Molly Pitcher Inn Wedding- Courtney & Gary!

Courtney and Gary made sure their wedding had special meaning to them not only from the chosen locations but also in the details throughout the day. Their wedding was also truly a family affair. Their officiant, Rev. Clark Kuntz, is Gary’s Dad’s cousin, and he married Gary’s Aunt and Uncle 35 years ago. The soloist Shane Marie Forbes is Courtney’s Aunt and the Cellist is her husband, Charles.  Courtney’s cousin, Emily Christenson designed all of the printed materials (save the dates, invitations, programs, etc.) and her brother, Courtney’s cousin, Adam Moyer, owns Knockaround and generously provided all of the sunglasses for the wedding. They feel very lucky to have such an amazing and talented family!

We first met Courtney and Gary for their engagement session in Hoboken NJ where they live.  We had lots of fun walking though the quaint town and hearing stories of their relationship… like how Gary proposed to Courtney in the shower after he pretended to fall so she would come running in. And yes, he was dressed… that was my first question too! Courtney is a smart one and well he figured that would be one way she would not expect a proposal about to happen! Great job Gary!

So, what happens when an event planner plans her own wedding? Amazingness is what happens! Everything was perfect, well thought out and well prepared for, allowing the day to unfold without a hitch and for everyone to simply enjoy themselves. I know for me, as the photographer I love a well planned out wedding day! In my opinion the only surprises should be which groomsman busts out the craziest dance floor moves!  And considering it was November in New Jersey, one might have also thought that Courtney had a role in planning the days weather… it was perfect!

Let’s start off with some getting ready pictures!  Looking so handsome Gary!Gary waits for Courtney on the deck of the Molly Pitcher Inn.Courtney heads out looking so radiant and beautiful… her smile was pure joy!As many of you know, a First Look is becoming quite popular.  It’s an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. I love first looks!  We photograph it with long lenses so to give the couple some privacy… true papparazzi style!

Happiness! Nice and relaxed on their way to church!How beautiful is this church?  Just like out the pages of a story book!As one of the best men noted during his toast, the church was high on charm and low on heat! As in it does not have ANY  heat! But Courtney and Gary thought of everything and provided hand warmers to be handed out with the programs! Scarfs too for the ladies!Gary’s Mom on the left is escorted by Gary’s Dad. Courtney’s Mom is escorted by her brothers, Courtney’s Uncles.The church had these really unique stairs that circle up to the alter.  It made for a very interesting perspective during a wedding ceremony.I’m not sure what the Reverend said here but all I know is that it resulted in one of the cutest ceremony pictures ever!  Love that expression on Courtney’s face!During the vows the bridal party came up to join Courtney and Gary, what a beautiful way to be surrounded by those you love!Kiss the bride!Married!!!!

Yeah they look pretty tough… if only there was audio on this so you could hear all the giggling it took to make these faces!We headed back to the Molly Pitcher Inn as the sun was setting… we all quickly jumped off and headed for the docks to take some pictures!  The dock was wobbly and narrow and still Courtney braved it, I’m so glad she did! So worth it!Seriously!? How adorable are these newlyweds? How perfect is that sky? How awesome is the nautical setting?

The lovely ladies!And… well, the boys. For the most part they were well behaved. Such a fun sign and a great way to get the whole bridal party involved!Did Courtney plan this too?  Look at that moon rising above the water! Gorgeous……and romantic! Inside the Molly Pitcher Inn, the guests were arriving to an evening of elegance. The setting was so quaint and all the beautiful and personal details made for such a lovely reception. Courtney and Gary put together a table of their, “Love Story” highlighting the 3 significant places in their relationship, which all happen to be in New Jersey. Sea Girt where they met, Hoboken where they live and got engaged and Elberon where they were married. All 3 places have an incredible history, and being history nerds (their words), loved that and wanted to share it with their guests. They spent a year collecting books, maps, and vintage postcards to represent each place…They also personalized the space with photographs of their family, their childhood and also their relationship.Signature cocktails added another twist as did cocktail hour food with local meaning such as lobster rolls!The ballroom was a magnificent space perfectly decorated for the wedding!Mr. and Mrs. Nolan!Courtney’s father welcomed everyone from near and far and shared some kind words about the newlyweds.Then the two of them shared a sweet father/ daughter dance!Afterwards the band did their thing to get the crowd going… they were AMAZING!!!!

Then it was time for some speeches from the bridal party. First up was the Matron of Honor who said such touching words about Courtney and Gary!Courtney’s little sister shared stories from the past… love sibling toasts, they always have such funny stories from growing up! Two best men… yep, double roast! These two said their speech together, line by line, it was hysterical!

As if the delicious wedding cake was not enough… there was not a single sweet tooth in the house left unsatisfied!Now it was that time, the band came onto the dance floor and shook things up! Everyone loved it!Awesome wedding favors for all their guests!We pulled the happy couple for one last photograph outside the Inn!  Beautiful couple! Beautiful wedding!  Courtney and Gary, it was such a pleasure to be there to photograph your amazing wedding day.  All that hard work and planning certainly paid off!

Here is a list of all the vendors that came together to make this magical wedding go off without a hitch!

Church: Elberon Memorial Church
Officiant: The Reverend Clark W. Kuntz II
Reception: Molly Pitcher Inn
Hair and Makeup: DePascal
Florist: Katydid
Band: Brian Kirk and the Jirks
Video: Michael Simons Video Productions
Transportation: Allaire Transportation
Cake: Ye Olde Pie Shoppe
Save the Date, Invitations, Programs: Emily Christenson (Paintbox Creative)
Sunglasses: Knockaround
Dress: Allure dress, Kitty Chen belt purchased at RK Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale purchased at Bella Bridesmaid
Suits: Jos. A. Banks
Veil: Simply Blue Bridal
Shoes: Dyed blue at Mademoiselle
Bridal earrings: purchased at  Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridesmaids earrings: JoJo Loves You

A big thank you to Steve Kang for photographing this wedding with me!