Who’s ready for the dreamiest springtime wedding at The Conservatory?! I sure am! I solo shot this wedding, but I was so warmed by the instant welcome I felt as I started off the day with Melissa at her family’s lake house! The girls were all so excited for Melissa to get married and they truly welcomed me into their space with open arms. It was so lovely!
While Melissa and the girls finished up their hair and makeup, I took some fun detail shots with a vintage feel! Melissa had rented a stunning white antique chair for the day, and we used it in a bunch of the photos, from stationery details to bridal portraits. It really was the PERFECT bridal chair!
Melissa’s family house truly had the best photo spots for getting ready, with lots of natural light and windows overlooking the lake. I hung her wedding dress in their sun room and it was so perfect. One of my favorite memories from the morning was when Melissa and her mom shared a special moment, gazing at her wedding dress together. Her mom even had a piece of her own dress sewn into Melissa’s! It was such a beautiful and sentimental moment!
Afterwards, Melissa got into her wedding dress with the help of her mom and sister. These ended up being some of my favorite getting ready photos! Then, with Melissa all ready to go, it was time for me to head to the venue to photograph Shane getting ready.
At the venue, I photographed Shane putting on his final touches. His dad helped him into his jacket and his sister put on his boutonniere! It was so nice seeing them both, as I actually knew them when I was younger. Shane and his sister both skied with my brother, Kris, and I would always go and watch the ski races!
Once Shane was all ready, I got him in place for his first look with Melissa. They had the sweetest moment together, with their friends and family watching from afar. Then we walked around the The Conservatory and took some portraits before starting wedding party and family photos.
After we finished up group portraits, it was time for the ceremony! It ended up being super windy at that time, but I was so amazed because Melissa’s hair DID NOT MOVE and looked amazing the entire time! Major kudos to her hair stylist!
Something really neat about Melissa and Shane’s wedding at the Conservatory, was that they were the first couple to have their ceremony on the patio there. It was an honor to be the first photographer to document it!
Immediately following the ceremony, I stole away Melissa and Shane for some “just married” portraits. They were so happy and giddy, and it really shows in the photos! Then they headed into cocktail hour, while I went to capture the reception details.
Reception was kicked off with Melissa and Shane’s entrances, followed up by their first dance. The Conservatory’s reception space was so gorgeous, with tons of windows and warm wood tones. Melissa shared a dance with her dad and Shane also danced with his little niece. So cute!
When the time came for toasts, Melissa’s sister, mom, and dad, as well as Shane’s dad, all gave very touching and emotional speeches. Everyone’s combined love for the couple was so evident and beautiful to see shared. After toasts concluded, it was time to dance! Their band was amazing and kept their guests dancing the night away. I finished out the night with some cake cutting photos of Melissa and Shane, then headed home. I texted Melissa after the wedding and she told me that she didn’t leave the dance floor the entire night! They really did have the BEST wedding day, congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs. Rea!
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BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WITH SYDNEY NOW!
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Vendor Team
Photography: Sydney Madison Creative
Wedding Venue: The Conservatory at Sussex County Fairgrounds
Band/DJ: Uptown Getdowns
Bride’s Dress Boutique & Groom Attire: Sew n Sew
Catering & Linens: Willow and Sage
Florist: The Wild Floweress
Rentals: Heartfelt Rentals
Hair Artist: Styles on Location
Makeup: Ashley Schmidt
Cake: Calandras
