Colleen & John at The Mill Lakeside Manor

Colleen & John

THE MILL LAKESIDE MANOR SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS, NJ 1.18.2020

Photography by Limelight Photography

Colleen and John met the summer of 2008 while working as camp counselors for Odyssey Adventures. “I always say we fell in love around the campfire, since our camp took campers on outdoor adventures and camping trips,” Colleen shared. The two kept in touch throughout the year, and when they returned to work the following summer of 2009, they officially began dating. The rest was history, and what better way to bring their story full circle than by bringing Colleen back to the location where they first met for the surprise of a lifetime. It was in front of the lake at Thompson Park–where they spent a few summers canoeing and enjoying the outdoors–that John proposed with a rose-gold oval-cut diamond ring. Not only did John have a photographer nearby capturing the engagement on camera, but he also surprised Colleen with having both their families waiting at her parents’ house to celebrate after.

An Instant Connection: Limelight Photography was recommended to Colleen from The Mill, and as soon as she spoke with Jackie Marino, Colleen felt an instant connection. “I knew she was the perfect fit. Jackie was incredible. She made the day flawless and helped establish my timeline for everything! She was so upbeat and made my day stress-free and fun,” the bride raved.

Down the Aisle: Colleen and John wed under a ceremony arch made out of birchwood made by John’s father. Designs by Dara decorated it in natural greenery, which framed the lakeview seen from the floor-to-ceiling windows in the ballroom. Pillar candles in variated heights lined the aisle.

Details of the Day: A color palette of deep and natural greens with pops of white and gold accents defined the January 18, 2020 winter wedding. Pillar candles with greenery and white roses adorned the reception tables, while the arch doubled as the sweetheart table backdrop.

A Change of Heart: “I tried my gown on and knew INSTANTLY [it was the one],” Colleen recalled of finding her gown at Castle Couture. The bride initially thought she wanted a gown with sleeves, but after trying on every sleeve dress, her bridal consultant recommended a Madison James number with a form-fitted silhouette, beaded spaghetti straps, and a sweetheart neckline. “It fit me like a glove!” Colleen accessorized her wedding day look with a faux fur shawl (borrowed from her good friend) for photos outside, cluster earrings, a sparkling headpiece from Sunshine Daydream, and emerald-green shoes.

A Moment in Time: The couple wanted their first look to be special, so they decided to have a first look before the ceremony. “We wanted that moment of anticipation to be captured on camera.”

Late Night Bites: At the end of the reception, guests were sent home with everlasting memories, as well as late-night treats to enjoy before they departed. There was also a furry friend station for guests to take dog treats home for their pets.

Ceremony & Reception Location: The Mill Lakeside Manor Officiant: Robert Ford Photographer: Limelight Photography Entertainment: Limelight Entertainment Floral Designer: Designs by Dara Limousine Service: Shore Luxury Limos Cake Designer: Chocolate Carousel Wedding Gown Designer: Madison James Veil: Castle Couture Headpieces: Sunshine Daydream Shoes: Nine West Formal Attire: Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: Etsy Favors: Coozies Hair Stylists: Pin It Up Bridal Makeup Artists: Make Me Up Eva Jeweler: Earth Treasures Mini-Moon Location: Cape May, NJ

Pastel Pretties: Kiamarie gave floral designer Brady Everett free creative reign for the florals. She did, however, request one over-the-top bouquet made of limelight hydrangea, roses, eucalyptus, and even pampas grass, in hopes of inspiring future brides to go bigger and bolder with their wedding flowers. The English Manor was a lovely backdrop for this colorful wedding style among a blooming garden. Lace and Belle even incorporated a venue sketch of The English Manor into the wedding invitation suite, as well as modern calligraphy, a wedding crest, and a lace belly band embellishment.

Elegant Estate: The English Manor exudes quintessential charm throughout the estate-style setting, including picturesque gardens and outdoor terrace with panoramic golf course views and a newly renovated ballroom. With a property as pretty as this, outside portraits are an absolute must, especially the infamous bridge shot!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Location: The English Manor • Concept and Photographer: KSS Photography • Planner & Assisting: CSC Event Planning • Cinematographer: Color Room Films • Floral Designer: Brady Everett • Cake: Duchess of Desserts • Donut Installation: Off the Wall Donuts • Desserts: Puffs and Pops • Rentals: Lovely Luxe Rentals • Linens: Snassy Crafter • Bridal Salon: White House Bride • Menswear: Chazmatazz • Hair Stylist: Stella Fatale • Makeup Artist: The Perfect Look • Stationery: Lace and Belle • Vow Books: Wedding Story Writer • Styling Boards: JRD Art Shop • Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box • Models: Thais Sanchez, Mat Sanchez, Erin Bienkowski, Rob Lawler, Reyna Mananedakis, George Mananedakis, Nicole Bryant, Joanne Adamczyk, Layla Hijazi, and Ron Koval