Nicole and Mike are not only gorgeous on the outside, but they have such warm and kind hearts. I received at least a couple hugs from each of them through out the day, which made me so happy because I’m a hugger too! The ceremony and reception all took place at the beautiful Molly Pitcher Inn located in Red Bank, New Jersey. I had never been to this area of Jersey before and I decided I am definitely coming back for a visit or weekend getaway! Nicole and Mike’s union was a beautiful fusion of the their Polish and Jewish backgrounds and I was so blessed to be a part of it.

Getting Ready

The bridal suite had a perfect view of the ceremony site outside below. So everyone took turns watching the progress unfold. Nicole and her girls got ready, sporting cute blue button down shirts for the bridesmaids and white for the bride. Her bridesmaids brought a great mix of humor and support as they made her laugh and touched up makeup and hair. And little niece, Sadie made an appearance to hang out with her Aunt Nicole. Getting Nicole dressed was a family affair. Two of her bridesmaids helped her into her dress, Nicole’s mom, Mrs. Wisniewski came to place her veil and sister, Erica helped her into her shoes.

The guys were sipping bourbon and keeping the mood light as they got ready with Mike, who also took some quiet time to finish writing his vows.  Dr. Greenberg even came in to help Mike with his finishing touches. Once everyone was ready, we headed outside for portraits. Since Nicole and Mike weren’t having a first look the guys had to stay inside, but they stayed entertained by the piano.

Ceremony

The ceremony couldn’t have been more perfect. It took place outside on the Promenade overlooking the marina. The sky was turning pink and was dusted with small fluffy clouds. Mike had the biggest smile on his face when Nicole walked down the aisle with her father. And as she got closer he couldn’t hold back tears. Nicole’s uncle Bob presided over the ceremony as officiant. Nicole and Mike recited handwritten vows to each other and didn’t take their eyes of each other the entire ceremony. There were a lot of teary eyes among the guests. The ceremony concluded with the breaking of the glass, a Jewish tradition honoring the Greenberg side of the family.

Cocktail Hour

Guests remained on the Promenade for cocktails and hor d’oeuvres while we took family and wedding party portraits. The couple each had their own signature drink – the Gin & Tonic for the bride and an Old Fashioned for the groom.

Reception

Each table was decorated with ivory linens and large floral arrangements full of white hydrangeas, roses and dahlias and sage greens including eucalyptus. The wedding party sat at a large head table along with their respective wedding dates. After entrances, the dinner was formally opened with a Polish tradition – the Blessing of the Bread and the Salt. In this tradition, the parents of the bride and groom greet the newly married couple with bread, which is lightly sprinkled with salt, along with a glass of wine. With the bread, the parents are hoping their children will never go hungry. The salt symbolizes cleansing and a reminder to the couple that though life may be difficult at times, they must learn to cope with life’s struggles together. And the wine symbolizes the desire that the couple will never go thirsty, and that their lives will be filled with health and happiness. In conclusion each parent kisses the couple to signify unity of the families. How beautiful is that?!

The reception was full of dancing and incredible music from The Storytellers NYC band. I had to check sometimes that they weren’t just playing recorded music – they were that good! And of course no Jewish wedding is complete without the Hora or chair dance. The bride and groom were hoisted up as friends and family circled around them. And each set of parents were also lifted up in celebration. The night concluded with cake cutting, the bridal bouquet toss and intimate portraits outside the front of the Inn.

Nicole and Mike thank you for choosing me to capture your special day. I wish you guys all the best in California as you begin your life together!!

VENUE | The Molly Pitcher Inn

WEDDING COORDINATOR | Jessica Pringle (The Molly Pitcher Inn)

CATERING | The Molly Pitcher Inn

CAKE | Ye Olde Pie Shoppe

FLORIST | Craig Kiely Designs

STATIONARY | The Papery

BAND | The Storytellers NYC

HAIR + MAKEUP | Pin It Up Bridal

BRIDAL GOWN | Pronovias

BRIDAL SHOES | Badgley Mischka

BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES (in Slate Blue) | Bill Levkoff

GROOM TUX | Vera Wang

OFFICIANT | Bob Wisniewski

SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER | Kate McCarthy Photography