Crystal Plaza Wedding :: Grace + Michael

Weddings

August 5, 2017

It was just a few weeks ago that we had these two lovebirds over to the house for a hangout and mini engagement session overlooking the lake. I must say, I was happily surprised to know that Grace was a shorty just like me! A solid 5 foot! We loved that they were always holding hands or gently touching each other as they talked. Such a sweet and genuine couple and we knew their wedding day would be fantastic just like they are. The celebration would be held at the gorgeous Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey. We started the day off with Grace as she got ready in the home she grew up in. We love when we shoot in childhood homes. Everyone is super comfortable and we are able to take a peek into what their child hood looked like. At the end of the hall was a perfectly pink room that Grace spent her days growing up. The “Bride to Be” sash and wifey inspired banner now hung from the posts of her bedroom. Grace is an accomplished dancer and her awards and beautifully posed pictures were on display as a reminder of all of her amazing accomplishments. The girls were fully ready by the time we arrived and enjoying each others company. Things got progressively more exciting as they put their bridesmaid dresses on and the flowers arrived. Things started to feel more real as it got closer to ceremony time. We noticed two old ivory colored wedding albums sitting in the living area where the girls were hanging out. The albums were Grace’s parent’s and her grandparent’s. OMG, these were gorgeous reminders of why albums are so important. The smell. The history. It was tangible. It was a legacy between the pages. As I turned through the album with only one or two photos on each page, I could really feel the importance of leaving an heirloom for your future generations. What a truly remarkable experience for us as photographers to see the generations of marriage displayed so lovingly. And now it was time for Grace to tell her own love story. Upstairs in her parent’s bedroom, she took down the tiny framed dress and would be getting dressed for the last time as a single young woman. All hands were on decks as she stepped into the dress of her dreams. Across the hall, dad was straightening himself up Grace’s bedroom and preparing himself to see Grace in her wedding dress for the first time. This family was just so wonderful and warm. Their home was so welcoming and you could tell she had beautiful examples of what marriage looks like. Before we knew it, Grace was in the Rolls Royce with her father and the girls were gathered in the limo on their way to the ceremony.

The church had a lot of sentimental meaning to the couple. Not only were her parents married in this church, but the Italian stained glass in the church was also installed with the help of Grace’s family. We have seen some pretty amazing stained glass, but this was by far the most exquisite. The ceremony was led by an amazing, funny priest who kept things light. He had a way of making everyone in the room internalize what he was saying and be completely relatable. What a beautiful gift. It was a gorgeous ceremony followed by an exciting exit of ribbon wands as they made their way to the celebration at the Crystal Plaza. Dripped in all things gold, the Plaza has a timeless elegance fit for royalty. We can attest to the staff is one of the most friendly and accommodating we have ever worked with. The Slippery Band kept the night exciting and even surprised us all by having the happy couple get on stage and sing with them! Tons of dancing, sweating, shots at the bar, and endless smiles. That is what a reception should look like. What an epic day!

Thank you to both families for welcoming us like we were their own. We had a blast from the moment we arrived until we left that dance floor. We are honored to have been chosen to shoot this wedding amongst you all. And cheers to Grace and Michael as they embark on the greatest adventure of their lives! Cheers!

Leaha + Jeffrey