The photos of Nicole and Stephen’s joyful wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds bring me so much joy to look back on now. One of my last weddings of the 2022 season, their fall wedding had it all: a sweet love story, a vibrant color palette, and an incredible New Jersey wedding venue. I haven’t been back to this gorgeous wedding venue since Alex and Matt’s wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds and I have missed the variety of gorgeous backdrops for wedding portraits!
Nicole and Stephen also hired one of my favorite NJ wedding videographers – Murphy Studio – so make sure you scroll to the end of their highlight film!
Finding the Right Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process, and I do not take it lightly when my couples trust me to capture their day. These kind words from Nicole and Stephen mean so much to me!
Devin is the best, hands down! We knew from the first call we had with her that it was a great fit, and we weren’t wrong! She helped ease our nerves during our engagement session last year so we knew exactly what to expect for our wedding day on Saturday. Her creativity and kindness are unmatched! We are obsessed with the photos she has sent us already and can’t wait to see the rest. I would recommend her to anyone!!
Getting Ready Photos at The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
Nicole got ready in the wedding suite at The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Coincidentally, Nicole and Stephen got married on Nicole and her best friend’s (and maid of honor) 10-year friendship anniversary. They only have one getting-ready suite at the venue, so Stephen and his groomsmen got ready only a short trip away at the Courtyard by Marriott.
There was so much excitement in the air between the two of them. Nicole and Stephen had been together since college and had been engaged (from a dreamy beach proposal!) almost exactly two years before their wedding day. It was time to make it official.
A First Look Before their Wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
As I said before, I missed the gorgeous outdoor backdrops at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. We set Nicole and Stephen up for their first look and then spent almost two hours capturing their wedding portraits around the grounds (with their wedding party meeting us to capture their fun group photos, too!).
Nicole starred in an elegant satin wedding dress (with a sweet bow back detail!) with a vibrant bouquet in shades of pink and coral. Stephen looked equally dashing in his blue suit next to his groomsmen (in darker shades of blue). Nicole’s wedding party wore mismatched hues of blue for a cohesive, yet effortless look. Everyone looked stunning!
Outdoor Wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
Nicole and Stephen love to spend time outdoors together so it was only natural that they would choose an outdoor wedding ceremony location. The gazebo at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds was the perfect spot for Nicole and Stephen to exchange their vows on this beautiful Saturday afternoon. Nicole and Stephen made their wedding ceremony personal by writing their own vows and asking two sets of their family members to come up for readings.
Wedding Decor at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
Nicole and Stephen kept their decor minimal, but impactful. Their bright florals were stunning against more neutral wedding decor. Their dog Margo, who they affectionately call “baby Margo”, was the star of the show, appearing on their custom cocktail napkins. One of their signature cocktails was even named after their precious fur baby (who wants a Margo-rita?). On top of everything, they hired a live painter, Maggie Smith Kuhn, to capture their wedding reception. Keep scrolling, I promise that the end result (and Nicole and Stephen’s reaction), is worth it.
Find Someone Who Makes You Laugh!
Nicole and Stephen have the kind of contagious energy you just love to be around. They each make each other laugh and as a wedding photographer obsessed with those deeply in love, it was an absolutely precious thing to witness. Their wedding reception was so much fun and I enjoyed capturing all the candids of their wide smiles all night long.
Another Stunning Wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds
I was beyond honored to capture Nicole and Stephen’s wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds and am already counting the days until I can return. Couples that are this in love fill my cup so much (it sounds a little mushy maybe, but connecting deeply with my couples is truly my favorite part about being a wedding photographer). If you are considering a wedding at the Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, you’ll want to check out this wedding next.
You can never have too much wedding inspiration (or read too many love stories) as you start to plan your own wedding day. To Nicole and Stephen, congratulations! I couldn’t be happier for the two of you.
Vendor Squad
Wedding Gown Designer: Jenny Yoo
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photographer based right here in Hoboken, New Jersey. We get to know each couple personally. Every time. You might be an MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of getting a little up close and personal in photos (PDA is A-okay!) but also enjoy a night binge-watching Netflix just the two of you. Are you planning a wedding in Hoboken, New Jersey? Or beyond? You can contact us here to find out about our photography and videography packages. We are also constantly sharing love stories on Instagram. For more stunning NJ wedding inspiration, check out Alex and Matt’s wedding at The Conservatory at the Sussex County Fairgrounds!