Their Wedding Day: Hamilton Farm NYE Wedding
Sam & RJ’s Hamilton Farm NYE wedding was a blast! In 12 years of being a wedding photographer, this was my first time photographing a New Years Eve wedding! And I have to say it was so much fun! These two know how to throw a party and every single person there (us included!) had the most amazing time celebrating! What a perfect way to ring in 2025!I loved all the little New Years touches, like headbands for the guests to wear at the reception, little disco ball elements in the invitations & signage, and the confetti pop at midnight! I am so excited to share my favorite photos from this incredible day! But first…Sam & RJ’s love story!
Their Love Story
I asked Sam & RJ to share with me one thing they love about each other. They gave such thoughtful answers. Sam said, “I love how optimistic RJ is. I always tell him he is the sun, he truly brightens my life in every single way & I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He is the most hardworking and generous man I have ever known and I have never questioned his love for me- he makes me feel loved, safe and treasured every single day. I am truly blessed!” RJ said, “I love Sam’s beautiful personality & everything about her. She is just an amazing person & I love how easy going she is & that she cries during dumb commercials that wouldn’t make most people bat an eye.”
How They Met
Sam & RJ first met for the first time about 8 years before they started dating! Sam told me, “RJ was working on a project with my Dad and I was still in college. We met briefly and I had a huge crush. I asked my Dad if he was single, but he let me know he had been with his girlfriend for about 6 years at that point. That night my Dad told my Mom he thought we would’ve made a great couple. Flash forward and I was working as a listing agent on a project RJ was building for my Dad. I flirted for a year and a half before I forced myself to ask him out & the rest is history!”
The Proposal
I love Sam & RJ’s proposal story! Sam gave me the best inside scoop. She said, “WELL. This is funny. I had no idea RJ was proposing on a random Tuesday in November (21st). He had told me he was taking me to the city for our anniversary and we were spending 2 nights in the city at The 1 Hotel on Central Park.”
“We were getting ready to head into the city & he told me before dinner that night we were going to meet a super random friend of his. So it was pouring outside & I wanted to wear leather leggings and a sweater. (AGAIN, I had no idea the proposal was coming). He said maybe I should dress fancier, but I thought we were going to have time to stop at the hotel between meeting his friend and dinner. Naturally, I was very offended LOL.”
“So we head into the city and check-in to the hotel and head downtown to meet said random friend. I am asking about a billion questions about this friend I have never met. (He is real, but I have never met him and he lives in Miami and was a childhood friend). RJ told me we were meeting him at a secret apartment speakeasy ?? I was once again confused. But, alas we went up the elevator and a woman greeted us at the door and said the friend was waiting for us & put what I am dumb to not have realized was a portable microphone in his jacket pocket and said it was so the cocktail waiters could find us. Yes, I am the most gullible human alive.”
“SO we got off the elevator and the room was covered in yellow rose petals (yellow is my favorite color) and there was a violin player playing You Got It by Roy Orbison which is kind of our song. I knew instantly and sobbed for about 2 days. The proposal was incredible & then followed by an amazing dinner at Daniel.”
“The next day my family surprised us at lunch (I literally saw my Dad in the restaurant and said to RJ it’s so weird he is here on business and didn’t text us) LOL GULLIBLE. RJ then surprised me by booking the room next to us for my older sister and her husband and got all 4 of us 3rd row tickets to Billy Joel. The next morning was Thanksgiving and he invited my siblings and parents to watch the parade with us from the terrace of our insane suite and had it fully catered with tons of champagne. I still cry thinking about it. I think I cried tears of joy for 3 full days until there was no water left in my body.”
To the Newlyweds
Sam & RJ, you guys are simply amazing. We love you guys and the boundless positive and joyful energy surrounding you. It was an absolute joy to get so spend NYE celebrating you two and your marriage. I couldn’t have thought of a better way to simultaneously close out 2024 and kick off 2025! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for having us as a part of your wedding day! Sending the biggest hug and all our love!
Vendors
2nd Photographer – Ryan Hardin
Photo Assistant – Kayla Lavallee Photography
Venue – Hamilton Farm
Coordinator – Most Valuable Bridesmaid
Hair Stylist – JC Hair Design
MUA – Beauty on Location
Florist – Jude Anthony Florist
Band – Brian Kirk and the Jirks
After Party DJ – Simply DJs
Videographer – Williams Wedding Co
Invitation Suite – Katherine Elizabeth Invites
Dress Designer – Pronovias
Bride’s Shoes – Show Me Your Mumu
Necklace – Verstolo
Engagement Ring – Kevin’s Fine Jewelry
Cake – Calandra’s Bakery
Bride & Bridesmaid Getting Ready – SheShow
Spray Tan – My Spray Tan Artist
Dance Lessons – Arthur Murray
