The Couple: Jacqueline & Daniel
The Wedding: 10.19.12 – Stone House at Stirling Ridge – Warren, New Jersey
What three adjectives best describe your wedding? Magical, rustic, elegant.
What was your wedding color palette? For our wedding in New Jersey, We wanted a rustic yet elegant feel. We had a lot of candle light, lanterns, and warm colors. The bridesmaids wore long eggplant gowns and carried bouquets of bright orange tea roses and calla lilies, with a touch of purple eucalyptus. My dress was ivory, with a chapel train and veil. My bouquet was cream roses and calla lilies with purple eucalyptus to tie our florals together.
For the cocktail hour, we had mason jars with orange and purple flowers or candles scattered among the tables. For the reception we had varying high and low arrangements with old brown lanterns and tall arrangements with red orchids and dripping candles. It was whimsical and breathtaking – perfect for a fall wedding. The palette made the venue feel warm, homey and elegant.
What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day? Dan and I LOVE feeling comfortable and at home. We like being outdoors but we also love dancing at home in our living room by candlelight with a bottle of wine – and we wanted all of our guests to feel at home with us. The Stone House was the perfect venue for us: the outside cobblestone terrace had two huge fire pits where our guests cozied up with each other, smoked cigars, drank wine and roasted s’mores! The reception was filled with candlelight, neutral colors, and gorgeous florals. Roasting marshmallows, dancing, candles, and a glass of wine is our idea of a perfect evening – and we could not have asked for a more beautiful, romantic, and magical day.
Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding? Personally, I loved that it rained in the morning! The day that Dan and I got engaged, it poured – we had gotten caught in a thunderstorm on a bike ride, and after we got back to the hotel and changed into dry clothes, Dan asked me to marry him. When it rained on the morning of our wedding day, I remember thinking to myself, “We can weather any storm and dance in the rain.” As the limo pulled up to my moms house, it stopped raining! It was just such an amazing day. Another highlight was when I recorded a video message for Dan to surprise him on the morning of our wedding.
Dans favorite part was right after pictures, just as cocktail hour was starting. We went upstairs to the Romeo and Juliet-esque balcony and looked down as all of our guests started to arrive. It was a lovely moment that we got to share by ourselves – we just got to take in the magnitude of the day.
One last thing: I work in a high school and my students are incredibly special to me. Seven of my senior students, who will all be graduating this year, came to the church and sang at our ceremony for us. It touched my heart to the very core, and I will never forget that moment – thank God for my handkerchief!
What piece of advice would you give to a bride planning her wedding today? I think everyone says the same thing: take your time! It goes by so quickly. Try and take a step back, away from everyone, and spend a few moments with each other – kind of like a mental snapshot. If I close my eyes, I can absolutely see the moment when Dan and I took a step back and just looked at our special day. Dan and I did almost all of the planning together, which made everything even more special. Buy umbrellas just in case, and don’t be afraid to dance in the rain!
The Wedding Team:
Photographer: Vanessa Joy Photography
Ceremony Venue: Church of the Immaculate Conception
Reception Venue: Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Videographer/Film Maker: Rob Adams Productions
Officiant: Rev. Derek Anderson
Invitation Designer: Pink Bungalow
Florist: Bartlett’s Greenhouses & Florist
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals; Park Avenue Bridals
Bridal Accessories: Lace jacket and chapel veil – Priscilla of Boston; Shoes – Jimmy Choo; Clutch: Etsy
Bridesmaids Apparel & Accessories: Dresses – Jasmine Bridal; Bijou Bridal; Jewelry – Etsy
Groom & Groomsmen Apparel & Accessories: Biltmore Tuxedos
Hair & Make-up: Ten Hair and Make-up
DJ: DAmico Entertainment
Transportation: New Jersey LimoBus
Dance Instruction: Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Upper Montclair, NJ
Favors: Donation to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital and Godiva Truffles
Rings: Kevins Fine Jewelry
Thank you, Jacqueline and Daniel for sharing your elegant and beautiful wedding story with us!
What was the process behind your decision to elope and what were your top three planning priorities? At home in Perth, we had decided to put our wedding on hold for a few years. We wanted to spend our time and money on travelling first. But, I saw a photo online of the 
What made you choose the location of your wedding and did it have any special meaning to you as a couple? We had never heard of Hacineda San Angel Puerto Vallarta before stumbling across that photo online. We wanted authentic old-world Mexico, not the Cancun type hotspots. Puerto Vallarta was perfect. The small low key fishing town reminded us of our mediterranean backgrounds. 
What were the most important things that you learned through your elopement process and what would you tell brides-to-be who are considering eloping? Eloping is about the two of you and the destination. We had never been to Mexico so we were prepared to walk away from the idea if we didn’t fall in love with the location. Get the right help. Most destination marriage services are for symbolic ceremonies, not legal marriages. The internet is great for research but legal marriages are not always possible, so double check your information in case its outdated. New destinations bring new challenges so remember why youre eloping. This kept us grounded and flexible to work with the vendors available and throw in a little DIY…..Mexicans run on Mexican time, so we’re lucky we weren’t in a rush! Lastly, make the whole day special. Weddings can be a long day with preparations and the reception, but an elopement ceremony is over quickly so plan moments during the whole day. 
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