Their Wedding Day: Rockleigh Country Club Fall Wedding
Dana & Matt’s Rockleigh Country Club fall wedding was such an incredibly fun and joyful day! When Dana first reached out to me about photographing their day she shared some details about their vision! They hoped to incorporate some elements of purple (since it’s both their favorite colors), and Dana said she wanted to wear a classic wedding dress, and then for the reception change into a sparkly or fun second look! She told me “I am really looking for a balance between glitz/glam and candid fun in the pictures, which I know might sound a bit contrasting. Matt and I aren’t super formal or serious people, so while we want amazing and staged pictures to look back on, we also want the event to represent who we are and feel like us.”
I’d say the vision was executed perfectly! There were so many classically beautiful elements, and so many fun candid, personality moments to capture throughout the day. It was a dream! Even though there was rain in the forecast, it paused just in time for us to make use of the gorgeous Rockleigh grounds for portraits! It was truly an incredible day! I can’t WAIT to share all my favorite photos! But first…a little bit of their love story!
Their Love Story
When I asked Dana & Matt to share one thing they love about each other they gave the perfect answers. Dana said, “His silliness! Matt can be pretty shy and quiet around new people, but when it is just the two of us he is full of energy and knows just how to make me laugh. I will shamelessly also give another answer and say that I love his loyalty – he fiercely protects those he loves.” Matt said, “I love how Dana brightens up a room anywhere she goes with her big smile and contagious laugh.”
How They Met
Dana & Matt met during their freshman year of college at the University of Maryland! Dana told me, “We lived 5 doors down from each other in the dorm. But we didn’t really meet until the second semester, which would have been early 2013. While not romantic at first, there was definitely something there and we quickly became very good friends. To this day, our families still tease us because they don’t believe that we were just friends. After about a year of friendship, things shifted and we officially started dating. Since then we graduated, did long distance for 2 years (he was in New Jersey and I was in Ohio), did short distance for a bit over 3 years (both in New Jersey about an hour apart), and then moved in together in Hoboken about 6 months ago!”
The Proposal
I loved hearing how Matt popped the question! Dana told me the full scoop! She said, “My childhood best friend had her wedding in Ireland (where her husband is from). So Matt and I decided to plan a whole vacation around it. We somehow started a whole big joke – or so I thought – about how fun it would be to get engaged during the trip and kept up this routine for months.”
“We went on a tour to the Cliffs on our third day. When we arrived there Matt pointed at a specific spot and said we were going to hike up to it because it would have the best views. I argued for a minute because it looked dangerous (nothing between the trail and the edge of the cliff!). And I was nervous about making it back to the bus on time, but ultimately gave in because I knew he would be right about the views.”
“Once we got up there, we took some pictures and I was ready to head back down. But he insisted we take a few more. He then got all serious and started talking about our relationship to which I thought he was continuing our “lets get engaged in Ireland” joke. I told him that it had gone too far and to stop, but then he got down on a knee, and it turns out he actually was very serious!!! And to make the whole event even more special, he hired a photographer to capture the whole thing. Looking back, there were definitely a few things I should have picked up on throughout the day but am so happy that I stayed blissfully unaware.”
To the Newlyweds
Dana & Matt, thank you so much for having us as a part of your day! Your smiles are contagious and it was SO much fun seeing all that joy and excitement fill the room and be reflected by all your friends and family for your wedding day! We love you guys and couldn’t be more excited for the start of this next chapter in your love story! Sending the biggest hug and all our love! xoxo
Vendors
2nd Photographer – Ryan Hardin
Photo Assistant – Barbara Marcella
Venue – The Rockleigh
HMUA – Pin It Up & Pout
Florist – Dalsimer Spitz & Peck
Band – Elegant Music Group (Hyde Park)
Videographer – Willow Tree Films
Invitation Suite – The Gift Girls
Paper Goods – Willow Lane Paperie
Dress Boutique – Park Avenue Bridals
Bride’s Shoes – Badgley Mischka
Perfume – Chanel
Rings – Majestic Diamonds
Groom & Groomsmen Attire – The Black Tux
Cake – A Little Cake
Bride Getting Ready Attire – Bedhead Pajamas
Dance Lessons – Hoboken Latin & Ballroom
Photobooth – Elegant Music Group
Live Painter – The Celebration Artist
