Elegant, Moody Wedding in New Jersey | Destination Photographer

wedding photography

This elegant, moody wedding in New Jersey was one for the books! Glendalee & Matthew were so clearly in-love. It was my dream as a Destination wedding photographer to capture that authentic spark of connection. You can sense it in the photos, as you scroll through. They just have fun together.

A Quiet Morning Getting Ready:

Glendalee’s morning started with the sweetest details… her sparkling heels, the prettiest floral appliqué veil, and gorgeous accessories just embodied the “bridal vibe”. One of my favorite details of the morning was styling their invitation suite in moody window light too. I just love a good flat lay moment, and all the details Glendalee picked out were perfect.

After hair and makeup, she slipped into her fitted lace gown, complete with delicate straps and a dramatic train. We paused for a quiet moment on the staircase as light poured through the windows. It was one of those in-between moments that feels cinematic: the calm before the whirlwind of “I do.”

dramatic details on the floor for Moody Wedding in New Jersey

bride gets hair sprayed before big day by Destination elopement photographer

groom in navy suit outside by Nicole Aston Photo

bride leans down to slip into shoes for Moody Wedding in New Jersey

woman in bridal gown leans on dramatic staircase by Destination elopement photographer

First Look & Private Vows to Start Their Elegant, Moody Wedding in New Jersey:

Outdoors, surrounded by the warm hues of November, Glendalee and Matthew shared their first look. His face, when he saw his bride, was one of those moments I know they will remember forever. So much love between these two!!

The fallen leaves scattered across the forest floor made the perfect natural backdrop as they exchanged private vows. It was quiet, tender, and absolutely theirs. A chance to breathe each other in before the celebrations began.

man turns around during first look to see bride by Nicole Aston Photo

groom cries when he sees bride for first look at Moody Wedding in New Jersey

husband leans down to kiss bride in forest by Destination elopement photographer

couple embrace in the woods by Nicole Aston Photo

dramatic bride in winter forest for Moody Wedding in New Jersey

bride and groom showing off their outfits in winter forest by Destination elopement photographer

couple sit on swing in the trees by Nicole Aston Photo

man spins his new wife on dock over water for Moody Wedding in New Jersey

newlyweds walk down church aisle by Destination elopement photographer

The Heartfelt Ceremony:

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, these two were married at Our Lady of the Lake Church. The light turned golden, then dusky, wrapping their vows in the cozy embrace of an autumn evening. By the time they said “I do,” night had settled in, adding a touch of magic to the moment.

Their friends and family gathered in the pews, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!!

bride walks down the aisle with her parents by Nicole Aston Photo

husband and wife share a kiss at alter for Moody Wedding in New Jersey

Reception for Moody Wedding in New Jersey:

Back at Rock Island Lake Club, the celebration kicked into full swing. The newlyweds twirled across the dance floor, surrounded by cheering friends and family. Later, they cut into their elegant tiered white cake, feeding each other bites before sneaking in a kiss. We paused for a moment during the reception to grab a quick portrait in front of the twinkle lights, and it became one of my favorites from the day.