RUSTIC WEDDING IN LONG VALLEY, NJ : HOLLY + CHRIS

When Chris met Holly, right away Chris knew he had found someone special.  Holly's contagious smile and obvious enthusiasm drew Chris in like the smell of a home cooked meal wafting through the house at dinnertime.  Calling up his best friend, Chris confessed, “Man, you have to meet Holly, I think she is the one”.  On July 8, 2011, Chris and Holly stood before their many family and friends and promised, through their own hand written vows, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives.  

Friday morning started out with a quick check of the weather channel.  Little grey clouds with tiny raindrops dotted the screen; things were not looking up for the outdoor ceremony Chris and Holly had planned in the Gorge later that evening.  At 9:00 a.m., Holly made the tough decision to move the ceremony and reception to their back up location, Abundant Life Community Church.  Friends and family gathered together to help move the reception site (already set up in the backyard of Chris and Holly’s house) over to the church in Port Murray, NJ.  Talk about teamwork!  Whew!!  Within six hours, every homemade detail was in place. 

Chris and Holly returned to their beautiful (and newly painted) home to get ready and relax a little bit before the ceremony.  Holly slipped into a delicate white dress with beautiful lace details and Chris put on his crisp white button down.  When they turned around and saw each other for the first time, the love and excitement in their eyes could not be missed.      

I have never met a couple with more kindness, love, and joy in their hearts for others than Holly and Chris.  I was honored to photograph their rustic wedding in Long Valley, NJ and I am very excited to share a few images from their special day.

Beautiful pearl necklace Chris presented to Holly as a wedding present.  

This delicate handkerchief belonged to Holly's grandmother and served as her "something old". 

Holly you are SO beautiful and talented!

Holly's "something blue".  The entire wedding party rocked these awesome converse sneakers. 

Beautiful bouquet make by the bride herself.  Holly, did I say you are talented?

DIY guestbook filled with pictures of the bride and groom.

Chris and Holly's dog Samuel was the ring bearer... 

...and he looked super cool doing it! 

The bridesmaids and groomsmen carried small vases filled with sand.  These were used in the presentation of the unity sand during the ceremony.

For the flower girl, Holly compiled all of her dried flowers from past relationships so she could walk over them on her way down the aisle to Chris.  Such a cool idea!

Huge smiles all around as father and daughter walk down the aisle.

Chris looking on as Holly walks down the aisle.  

Exchanging personal vows.

Kissing for the first time...as husband and wife!

What a wonderful bridal party!

I LOVE THE SHOES!!

What a happy time when the entire family came together.  

Holly and Chris chose to serve a family style, fresh off the grill home cooked meal. 

Rustic centerpieces.  

DIY wedding favors.  Fresh coffee beans, in Chris and Holly's favorite hazelnut flavor,  wrapped up for guests to take home and enjoy.

Delicious red velvet wedding cake.  Homemade cupcakes decorated by Nadine Holewski and Ying Williams.

I am ending this post with a precious picture from Chris and Holly's first dance. 

Thank you Chris and Holly for letting me be a part of your wedding day...it was amazingly beautiful and filled with love.