Not even a nor’easter could get in the way of this incredible couple’s wedding day. Even with some snow on the ground, Kayla and Steve rocked their wedding day at The Manor, in West Orange NJ, from morning until night (these two know how to party)! These high school sweethearts realized after college that they just couldn’t stay apart and have been together for over 10 years. Their support for each other’s passions is so amazing and is just another reason why they are so clearly the best of friends. I want to start with their proposal story before telling you all about their wedding, because it sets the stage for how important family is to these two and how they wove that into their wedding day!
Their wedding website explained the moment perfectly: “On the 11 year anniversary of our first kiss, Kayla woke up to red roses accompanied by beautiful love letter, and thought this is sweet but are we ever going to get married. Later that evening, Steve picked Kayla up in his father’s red Mustang and took her out to dinner in Ridgewood – two details mimicking their first date. After a lovely evening, Kayla once again thought it would never happen and returned to her parent’s house discouraged. BUT, both our parents were waiting and Steve got down on one knee in front of our family and asked for Kayla to marry him. Champagne and dessert followed, with tons of calls and boomerang re-enactments.”
I wanted to start with this precious moment because the details of their special day honor their family in so many ways. It’s so clear that family is cherished in their lives. Kayla wore so many sweet mementos from her necklace made from her great grandma’s engagement ring to her great grandma’s ring on her left hand, and her Grandma Bernice’s handkerchief wrapped around her bouquet. She also held her sorority sisters close by wearing her sorority pin under her dress, and a sister even helped her put it on! I absolutely loved the display of old wedding photos dating back a few generations; I think it is always so special when a couple honors a family legacy of love in that way!
Their bridal party, dressed in gorgeous navy attire, was such a fun-loving group, which made them a blast to photograph throughout the day. Oh, remember I said they love to party?! Yeah, well Kayla and her brother performed a surprise impromptu dance to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” which was a dance routine that her brother had taught her once, and she had actually won a contest with her moves! (Yes, this dance is totally legendary!) So, Kayla surprised her brother by playing this song at the reception for them to dance together to (sparkly hat and white gloves included)!! She also had a really beautiful dance with her mom to the song, “I’ll Be There.” This day was full of excitement and so much love that truly filled the room.
Kayla and Steve, you two make winter photos look like a piece of cake, props to you both for bearing the cold for such stunning portraits!! Thank you for being such a joy-filled duo that made your day the biggest pleasure to be a part of. Wishing you two the happiest start to forever!!!
VENDORS
Second Photography | Yumi Matsuo
Assistant | Rebecca Sanchez
Ceremony & Reception Venue | The Manor
Dress Boutique | Something Special Bridals
Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Hair Stylist | Styles On Location, Julie Finnerty
Makeup Artist | Gia Palmieri
Rings | Arthur Groom & Co
Music | Matthew Friedman & Stiletto
Florist | Conroy’s, Cathy Dormer
Videographer | NST PICTURES
Catering | The Manor
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Paper Goods | Abigal Press
Officiant | Rabbi Bill Kurry
