Darcy and John’s wedding is one I fondly remember for how warm and close their families are. The mother’s seemed to have a special bond, particularly through Darcy’s inclusion of both mothers in all things, and their siblings got along famously. Their small wedding party – of just family – added to the warmth and intimacy of the day. Special touches of their day were filled with references to gaming – the couple’s favorite past time – and it was dashed by giggles from the bride and groom throughout every hour. I’m so glad the vibrancy in their plans and personality shine in their wedding photos at Crystal Springs Resort!

How cool is John’s ring with the wood-like swirly pattern on it in two tones of gold? I love how Darcy’s diamonds look on either side of it!

Darcy’s hair and makeup was done by family friends. She looked beautiful! The finishing touches were her diamond necklace and rhinestone shoes after her mother, sister-in-law and mother-in-law helped zip her into her dress and fasten the buttons on the back of it.

The bride and groom exchanged cards and gifts. And it was SO much fun photographing them opening them; they were overjoyed! Darcy received a custom gaming component from John since they love playing games together and with friends. He drew her a custom gaming card as well! John’s gift was a membership to Masterclass and a whiskey tasting set. She got her groom custom glasses to go with it that were monogrammed with their last name initial and wedding date. And of course, a quote from Ron Swanson, which, let’s be honest, every good glass needs.

They opted to do a first look. It was a gorgeous day and the weather was warm and sunny!

John wore a beautiful blue linen suit and a floral tie fastened to his shirt with a wooden tie clip. One of my favorite parts of his ensemble was his blue shoes! They were just the right mix of casual and formal. He asked his groomsmen to wear black suits. Darcy wore a seemingly simple gown, whose lines and construction made it extra special and style timeless. (Did I mention it also had POCKETS?!) The fabric was so pretty and I love that she wore a special wedding day necklace she bought and flowers in her hair to match her vibrant bouquet.

I love love love this wedding party photo! Darcy and John kept it all in the family – their small bridal party consisted of siblings: Darcy’s brother and John’s sister and brother. (Isn’t April’s orange rust velvet gown dreamy? Perfect for a September wedding!) There’s so many great spots for wedding photos at Crystal Springs Resort, especially when everything is in full bloom in September.

The flowers were absolutely stunning and super colorful! The bride’s bouquet had blue thistle, huge peach garden roses, orange ranunculus, and various types of eucalyptus. The Maid of Honor’s was similar but also had dahlias and wax flowers in hers. The boutonnieres were comprised of the same flowers with two different designs: one for the the groom and one for the groomsmen.

Their ceremony was perfection! It was filled with laughter, tears, and smiles everywhere. Darcy’s dad walked her down the aisle, lined with summer flowers leading to a perfectly decorated arch. They wrote their own vows and John’s cousin, Estelle, officiated. She also facilitated a Celtic hand fasting ceremony that their mom’s helped carry out. (Tie that knot!)

From there it was onto cocktail hour and their reception! Their reception room was filled with gold details and hints of blue on table numbers to match their invitations. Each table had a centerpiece with colorful flowers and a lantern. Guests were served a buffet with surf and turf options, including lobster tails and steak.

An extra special detail of their reception was their guest favor table. Their family and friends could choose which small print of John’s father’s original paintings they could take home with them. John’s father passed away years ago but was definitely there in spirit. It was crazy to learn how meant to be John and Darcy’s marriage is – Darcy actually worked with John’s dad before meeting John, evidenced in a photo John’s mom mentioned they have. What a wonderful world! I love signs like that.

They danced their first dance to the song, “Doing it All for My Baby,” by Huey Lewis and the News, and guests joined them for some special dances and partying! One of my favorite dance off moments was when Darcy’s father and John’s mother’s fiance playfully participated in a dance off! 

Congratulations to the happy couple, who recently returned from their honeymoon in Italy! (I love to travel so we love a great international destination for a honeymoon!)

Venue: Crystal Springs Resort / Florist: Floral Expressions / Cake: Palermo Bakery / Makeup artist: Molly Follett / Hair artist: Liane Gonzalez / Wedding dress shop: Alexandra’s Bridal Boutique / Suit: Miltons / Music: Accent Band / Invitation: Minted

For more wedding inspiration in New Jersey check out:

• Tiffany and Ed’s Cherry Blossom filled wedding at Crystal Springs Resort 
• Becca and Kevin’s Urban Wedding at the W Hoboken 
• Pam and Sean’s Waterfront Wedding at the Molly Pitcher Inn

Interested in having us capture your wedding day? Contact us!