Do you love margaritas as much as Lisa and Grant do? You may recognize them from their unique engagement photos (featuring making margaritas – which made a reappearance on their wedding day here!). Their summer wedding at The Madison Hotel in New Jersey was one of my favorites from my 2021 wedding season. Not only was The Madison Hotel absolutely stunning (if you are in the market for a New Jersey wedding venue – definitely check it out!), but Lisa and Grant were two of the absolute sweetest people I have ever met. I can’t wait to share all the gorgeous wedding details and a little bit of their love story on the blog today!
New Jersey Wedding Photographer Review
I know how busy life can be, so I can’t even begin to stress how much it warms my heart when couples leave thoughtful and sweet reviews like this one from Lisa. I had so much fun working with the two of them for their unique engagement session and their absolutely stunning wedding, which you’ll see below!
Devin was an absolute dream to work with! We had her for both our engagement shoot and the wedding day. She is so organized – from proactively reaching out to schedule meetings, putting in effort to get to know us and what we want, and creating the entire schedule for the wedding day! Devin was always prompt when responding to any of our questions and, most importantly, she made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. The pictures are beyond anything I ever expected. We’ll cherish them forever!
Lisa also made and shared this incredible reel with me after she received her photos back! Seeing what photos are my couple’s favorites is always one of my favorite parts as a wedding photographer.
Getting Ready Photos at The Madison Hotel
I absolutely love when getting ready photos take place at the wedding venue (when possible, of course!). Any part of your wedding day where you can cut back on transportation time, do it. No matter what your wedding day timeline looks like (whether it’s packed or more laid back), it goes fast. I met Lisa and Grant in their getting ready locations at The Madison Hotel and got to capture not only the beautiful details (I love the deep emerald palette they chose), but also candid moments as they got ready for the day with their family and friends. Excitement was BUZZING (and drinks were popping!).
First Looks On the Front Lawn of The Madison Hotel
When Lisa was ready, we set her up to have a first look with her father on the front lawn of The Madison Hotel. He INSTANTLY teared up when he saw her and it wasn’t long before she teared up as well. Seriously, it’s these emotional moments on the wedding day that just tug on your heartstrings. You could tell how close Lisa and her dad are and it really was just such a sweet and intimate moment to capture.
After the first look with her father, we set Lisa and Grant up to have a first look with each other. Before they saw each other, they stood back-to-back exchanging letters written to one another. The anticipation filled the air. Reading letters was a somewhat symbolic gesture of their relationship together as well. The two of them used to exchange letters through college when they were long-distance (Miami and Philadelphia!). Lisa always joked that before she got engaged, she wanted her nails done so she could take pictures right away. The night before they went on vacation (for their 10th anniversary), Grant handed her a letter with a “PS: Better Paint Your Nails” and when she looked up he was down on one knee. I am so glad they incorporated such a special part in their relationship on their wedding day.
Once they were done reading the letters, we set them up for a more traditional first look where they saw each other. From there, we took couple portraits on the front lawn, and a few other dreamy locations The Madison Hotel is known for (like the train car seating!). After that, we let the wedding party join us again for some fun group shots before the wedding ceremony.
Emotional Wedding Ceremony at the Conservatory of The Madison Hotel
I already teased earlier that The Madison Hotel is a gorgeous New Jersey wedding venue, but seriously – the photos speak for themselves. The Conservatory at The Madison Hotel – with its abundance of windows – was an absolute DREAM to shoot in!
Lisa and Grant’s ceremony was extremely sweet and personal to them, and they asked Grant’s uncle to officiate. To make it even more intimate, they asked Lisa’s brother to perform a special reading. Lisa and Grant met at a freshman year dance, so needless to say, this couple has had a lot of history and love shared over their years together. After the first kiss, these two looked like they were ready to take on the world!!
A Fun Wedding Reception at the Conservatory of The Madison Hotel
When I asked Lisa and Grant what they were most looking forward to on their wedding day, they both agreed that they just want to have fun! It was during the reception that their love of margaritas made a reappearance. Their signature cocktail was a mango margarita and it was an absolute hit all night. The evening was full of memorable moments (sweet speeches, a father/daughter and mother/son dance, and a cake cutting!), but once the “main events” were done, the dance floor was packed and everyone just enjoyed each other’s company all night! I had to smile because I knew it was exactly what Lisa and Grant had wanted.
My favorite part of the reception though? They incorporated their engagement photos into their guest book! Seriously, it made my heart flutter a little!
Congratulations to these sweet New Jersey newlyweds!
I am so grateful I had a chance to be a part of Lisa and Grant’s wedding day. As you can tell, these two had a lot of love to share and I was in heaven trying to document it all. If you are planning a summer wedding, or a wedding at The Madison Hotel, I hope Lisa and Grant’s wedding brought you some wedding inspiration while also showing you that you can make your wedding day incredibly personal and meaningful to you. For more wedding inspiration in New Jersey, New York, and beyond, make sure to check out this post featuring all of my favorite weddings from 2021!
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Groom’s Attire: Menguin
Mile Square Moments is a New Jersey wedding photographer for the deep in love and hopeless romantics. We capture amazing moments and authentic love stories for couples in Hoboken, New Jersey and beyond! Get in touch to inquire about our photography services or follow along with fun love stories on Instagram. If you want more inspiration for planning your 2022 or 2023 wedding in New Jersey, New York or beyond, make sure to check out this post with all of my favorite moments in 2021.
