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Hi! I'm Karina. I love photographing weddings + special moments throughout the East Coast! I'm happily married to my best friend and I LOVE love. I'm overjoyed to share these beautiful love stories with you!

Hi, I'm Karina.

Estate at Florentine Gardens Wedding | River Vale, NJ

Estate at Florentine Gardens Wedding Photographer

Kasey and Tim got married at the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale, New Jersey. It was such a beautiful day from start to finish. Great light, stunning details, and a reception that kept everyone on the dance floor all night. Scroll on for a look at their day!

Starting with the Details

Firstly, the details. Quirk’s Corner created elegant KT monogrammed stationery, surrounded by soft white and butter yellow blooms. White vow books, gold rings, Prada perfume, and the most delicate bridal shoes. Simple, refined, and so them.

KT wedding invitation suite with butter yellow florals Florentine Gardens NJ Quirks Corner
Wedding rings and stationery flat lay Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding rings and stationery flat lay Florentine Gardens NJ
Bridal detail flat lay vow books and florals Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride bouquet white dahlias cosmos peach blooms Elizabeth Margaret Events NJ

The Bridal Morning

Kasey and her girls got ready in the gardens wearing matching butter yellow sets. We loved her little reveal with her bridesmaids. There was so much laughter and it was the best energy. Hair by Bridal by Alena and makeup by Totally Glammed had everyone looking incredible. Next, she had an emotional first look with dad. This is one of my favorite recent trends to add to wedding days.

On top of that, Kasey’s look was a total showstopper. Her gown from Wona Bridal was fitted sparkle lace with off-the-shoulder long sleeves and a dramatic train. Her bouquet from Elizabeth Margaret Events had white dahlias, cosmos, and soft peach blooms. Perfect for a summer garden wedding.

Bride and bridesmaids in butter yellow sets Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride and bridesmaids in butter yellow sets Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride getting ready Florentine Gardens NJ wedding
Bride in sparkle lace Wona Bridal gown Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride in sparkle lace Wona Bridal gown Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride in sparkle lace Wona Bridal gown Florentine Gardens NJ
Emotional bridal party reveal Florentine Gardens NJ
Emotional first look bridal party Florentine Gardens NJ

Bride and Groom Portraits

Before the ceremony, we headed out to the gardens for portraits. Kasey and Tim were so natural in front of the camera. Easy, fun, and genuinely happy together.

Bride and groom portraits Florentine Gardens gardens River Vale NJ
Bride and groom romantic portrait summer garden NJ wedding photographer
Bride and groom romantic veil portrait summer garden NJ wedding photographer

Bridal Party Photos

In addition to the couple portraits, the girls pulled out white paper fans for some of the most fun bridal party shots I’ve taken all year. The butter yellow bridesmaids gowns were also a favorite from this year. The guys looked sharp in their tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse and celebrated with a pre-reception espresso martini toast that set the tone perfectly.

Bridesmaids butter yellow gowns portrait Florentine Gardens NJ
Full bridal party portrait summer wedding Florentine Gardens NJ
Bridal party portrait lush gardens Florentine Gardens River Vale NJ
Bridesmaids butter yellow gowns white paper fans Florentine Gardens NJ
Groomsmen espresso martini toast Florentine Gardens NJ wedding

The Ceremony

After their portraits, we moved into the ceremony. It was held inside Florentine Gardens’ beautiful white ballroom. Soaring ceilings, arched windows, and lush greenery lining the aisle. Kasey walked in on her father’s arm and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. The first kiss, arms raised at the recessional. So much joy. Officiated by Wedlock.

Florentine Gardens wedding ceremony ballroom arched windows River Vale NJ
Florentine Gardens ceremony room lush greenery aisle NJ wedding
Bride walking down aisle with father Florentine Gardens NJ wedding
Bride walking down aisle with father Florentine Gardens NJ wedding
Bride reading vows Florentine Gardens NJ wedding photographer
Bride reading vows Florentine Gardens NJ wedding photographer
Wedding ceremony first kiss Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride and groom recessional arms raised Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding ceremony full room Florentine Gardens ballroom NJ

The Reception

Finally, the reception. The room looked incredible. Crystal chandeliers, white linens, gold chairs, and candles everywhere. To start the evening, Kasey and Tim shared a first dance that was so sweet, and the dip at the end had everyone cheering.

After that, Reel Productions kept the energy high all night long. Then came the champagne tower. Kasey poured from the top while the whole room went wild. It was one of the most fun moments I’ve captured all year. The cake by Palermo’s Bakery was gorgeous too.

Florentine Gardens wedding reception room crystal chandeliers NJ
Florentine Gardens wedding reception room and monogrammed seating chart NJ
Florentine Gardens reception centerpieces and head table NJ
Bride and groom first dance dip Florentine Gardens NJ wedding photographer
Bride and groom live band Florentine Gardens NJ wedding photographer
Wedding dancing reception Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding dancing reception Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding dancing reception Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding dancing reception Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding dancing reception Florentine Gardens NJ
Wedding dancing reception singing Florentine Gardens NJ
Bride and groom champagne tower celebration Florentine Gardens NJ

Congratulations Kasey and Tim

Overall, this was such a special day to be part of. Kasey and Tim, thank you for having me. Wishing you so much love, laughter, and many more champagne towers ahead!

If you’re planning a wedding at the Estate at Florentine Gardens or looking for a New Jersey wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here to get started.

Bride and groom champagne tower celebration Florentine Gardens NJ

About The Estate at Florentine Gardens

If you’re searching for a wedding venue in New Jersey that truly has it all, the Estate at Florentine Gardens in River Vale should be at the top of your list. I’ve had the privilege of photographing here multiple times and every single time I pull up to this venue I fall in love with it all over again.

Set on four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, Florentine Gardens has the most stunning rose garden that peaks in the summer months. Honestly a dream for portraits. The brick pathways, lush greenery, and blooming flowers give you so many gorgeous photo opportunities throughout the property. And if you’re someone who worries about unpredictable New Jersey weather, you don’t have to here. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor ceremony options so you’re covered either way.

Inside, the Grand Ballroom is breathtaking. Twenty-five foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the most beautiful chandeliers. The natural light in this space is incredible and makes such a difference in photos. The estate can host up to 360 guests and includes in-house catering, a bar, and both bridal and groom suites on site. So everything you need is right there.

Some of my favorite things about shooting at Florentine Gardens:

  • The rose garden for golden hour portraits
  • The grand white ballroom (and new ceremony space!) with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • The brick pathways that make every walking shot look stunning
  • The bridal suite with beautiful natural light for getting ready photos
  • Indoor and outdoor ceremony options
  • In-house catering and bar so the day runs seamlessly

Whether you’re dreaming of an outdoor garden ceremony or an elegant indoor ballroom reception, this venue delivers both beautifully. If you’re planning a wedding here I would love to be your photographer. Reach out here and let’s chat!

Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Karina Mekel Photography

Content Creation: So Bridal Social

Venue: Estate at Florentine Gardens

Florist: Elizabeth Margaret Events

Hair: Bridal by Alena

Makeup: Totally Glammed

Bridal Shop: Wona Bridal

Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse

Entertainment: Reel Productions

Cake: Palermo’s Bakery

Stationery: Quirk’s Corner

Officiant: Wedlock

See more wedding photos from this Estate at Florentine Gardens Wedding | Kayla & Nick!

Or contact me anytime to inquire about photography for your wedding!

Karina Mekel is a New Jersey wedding photographer capturing special moments throughout the East Coast. Follow along with these timeless love stories on Instagram @karinamekel or get in touch with Karina here.

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