Ben & Lindsay: A Beautiful New Jersey Wedding at Sky View Golf Club
When Ben and Lindsay, who I’ll forever call Sam (long story—let’s just say it’s a 24-year-old habit that stuck), tied the knot at Sky View Golf Club in Sparta, NJ, it was a day filled with love, laughter, and some unforgettable moments.
We kicked off the day with hair and makeup in the sunroom at Lindsay’s parents’ house in Roxbury. It felt so special to start the day in our hometown. Getting ready there, surrounded by family and old friends, was like stepping back into our high school days. Oh, and I might have teared up seeing Lindsay in her stunning dress—it was an emotional moment, and I was so glad to be a part of it.
Here’s a fun fact: I was not only the photographer but also a bridesmaid for the first time! Yes, I spent 14 hours in heels and a bridesmaid’s dress, capturing every moment of the day. My feet were definitely feeling it the next day, but honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. Huge thanks to my friend Paige for second shooting and getting the shots I was in—couldn’t have done it without her!
The day had its share of surprises. We got hit with a massive storm that lasted about 40 minutes, which definitely threw a wrench into the timeline. The wind was so intense that the ceremony had to be moved indoors. I couldn’t even get back to the bridal suite, so I made the most of it and snapped some fun shots of Ben by the pool table. Lindsay was understandably bummed, but she’s amazing at rolling with the punches, and the indoor venue turned out gorgeous.
The bridal suite, was one of my dreams. The lighting, the coloring, the style, the everything!! Just perfect. I could not get enough shots in here! Lindsay looked so stunning and I think this setting did a great job of showcasing that.
One of my favorite moments was walking Lindsay to her first look with her Dad and Ben. From our high school hallways (where I always joked with her about how fast she walked, and her back at me with my sloth walking) and countless sleepovers talking about boys to supporting each other at volleyball and field hockey games, it was incredible to stand by her side and capture these new memories. We were so close growing up that I even had called her dad “daddy pavlo” growing up. So this moment just hit a littler extra special.
Ben and Lindsay had a private moment during their first look where they exchanged vows, which was really special. I loved seeing the look in Ben’s eyes as he saw Lindsay in her dress. He’s pretty smitten.
Cocktail hour was a blast, and the reception was even more fun. Ben and Lindsay’s first dance to Elvis’s “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” was a highlight. They had learned the waltz for it, which was both beautiful and impressive!
The vendors were top-notch: DJ-MC from Elite Rhythms was fantastic and kept everyone engaged, Kimmaurie MMD Designs did an amazing job with the florals, A Little Cake created a delicious and stunning cake, and Happy Tears Videography captured it all perfectly.
One thing that I have to note is how wild the fog was on this day. It was so thick and heavy then when we went outside for sunset photos, my camera would fog up instantly. Literally. I would wipe it off and quickly hold it up and it would already be fogged over. Because of that, it didn’t want to focus for a minute. Of course, it all worked out. But, you’ll notice how some of these images look more ‘hazey’ than my usual work. This is the effect of fog. And, I gotta say, I think these images are actually kinda fun! I love how the black and whites look especially.
The reception was a night to remember, dancing and celebrating with friends and family. It was such an honor to shoot and be a part of this New Jersey wedding. I’m so happy for my best friend, Lindsay, and wish her and Ben all the luck in the world. Ben better be good to her—otherwise, I might just have to pay a visit to Houston!
And, of course some fun images of Lindsay and I jumping on each others back. Because, for some odd reason- we have done this for the past 20+ years.
Check out some more of my favorites from this New Jersey wedding!
A day that I will forever remember and be grateful for. Beautiful bride and groom, beautiful location, beautiful day. Congrats Ben and Lindsay, love you both!
Check out some more awesome weddings from 2024:
