Hackensack Golf Club Wedding Photography

As their Hackensack Golf Club wedding photographer, I got to be part of one of the most beautiful summer celebrations ever! Danielle and John’s August wedding was the kind of day you dream about. Warm light, a gorgeous couple, and so much love from everyone around them. Scroll on for a peek into their day!

The Details

Danielle’s stationery suite set the tone for the entire day. Designed by 4 Direction Design MG, the invitation featured a hand-painted watercolor of the Hackensack Golf Club clubhouse, a custom monogram crest with florals, and the prettiest blush and champagne color palette. Every piece matched perfectly. The RSVP cards, the night-before event card, the ceremony program. All of it was personalized and made with love.

Her rings were stunning. A gorgeous gold engagement ring with a unique crown-style setting sat alongside the wedding bands in the softest pink velvet ring box. John’s details were equally thoughtful. Black velvet loafers, custom golf-inspired cufflinks, and a classic look that matched the elegance of the day.

Danielle also wrote the sweetest vows to John. I loved photographing that alongside her rings and stationery. Those personal touches are what make detail photos really special.

Getting Ready

The bridal suite at Hackensack Golf Club is absolutely beautiful. High ceilings, soft natural light pouring through the windows, and a gorgeous chandelier that made every frame feel so elegant. It is one of those rooms that just photographs perfectly.

Danielle got ready surrounded by her seven bridesmaids, her mom, and her sweet little niece who served as their flower girl. The girls all wore matching robes and the energy in that room was perfect for their wedding morning. So much laughter and happy tears.

Danielle’s Eva Lendel gown from Angel Rivera Atelier was absolutely breathtaking. A sleek, modern silhouette with the most beautiful lines. She paired it with white heels that had the prettiest bow detail and a pearl-dotted veil that caught the light in the most gorgeous way. Her hair by Luxe Salon NJ and makeup by Make Me Up Eva were flawless.

One of my favorite moments was when Danielle’s bouquet was being wrapped. Tucked into the stems was a small photo charm. A little piece of family held close while she walked down the aisle. Those are the details that make me tear up behind the camera.

The first look with her dad was so emotional. Watching him see her for the first time in her gown, standing in front of that gold-framed mirror with the chandelier behind them. I always love a first look with dad. (The first man who loved you.)

Her bridesmaids wore the most beautiful blush Jenny Yoo gowns from Bella Bridesmaids. A mix of styles that all coordinated perfectly in soft blush and champagne tones. They looked absolutely stunning together.

First Look and Portraits at Hackensack Golf Club

Danielle and John had their first look on the grounds of Hackensack Golf Club near the golf course, and it was perfect. The lush green landscape, the gorgeous summer light, and the two of them just taking it all in together.

We also grabbed some portraits with the flower girl and Danielle’s father before heading to the church. The grounds at Hackensack Golf Club are so beautiful for portraits. Lush trees, winding paths, and the prettiest natural backdrops.

Bridal Party

This bridal party was so fun. Seven bridesmaids and seven groomsmen, and every single one of them brought the best energy all day. The girls in their blush Jenny Yoo gowns and the guys in their sharp black tuxedos looked amazing together against the green landscape of the golf course.

We took group photos on the lawn beneath the big shade trees overlooking the course, and the light was gorgeous. The whole group cheering, the groomsmen goofing around, the bridesmaids looking effortlessly gorgeous. These are always some of my favorite photos to take because you can feel how much everyone loves the couple.

Ceremony at St. Paul’s RC Church

Danielle and John’s ceremony took place at St. Paul’s RC Church in Ramsey, NJ. The church has the most beautiful vaulted wood beam ceiling, stained glass windows, and warm candlelight that made everything glow. It is such a stunning space for a Catholic ceremony.

Danielle walked down the aisle with her father, and the whole church just lit up. During the ceremony, they incorporated a special prayer and ring ceremony in addition to the traditional ring exchange. It was such a meaningful and personal moment.

Watching John look at Danielle during the ceremony was one of the most genuine moments of love I have captured. Their recessional down the aisle as husband and wife was pure joy. The whole church was cheering.

About the Venue

Hackensack Golf Club is a private club located at 1 Golf Club Road in Emerson, New Jersey, in the heart of Bergen County.

• Founded in 1899, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in New Jersey with over 125 years of history
• The course was designed by Seth Raynor and Charles Banks during the Golden Age of Golf Architecture
• The clubhouse features elegant reception rooms with hardwood floors, arched windows, classic pendant lighting, and a beautiful fireplace that serves as a stunning backdrop for the sweetheart table
• The bridal suite is on the upper level with vaulted ceilings, natural light, a chandelier, and plenty of room for a large bridal party to get ready together
• The grounds feature 18 holes of manicured golf course, mature shade trees, a picturesque pond, and winding pathways that are perfect for wedding portraits and golden hour photos
• The covered colonnade with white columns and arched openings is one of the most iconic features for evening portraits
• Cocktail hour can be held on the outdoor patio overlooking the course, and the reception ballroom opens up to views of the grounds
• Located in Bergen County, it is easily accessible from both New York City and northern New Jersey

Cocktail Hour

The cocktail hour at Hackensack Golf Club was gorgeous. Guests enjoyed drinks on the patio with views of the course while the ballroom was being revealed inside. Danielle and John had the sweetest custom signature cocktail signs featuring illustrations of their dog. They also had personalized cocktail napkins and the cutest custom stir sticks. The sushi station during cocktail hour was a huge hit. Guests loved it and honestly, who wouldn’t!

Reception Details

The reception room was stunning. Laurelwood Designs did an incredible job with the florals. The sweetheart table was set in front of the fireplace with the most beautiful cascading floral installation of white and blush roses, hydrangea, and greenery draping across the mantel. The centerpieces were lush arrangements of ivory and blush blooms in gold vases, and each place setting had a menu card that tied into the overall design.

Reception

These two know how to dance. The energy on that dance floor was going all night long. Their guests were right there with them for every single song. Hands in the air, shoes off, ties loosened. That is the kind of reception every couple hopes for. Phase One Band had the whole room dancing from the very first song.

The cake by A Little Cake was beautiful. A classic white tiered cake with floral accents that fit the blush and champagne palette perfectly. One of the last shots of the night is the two of them kissing by the cake table in front of the fireplace with candles glowing around them. That is the kind of ending that makes my heart so full.

Thank You

Danielle and John, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your beautiful day. From your first look on the golf course to the last dance in the ballroom, every single moment was full of love, joy, and the most incredible energy. Your families are wonderful, your friends are the best, and you two are the sweetest couple. I am so happy for you both!

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Planning your wedding at Hackensack Golf Club or another Bergen County venue? I would love to hear from you. Get in touch here to learn more about my wedding photography collections!

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See their wedding video by TMT Weddings

Vendors

• Photography: Karina Mekel Photography
• Venue: Hackensack Golf Club, Emerson NJ
• Church: St. Paul’s RC Church, Ramsey NJ
• Videography: TMT Weddings
• Floral Design: Laurelwood Designs
• Hair: Luxe Salon NJ
• Makeup: Make Me Up Eva
• Stationery: 4 Direction Design MG
• Bridal Gown: Eva Lendel from Angel Rivera Atelier
• Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids
• Cake: A Little Cake
• Entertainment: Craig Scott Entertainment
• Band: Phase One Band
• Cocktail Music: Ceremonious Strings NJ

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