I am thrilled to feature this Essex Fells Country Club wedding with Michelle and Rob today! Another couple that was unfortunately affected by COVID-19 regulations and rescheduling, Michelle and Rob canceled the big wedding they originally had planned and decided to move forward with their original date on a much smaller scale. There was so much love in the air, I think it’s safe to say they made the right choice. These two were definitely ready to get married!
With only their closest family and friends in attendance, Michelle and Rob chose to keep their original wedding date of July 11th, 2020, and say their “I do’s” at Essex Fells Country Club. With so many couples forced to reschedule or alter their wedding plans, I love how many of these couples are choosing to keep their original date special — whether that be with an elopement, a minimony, or something in between. We love to celebrate as much as possible around here!
Getting Ready Photos at Home
We started getting ready for the afternoon ceremony at the bride’s parents’ house. One of the perks of a smaller wedding that often gets overlooked is that you need less time for the photos. We were able to get photos of Michelle (the bride) in her bride robe, her mom helping her into her wedding dress, and detail shots in under half an hour!
Personally, getting ready photos taken at home are some of my favorites because everyone gets to be so comfortable. Plus, there is less chance of misplacing or forgetting anything you need for the detail shots. I usually ask my couples to set aside everything we need for detail shots (rings, shoes, tie/bowtie, perfume, wedding gown hanger, invitations, etc.) so all of these pieces are ready when I arrive, creating a stress-free getting ready moment for the couple!
New Jersey Wedding Dress Shopping and Ring Photos
Michelle chose to purchase her wedding attire from BCBG instead of a traditional bridal store. I loved the dress because not only was it stunning, but she was absolutely glowing in it. Wedding couples always look better when they are comfortable and love what they are wearing, and I love when couples do something out of the box with their wedding attire (whether that be a wedding dress from a non-traditional store or fun socks for the groomsmen). MSM Couples tend not to take life too seriously and we are here for it!
Who else loves supporting local businesses? As a small business myself, it warms my heart when couples shop small with their wedding details. Michelle and Rob purchased wedding rings from a local New Jersey Jewelry Store – Jewelry by Eric.
Essex Fells Country Club Wedding Ceremony
Michelle and Rob decided not to have a first look and Rob’s face was priceless when he saw Michelle walking down the aisle for the first time! His smile can definitely light up a room! It was one of my favorite moments of the entire day.
For their micro wedding, Michell and Rob had less than 20 guests, but love filled the entire room. They kept the seating simple and classic with white garden chairs, and decorated the fireplace with greenery, white florals, and lots of candles. The venue was breathtaking. Despite pandemic challenges, this couple was very ready to be married and start their lives together.
After the Ceremony
The ceremony was short and sweet, and after the first kiss, the newlyweds broke into their first dance as husband and wife. It was a unique way to change up the timeline so their micro wedding still had many of the elements that they had originally planned for their wedding day.
Wedding Couple Portraits
Usually, when couples’ chose not to have a first look, the timeline can be a bit rushed for photos. Partly because there is such a large group to orchestrate and you don’t want to miss anybody for group portraits. Combine that with the desire to make the most of “golden hour” and it can get even dicier. With Michell and Rob’s small wedding size, we had more than enough time to take dreamy outdoor photos for their bride and groom photos. The weather even cooperated for the most part! You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain on your wedding day. 🙂
An Outdoor Reception Overlooking the Golf Course
As far as small wedding venues in New Jersey go, Essex Fells Country Club provided a stunning view for Michelle and Rob’s reception. With only two rectangle tables, the wedding couple truly had a chance to mingle and celebrate with each and every guest that attended. There were smiles all around and it felt so intimate and special for the two of them. You can already tell from the photos that these two have big smiles and the same was true with their immediate family. Pure Joy.
And then there was (micro) wedding cake!
Some couples are postponing their big receptions to 2021 and beyond, but I was thrilled that Michelle and Rob kept so much of what they had planned on a smaller scale. The champagne was flowing and there were traditional toasts and celebration. The wedding cake was simple, beautiful and from the looks of the guests’ faces — delicious!
Congratulations to the New Jersey Newlyweds!
With each wedding in 2020, it’s hard not to be more and more grateful. I was honored to be a part of Michelle and Rob’s love story. These two are definitely going to have a lot of fun (and big smiles) in their future. Congratulations!
Vendor Squad
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company in New Jersey. We love telling our couples’ love stories through their wedding photos and love getting to know each couple personally. We believe Getting to know our couples before the camera comes out allows us to better capture the chemistry that already exists between each couple. Wedding Photo Goals, Right? You might be a MSM couple if you love a night in binge-watching Netflix and you aren’t afraid of a little PDA in photos. Are you currently planning a wedding in Hoboken, NJ or beyond? Get in touch here to inquire about our photography packages. You can also follow along for some fun love stories on Instagram. For more micro wedding inspiration, check out Danielle and Andre’s Columbus Square Park Elopement.
