. Enjoy!
