Their Wedding Day: NJ Barn Wedding, Mendham
Jill and Pete’s NJ barn wedding was a DREAM day! They tied the knot at the beautiful St. Vincent Martyr Church, followed by a gorgeous reception at a private family residence with the most stunning green barn! Every detail of the day including the theme of pearls and lavender, were expertly put together, and simply stunning. Despite the rain earlier in the day, Jill and Pete (and their families and bridal party) didn’t lose any ounce of joy for this day! Everyone (including me!) was so ready to celebrate these two becoming Mr. & Mrs. no matter what! And as it turned out, there was a break in the rain just in time for their portraits and reception! 🙂 The soft overcast light gave us the most beautiful light for portraits! You couldn’t ask for a more perfect day for the sweetest couple ever!
Jill and Pete have become so much more than clients, and are truly dear friends. I adore these two and am so inspired by their love for one another and joy for life. I think they have this effect on everyone around them. They simply radiate warmth, and love, and joy in a way that draws you to them. Jill and Pete are truly such special people. It was such a joy to capture all the love, emotional moments, pure joy, and excitement of their wedding day!
I can’t wait to share all my many favorites from Jill & Pete’s beautiful barn wedding in Mendham NJ! But first, let’s dive into their love story! 🙂
Their Love Story
When I asked Jill & Pete to share with me one thing they love about each other, Jill said, “It’s hard to just pick one thing! But I think I would say I love the way Pete loves my family. He has the biggest heart and immediately fit right into my large and loud family.” And Pete said, “I love everything about Jill! But what I love most of all is her contagious smile and ability to make me laugh no matter what. She is the spark to my love.”
Jill and Pete’s love story begins a few years ago when Jill was his patient at the physical therapy clinic where he was working as a student intern. She told me, “When I first walked into the clinic for the first time I was immediately drawn to his smile and and his laugh, it was contagious. He remained professional throughout my time there but I totally knew that he liked me! What typically should have been a 30 minute appointment easily turned into a 2 hour appointment because we loved talking to one another. We bonded over the fact that I was about to go back to school for Physical Therapy and would soon be in his shoes as a student intern.”
“On his last day of his internship he said, “ I could probably get kicked out of school for this but can I get your number? I would love to take you out some time.” And I definitely turned bright red but was thrilled that he asked and gave him my number. He waited one full week to text me and that week felt like the longest week of my life. Our first date was a week later at a BYOB sushi place in Ridgewood.”
The Proposal
You have to hear the story of how Pete proposed in Co. Wicklow Ireland! Jill gave me all the details, “We were in Dublin first, to watch two of our good friends get married that weekend and decided to extend our stay. We wanted to go to a place where we could hike and be outdoors, so we decided to spend a few nights near Wicklow National Park.”
“We hiked on the cliffs, went to beautiful gardens, and had the most memorable bike ride along a gorgeous nature path behind our resort. As we were on our bike ride I noticed a photographer in the distance taking pictures of the trees by the river. He waved us down and asked our permission to take some photos with us in them that the resort had hoped to use for its marketing purposes. We agreed. It should have been obvious then, but I was so caught up in the moment that it didn’t even cross my mind.”
“We were walking along the river when I no longer felt Pete at my side and turned around to see where he was. When I turned he was on his knee, saying something romantic and sweet that I don’t remember at all because I was in complete shock, and he was holding the most gorgeous ring I have ever seen. It’s perfect. Everything about that day was magical and I couldn’t have asked for anything more thoughtful or more us than the way he chose to propose to me.”
I get chills every time I read that story. Pete’s proposal was so sweet and thoughtful!
To the Newlyweds
Jill and Pete, thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me be a part of this incredibly special day! I loved getting to celebrate you two, and capture all the memories of your start to forever! I’m so excited for you both to be kicking off your journey married life, and can’t wait to see all the joys that lie ahead for you in this next chapter. I love you guys and couldn’t be more thankful for your friendship! Sending you the biggest hug and all my love! xoxo
Vendors:
2nd Photographer – Ashley Schneider
Photo Assistant – Ryan Hardin
Getting Ready Venue – The Westin Governor Morris
Ceremony Venue – St. Vincent Martyr Church
Reception Venue – Private Residence
Wedding Planner – AMV Weddings
Hair Stylist – Pro Styled Bride
Makeup Artist – Samantha Linn
Florist – Starbright
Rentals – A Party Center & Prestige Party Rental
DJ – The Time Machine Band
Videographer – Willow Tree Films
Invitation Suite – Minted
Dress Boutique – Elizabeth Johns Couture
Bride’s Shoes – Bella Belle Shoes
Earrings – BHLDN
Rings – Lauren B. Jewelry
Groom & Groomsmen Attire – Biltmore Tuxedos
Groom Tie, Cufflinks, Shoes – Biltmore Tuxedos
Cake – Calandra’s Bakery
Catering – The Fruited Plain
Bridesmaid Dresses – Miss Hayley Paige, Lilac
Bridesmaid Boutique – Studio Suite 201
Transportation – Broadway Elite Limousine
Ceremony Music – Four Shore Strings
[…] family! I’m so excited to capture another wedding for such a wonderful family! (Check out Jill & Pete’s wedding here – feat. a cameo by Erica & Steven! […]