Having shot literally hundreds of weddings, it’s still fun for each of them to be special to me in some way. This June wedding was double fun for me because 1) I love meeting other Jennas 🙂 and 2) Jenna is the 2nd cousin to my boyfriend, Charlie. This means that I knew a TON of people there that day, I had to keep refusing drinks from them (lol) and I’d already met Jenna a number of times before her big day. I’m so thankful to have a “happy & fun” job but this day I kept forgetting it was work and not play. Jenna and Chris created such a fun space for everyone to enjoy!
College sweethearts Jenna and Chris first met during their freshman year at Rutgers. Despite a “rocky” first date where the couple went white water rafting with Chris’ friends and the raft flipped upside down, sending Jenna tumbling into some rocks. Thankfully everyone survived, especially those guys who may have been responsible for sending Jenna in the air.
The Proposal
Flash forward a few years to Christmas time in Pittsburg and Jenna and Chris went ice skating downtown. Having the proposal plan running through his mind, Chris became preoccupied when he saw another couple steal his idea and propose right there, but luckily Jenna didn’t suspect a thing. That is, not until Chris, a man not a fan of pictures, asked that they take a photo by the Christmas tree. She just knew something was up. Next thing she knew, Chris “said some sweet stuff” and asked her to marry him. It’s totally normal to black out a little when you are proposing or being proposed to. As long as they remember the YES!
Here are a couple favorites from their big day!
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The bridal suite was a big beautiful BRIGHT space and was well designed for its brides.
RedBull & vow run-throughs, wedding day realities!
Flowers by the amazing Kate at J&J Landscaping. Jenna wanted to keep as many of the vendors in the family as possible which make for an extra personalized day.
The bride and groom exchanged personal letters adding a nice sentimental moment to the day.
This beautiful pocket watch was a gift from bride to groom.
“Don’t forget to smile!” Hailey kept us all in line.
Jenna told me her favorite part about the venue was the gorgeous gardens. Thankfully for the flowers, it has been constantly raining so there was tons of beautiful greenery at Park Chateau to shoot with at this June wedding!
The bridesmaids dresses were a nice change, with beautiful soft colors and the break of the floral pattern added a nice elegance.
I can’t get enough of this gorgeous backdrop provided at Park Chateau, it’s just perfect for weddings.
For two self proclaimed “camera shy” people, they were so natural and affectionate!
The officiant for their wedding was the bride’s second cousin… Joey G!
The wedding was on the Summer Solstice so it was a perfect night to spend with the sun on its longest day!
Park Chateau was set up perfectly for Jenna and Chris’ elegant wedding.
I can feel Chris cringing as his brother recalls stories from his childhood. The best man’s speech is never a dull one!
Celebrating the start of summer with a June wedding!
You know it’s a bumpin’ party when grandma starts dancing with her cane!
Of course ever guest wants to snag a dance with the Bride, she was easy to find jammin’ on the dance floor all night, right where she belonged!
Sibling jams. Throwin’ it back!
Vendors
Venue // Park Chateau
DJ // Silverpro Entertainment, The Groove Shop
Make Up // Casey Astudillo
Florist // Kate George at JJ Landscaping
Videography // 5801 Productions
Invitations // Minted