It was a warm and muggy day in August for Lindsay and Brian's wedding at the Princeton Chapel. We've been there many times now, some earlier visits are shown elsewhere on our blog... Although there are some common elements, each of these ceremonies is unique, owing to the personalities and priorities of the couple, and the way that is reflected in the details. 

Lindsay got ready at the nearby Nassau Inn, where Shelley got a closeup that shows her joy and excitement. And she also created a beautiful shot to show off her veil:

Every time we return to the Princeton Chapel, there are always some new and interesting angles to explore, both inside and out:

Handsome groom Brian was waiting for the start of the ceremony, and took advantage of a large fan to keep cool in the August heat... This building went up in 1925, and air conditioning was not part of the plan:

Since they didn't have a thousand guests to fill the seats in the main Chapel area, Lindsay and Brian decided to use the front area, with seating on the sides for the audience. This makes for a feeling of connection and intimacy that otherwise can be lost in such a vast space. The ceremony was simple and classic, and we got a great image of their exit:

Leaving the Chapel, it was time for bridal party photos, and since their was a light sprinkle, we decided to walk to a sheltered archway. Little did we know that the light sprinkle would become a downpour!

While the deluge continued outside, we used the sheltered walkway, and still managed to get some great bridal party images, including this shot of Lindsay with a smile that will overpower any bad weather:

The limo driver drove right up to the edge of the archway so that all the bridal party could escape and go onto the reception at Cherry Valley Country Club.

We weren't so lucky, walking through 4 inches of water back to our car. Hey, it's an adventure! On the drive to the reception location, we encountered lots of flooded areas, and even went by an emergency where a guest's car was swamped with water! They were rescued, and as far as we know, everybody made it to the party. Through all the muggy heat of the ceremony, and the deluge of rain, Lindsay and Brian maintained their poise and calmness, and their continuing great attitude really saved the day... By the time the dancing started, everybody was ready for a release, and the party really rocked:

So there you go, after all the planning and decisions, you still have to go with the flow. Congrats to Lindsay and Brian for making it a great day anyway, and never losing sight of what it's all about:

Another great visit to Princeton, this time for Kristin and Dave's wedding celebration! We have the best clients, and this couple is no exception-- fun, real, spontaneous, smart, and a whole bunch of other complimentary adjectives apply... And they did a great job of communicating their joy and love, not only to each other, but also to their friends and families. 

Shelley was at the Hyatt at Carnegie Center to see a beautiful girl turn into a beautiful bride. Sure, the dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the hair and makeup, all these things contribute-- but it's even better when the inner and outer beauty are there to begin with:

Meanwhile, Keith arrived at the Princeton Chapel, an architectural masterpiece that presents endless ideas for images. It was seriously dark inside, but that creates a dramatic setting:

And even if it was dark, Dave was supplying his own source of light:

Of course, with a great couple and a great setting, the ceremony was a beautiful thing, distinguished by some unusual music choices-- the classic standard "When I Fall In Love" performed by Lily Arbisser, and "I Will Be Here", in a sophisticated A Capella arrangement performed by The Princeton Nassoons. Music can be a big emotional factor in a ceremony, and these songs and performances took it to the next level:

One happy couple leaving the ceremony:

We made some group portraits outside the Chapel after the ceremony, just managed to stay ahead of approaching rain and thunder... we even had a little goofing time with the bridal party:

And then we drove through the rain to the reception location, Greenacres Country Club, in Lawrenceville. It was pouring rain when we arrived, but we took advantage of a picture window in the ballroom to create some portraits that look like we're out in a garden. As is our method, we just set them up in a nice location, the posing and emotion are all from them, love is the real deal:

It's time for the party! 

We got this nice scene-setter just before the guests entered. 

The Greenacres staff did a great job with details, and were consistently attentive to the needs of the guests.

DJ Matt Blank from Synergetic Sound supplied the MC and music flow, keeping the crowd moving.

Florist Adrienne Presti of Dahlia Floral Concepts contributed to the understated and tasteful setting.

Here are a couple key images from Kristin and Dave's first dance, beautiful and stylish:

And a fun party followed, with K&D setting the tone for everyone:

The party concluded with the guests in a giant circle, with Kristin & Dave feeling the love:

It was a distinctive and memorable day! Best Wishes to Kristin & Dave!

Stacey and David's wedding had all the right elements-- a fabulous couple, great locations, attention to details and planning, a smart timeline, great guests, etc.... They even hit the jackpot with the weather, an unpredictable factor in March. Shelley made some beautiful images of Stacey getting ready, with a gorgeous gown by Priscilla of Boston. How beautiful is this girl?

And then, let's add one majorly handsome groom, before the ceremony:

The marriage took place at the amazing Princeton Chapel, on the Princeton University campus:

It's huge! For example, here's a wide angle from the back of the chapel-- Stacey and David are way up front, getting married:

Here are just a few images from their celebration:

After some quick family photos, Keith got this view of their joyous exit:

We made some images on the campus surrounding the chapel-- no posing required for these guys, in the love zone:

Shelley was in the limo for this expressive moment:

Next was a visit to the Princeton Battlefield, a big open field that is a favorite spot for local geese, and we all know the residue of that... This is when it's good to marry Prince Charming, who has no problem carrying his bride across the danger zone:

There's a wonderful iconic monument there, with Greek colums, perfect for a few creative moments. Again, not really posing, just suggesting, we love it when the expressivity happens:

And yes, he carried her back to the limo, this guy is something else... Now the location changes to the Crystal Plaza, a beautiful venue in Livingston. In the falling light, we made a few images in the garden area:

The ballroom is wonderful, the perfect setting for their first dance, a dramatic, classic moment, just the two of them, plus the videographer who shared the floor with his girlfriend dolly:

Time for the Hora, with fun for all:

Everybody had a great time, and that big dancefloor got a good workout:

A perfect day, a perfect couple! Thanks, Stacey and David, for making it possible...