New Jersey Weddings

Nanina’s in the Park Wedding: Erica & Matt

Bride and groom kissing on the lawn with her long veil blowing in front of a stone castle

Erica and Matt’s Nanina’s in the Park Wedding

Wedding gown, shoes, ring box and invitation before a Nanina's in the Park wedding

Bride and bridesmaids in matching pajamas getting ready

Black and white photos of the bride in a robe, a beaded gown detail and the bride reading a note on a bed

Bride's mother helping her into her gown and veil

Bride in a lace gown with her bridesmaids before the ceremony

Smiling bride in her veil at Nanina's in the Park

Groom getting ready in a tuxedo: adjusting his cuff, a groomsman fixing his collar, and cologne, bow tie and shoes laid out

Groom with his father, mother and two others in black on a sidewalk, and the groom kissing his mother's cheek

Groom in a tuxedo standing on a path, and nine groomsmen in tuxedos and bow ties lined up in front of large trees

Groom in a black tuxedo and bow tie adjusting his jacket in front of green shrubs

Church details: a printed invitation with roses, an altar table, the stone church exterior, white roses

Black and white photos of the bride walking up the church aisle with her mother, the groom looking back

Black and white photos of the bride and groom facing each other at the altar with a priest and a woman beside them

Couple at the church altar with the priest, and the bride and groom walking back up the aisle past wooden chairs

Couple kissing in the church doorway as guests watch, with smaller black and white photos of guests cheering outside

Four family portraits at a church altar of the couple with parents in navy and black and with grandparents

Black and white portrait of the bride and groom laughing with their mothers and a father outside

Bride and groom smiling through the window of a white vintage car with a champagne glass, and walking beside the car

Wedding party of bridesmaids in navy and groomsmen in tuxedos on a stone staircase, with the couple in front

Couple kissing in warm backlit evening light, and a close portrait of the groom with his hand on the bride's cheek

Bride in a long-sleeved lace gown with her bouquet, and her bridesmaids in navy dresses lined up on a lawn

Grid of small thumbnails of couple, bridal party and groomsmen portraits taken on a stone staircase and lawn

Couple nose to nose under a sheer veil glowing in warm evening light

Sweetheart table in front of a fireplace with flowers and candles, and details of a seating chart, cake, menus

Couple with a flowing veil in front of a stone castle, and the bride dancing with the groom in a chandelier-lit ballroom

Black and white photos of the first dance and the groom dancing with his mother on a marble floor as guests watch

Black and white view of guests crowding the dance floor beneath large crystal chandeliers

Couple kissing beside a tiered white cake with greenery, and cutting the cake together

Couple standing on a white balustrade bridge in a dark garden at night

From high school sweethearts to lifelong partners, their journey is a testament to enduring love and cherished memories. As their photographer, I had the privilege of witnessing every heartfelt moment of their special day, and I’m thrilled to share their story with you. Here’s a look back at their Nanina’s in the Park wedding.

Erica and Matt’s love story began in the halls of James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell, NJ. What started as a junior prom date blossomed into something more as they spent time together, bonding over lacrosse games and church plays. Their friendship soon grew into love, and before they knew it, they were inseparable. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that start as friendships.

A Timeless Wedding at Nanina’s in the Park

For Erica and Matt, their wedding day was about more than just celebrating their love—it was about creating lasting memories with their loved ones. They spared no expense in choosing the best vendors to ensure a flawless and unforgettable experience for everyone involved. From start to finish, their goal was to make their wedding day a momentous occasion that would be cherished for years to come.

Inspired by their shared love for tradition and elegance, Erica and Matt envisioned a wedding that exuded timeless charm. With a classic ballroom adorned with white flowers, lush greenery, and hints of gold, their vision came to life in a breathtaking display of sophistication. Every detail was carefully curated to create an atmosphere of timeless beauty that would stand the test of time.

Planning your own Nanina’s in the Park wedding? A few things I’d suggest: the ballroom has crystal chandeliers and a high white ceiling, so white flowers, greenery and touches of gold, like Erica and Matt chose, suit the room without needing much more. If you have a church ceremony first, as they did, think about a stop for portraits on the way to the reception. Theirs was at a stone castle with old stone walls and wooded grounds, which was a beautiful change of scene for the bridal party in May.

While every moment of their wedding day was filled with love and joy, one memory stands out above the rest. After saying “I do” at their church, Erica and Matt escaped to a 1960 Rolls Royce Cloud for a private moment together. As they sipped champagne and toasted to their new journey as husband and wife, they felt like royalty, basking in the happiness of the moment.

As Erica and Matt reflect on their wedding day, they are filled with gratitude for the overwhelming love and support of their family and friends. It’s a feeling they’ll never forget—a day where every person they cherished came together to celebrate their love. And one day, when they tell their children about May 11th, 2019, they’ll describe it as the best day of their lives—a day filled with love, joy, and the promise of forever.

See more of my work as a New Jersey wedding photographer, or check availability for your date.

More weddings at Nanina’s in the Park: Nicole & AJ.

About Vanessa

Weaving together moments of intimacy and grandeur to create alluring, romantic, and moving portraits.

Vanessa Joy is a highly sought-after wedding photographer known for her stunning imagery and artistic vision. She is internationally recognized for her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to her craft. From elegantly composed photographs to a seamless blending of timeless sophistication and modern flair, Vanessa Joy's work has captivated audiences worldwide. 

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