Even though I love being a New Jersey wedding photographer, Ceci and Kevin gave me all of the European wedding vibes I could have ever hoped for. Their wedding location – Rutgers campus – felt like one of those old European castles with uneven brick and courtyard garden energy outside. If you have been looking for a place in New Jersey to take outdoor wedding photos and want something that feels classic and elevated, I absolutely adored this location and can’t wait to go back.
Although wedding guest lists are growing as pandemic restrictions are lowering, I have to just reiterate what a big part micro weddings have in my heart. In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Devin, the woman behind the camera here at Mile Square Moments. You can learn more about me here, or if you are looking for a wedding photographer, check out my wedding photography packages below!
Getting Ready Photos
Ceci got ready in their apartment and Kevin got ready at a hotel nearby. Being an intimate wedding, they didn’t have a room full of bridesmaids and groomsmen but as a wedding photographer, I LOVED that all of the attention was on them and the very select few they chose to spend their day with. An added benefit was that their getting ready locations were logistically practical – their apartment was only a few minutes walk from their first look location and the hotel was only a 10-minute walk!
Outdoor European-Style Wedding Photos
If you don’t want to fly for a destination wedding, why not choose the dreamiest European-style locations right here in New Jersey? Rutgers campus was the perfect outdoor wedding location, right near their wedding ceremony chapel and close to their getting ready locations (walking distance!).
After all, I truly believe there is no better outdoor wedding location than a European-style outdoor wedding in New Jersey. There are hidden gems all over New Jersey, of course, from gardens to country clubs, historic estates, and more. And if you need help choosing a location for your wedding ceremony, reception, or outdoor wedding photos, don’t forget to ask your photographer. I love when my couples share their wedding day vision with me and I can offer up advice and tips to make it even better!
A Stunning New Jersey Church Wedding at Rutgers Campus
I always love capturing the wedding ceremony, but what I loved the most about this church wedding was the spark of true love between the two of them as they shared their “I dos” before the altar. You can see in the photos how happy they are. They literally could not take their eyes off of each other. Though only a few guests were in the audience, I love the minimalist warm tones of the church which complemented the European-style vibe so well. The church itself was beautiful inside and out.
After the wedding ceremony, they walked downtown to celebrate with drinks on a patio. Seriously, it doesn’t seem like much but being mindful about locations makes such a difference on your wedding day. It already goes so fast that if you can avoid it, you don’t want to waste precious minutes travelling.
Cocktail Reception on a Downtown Patio
Enough with lace, golden chairs, and sparkling chandeliers. This cocktail wedding reception downtown was everything you could ever want for a casual wedding. I know the pandemic was tough and so many weddings were affected. But honestly? I’m glad we were able to capture receptions just like this one: where the focus is 100% on the commitment Ceci and Kevin made and just enjoying the time with their nearest and dearest. No tablescapes and ethereal sitting, just the wonderful outdoors and the subtle hustle of the city. We actually stopped at the below patio for a quick drink before heading to a fancier reception dinner and there was a group of Rutgers Campus athletes that ended up buying them tequila shots!
I loved how Ceci and Kevin just allowed their day to unfold naturally and left room in their timeline to be surprised. As a wedding photographer, I wanted to capture all of the candid moments, the sincere smiles on their faces and everything in between. You’ll see below that nothing was staged (besides the one quick group photo!). The wedding photos reflect the true joy of an intimate, yet casual, wedding.
Planning your New Jersey Wedding
When it comes to planning your New Jersey wedding or choosing your photo locations, I hope that this real wedding inspires you to do things YOUR way. Ceci and Kevin wanted their wedding to reflect them as a couple, which meant something low-key, relaxing and fun. They didn’t want to do something over-the-top because they “should”. Instead, they focused on spending time with the ones they loved. When I asked what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day, they mentioned that they couldn’t wait to see their families and spend time with them! Although they had been together for five years, their families hadn’t even met yet! If you are dreaming of a micro wedding, or love a European wedding vibe, make sure to reach out here. I would love to learn more about your love story and document your wedding day!
Vendor Squad
Bride’s Attire: BHLDN
Groom’s Attire: J Crew
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company based in Hoboken, New Jersey. If you are new around here, you should know that 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 so make sure you say hi!
