Park Chateau Estate Summer Wedding Photographer
Marisa and Ray got married at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey. As their Park Chateau Estate summer wedding photographer, I had the best time capturing their day from start to finish. These two booked me over a year in advance, and a few months before the wedding, they shared the sweetest surprise with their loved ones. They were expecting twin boys! What a beautiful way to start their marriage. Scroll on for a look at their celebration! (including a viral moment and special feature on The Today Show!)
The Details
Firstly, the details. The invitation suite featured an elegant gold monogram with classic script. I loved the “his” and “her” vow books styled alongside white roses and eucalyptus from Crest Florist. I loved styling her details alongside her pearl bridal veil. Ray’s details were equally refined. Black leather shoes, a gold watch, and a classic black bowtie.
Marisa’s gown from Seng Couture was absolutely stunning. Delicate lace with gorgeous back detailing and a dramatic train. Her veil was cathedral length and photographed so beautifully in the light.
Getting Ready
The bridal suite at Park Chateau is a dream. Natural light poured through the tall windows as Marisa got ready with her girls. They all wore matching champagne satin robes and the energy was so fun. We captured the sweetest moment when her mom helped button the back of her dress. Hair by Bianca Cafone and makeup by Marissa Cafone had everyone looking flawless.
Meanwhile, Ray was getting ready with his groomsmen. His mom helping him with his jacket was one of my favorite moments from the morning.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Marisa and Ray shared a first look in the gardens. The European-style rotunda made the perfect backdrop. They had a few quiet moments together before we captured portraits on the iconic grand staircase inside. I loved his reaction and how he immediately went to hug Marisa and touch her belly. Their family and bridal party also cheered for them from the bridal suite balcony!
Bride & Groom Portraits
After the first look, we spent some time capturing portraits around the property. Park Chateau has so many beautiful spots. We started in the gardens with the manicured hedges and pink flowers as our backdrop. Marisa’s veil caught the breeze perfectly and her train looked incredible on the stone pathways.
We also grabbed some shots on the cobblestone drive under the canopy of trees. The light filtering through was so pretty. These two were naturals in front of the camera. Easy, relaxed, and so in love. You can really see it in every frame.
One of my favorite spots was the grand staircase inside. The wrought iron railing and gallery wall of artwork give such an elegant, timeless feel. We finished up with some portraits in the ballroom near the golden harp. The architecture in this venue photographs like a dream.
About Park Chateau Estate & Gardens
Park Chateau Estate & Gardens is one of the most stunning wedding venues in New Jersey. Located in East Brunswick, this French-inspired estate sits on 15 rolling acres and feels like you have been transported to the countryside of Provence.
What makes Park Chateau special:
- On-site chapel with beautiful architecture surrounded by manicured hedges and gardens
- European-style rotunda and gazebo perfect for first looks and portraits
- Grand staircase with wrought iron railings and classic artwork gallery
- Elegant ballroom with crystal chandeliers, herringbone wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows
- Multiple outdoor ceremony locations including the garden overlooking the water
- Luxurious bridal suite with gorgeous natural light and antique French armoire
- Award-winning culinary team with an incredible cocktail hour spread featuring fresh seafood and more (possibly the best cocktail hour in NJ)
- Conveniently located between Manhattan and Philadelphia
Bridal Party
Marisa’s bridesmaids wore stunning white gowns in varying styles. I loved this choice. It gave the photos such an elevated, modern look while still feeling timeless. Each girl held a classic white rose and eucalyptus bouquet designed by Crest Florist. The groomsmen looked sharp in their black suits, perfectly complementing Ray’s navy tux. We captured some fun walking shots on the cobblestone pathways under the tree-lined drive.
Family Portraits
One of my absolute favorite parts of any wedding day is family photos and Marisa and Ray’s families were just the sweetest. So warm, so loving, and so genuinely happy to be there celebrating these two. We captured group shots in the gardens and inside by the fireplace, and then took our time getting individual family portraits too. Those are always the ones that make me tear up a little when I go back through the gallery. A bride with her mom, a groom with his dad, and everyone together. Those are the photos that end up on walls and get passed down and I never take that lightly. These photos were extra special because they also featured the sweetest little flower girl with her tiny bouquet and an adorable ring bearer who gave Ray the cutest kiss on the cheek.
The Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony took place at Park Chateau’s garden surrounded by lush greenery. Crest Florist created the most stunning floral arch covered in baby’s breath and white roses. The golden hour light was perfection.
Viral Moment & Featured on The Today Show
You may have seen this wedding on your feed! Marisa had her bridesmaids wear white gowns, including her sisters. So when her mom Cathy found a stunning one-shoulder white dress and fell in love with it, Marisa was all for it. She wanted her mom to feel beautiful and told her she could wear any color. It all came together perfectly.
After the wedding, Marisa’s sister Alexa shared a TikTok of their mom walking down the aisle, and it went viral. The internet had a lot of opinions about a mother of the bride wearing white. But Marisa never had any doubts. The story was picked up by the Today Show, where Marisa and Cathy shared their side. “I wanted my mom to look and feel fabulous,” Marisa told TODAY. And she absolutely did. As someone who was there, I can tell you that no one outshined the bride. Marisa was glowing all day long.
Read the full feature on the Today Show here.
The Reception
Finally, the reception. The ballroom at Park Chateau never disappoints. Crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and those gorgeous herringbone wood floors. The tables were set with gold chiavari chairs and elegant place settings featuring “The Iodices” custom menus. The fireplace mantle was draped in baby’s breath and greenery with a custom laser-cut sign.
The three-tier wedding cake by Palermo Bakery was decorated with fresh white roses and a custom gold topper. Sound Image Band and Mystical Entertainment Group kept the energy high all night long. The dance floor was packed from start to finish.
Congratulations Marisa & Ray
This was such a special day to be part of. Marisa and Ray, thank you for having me. Wishing you so much love and happiness as you begin this next chapter together!
If you’re planning a wedding at Park Chateau Estate or looking for an East Brunswick NJ wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Contact me here to get started.
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Karina Mekel Photography
Venue: Park Chateau Estate & Gardens
Videographer: TMT Weddings
Florist: Crest Florist
Hair: Bianca Cafone
Makeup: Marissa Cafone
Bridal Gown: Seng Couture
Cake: Palermo Bakery
Band: Sound Image Band
Entertainment: Mystical Entertainment Group
