Shayna & Mike | The Bradford Estate Wedding
Hainsport, NJ
When so much time has been spent planning and waiting for one particular day to arrive, when it finally does sometimes it won’t even feel real! I think this is probably how it felt for Shayna and Mike when they arrived to their venue separately, but knew they would leave together finally as husband and wife.
Shayna and Mike spent the morning of their wedding day just a few feet away from one another, each in the bridal and groom suites of The Bradford Estate. The girls were in the beautiful white and blue classic room with plenty of mirrors and space for preparations. The guys were in the area filled with game tables, a large TV with video games and plenty of drinks! If it weren’t for the planned nuptials I can see how they would enjoy being in their rooms all day.
Details are always an important part of the wedding to capture in my opinion because they help tell not only a bit about the bride and groom’s style, but what is important to them. Sometimes it is a family heirloom or a way to remember passed loved ones. For Shayna it was a charm with a photograph of her father who had passed. The charm would be attached to the back of her shoe so he symbolically was walking her down the aisle to her future. When I first met with Shayna and her mother, I felt so drawn to them – I knew right away they were sweet people and that this journey that she and Mike had been on together was one that her father had an important role in. My heart was filled with love for Shayna instantly and I was invested in my part of her happiness for their big day!
Shayna and Mike exchanged meaningful letters they wrote to one another which always brings out the kind of emotions a photographer hopes for! These two opted not to do a First Look, but to take time with each side of their bridal party to the grounds of the venue for fun photos! After the ceremony, the natural light fell very quickly as it does in the fall and winter months, but we were able to spend a few minutes just for them to capture their love and excitement.
The party was kicked off with some fun bridal party introductions and an all-inclusive guest dance! After emotional toasts, and one fun Rock-n-Roll tribute dance to Shayna’s dad everyone was having a blast on the dance floor and at the photo booth!
I am so happy for these two and honored to have built a connection with them as well as been a part of their wedding day story.
Makeup: Alyssa McCourt
Hair: Ana Sheridan
Flowers: Anna’s Buds, Blooms and Blossoms
DJ and Photo Booth: Starshield Entertainment
Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero from Kleinfeld
Men’s Tuxes: Michael Kors from Ozzy’s Tuxedo
