East Meets West at The Park Chateau Estate
Tiffany and Zach got married at Park Chateau Estate in East Brunswick, New Jersey on October 8th and as their Park Chateau wedding photographer, this day was one I will never forget. They had a vision for an East Meets West celebration. A beautiful blending of Tiffany’s Chinese heritage with their modern love story. And they pulled it off so beautifully. A rich Sonoma Spice color palette, the most incredible florals, a stunning outdoor ceremony overlooking the lake, and a reception that kept going all night long. Scroll on for a look at their day!
This wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty and it is easy to see why. Scroll on for the full day!
Starting with the Details
Tiffany’s invitation suite set the tone for the wedding day before it even began, designed by Victoria Wagner Events. A deep crimson card with gold script lettering, botanical floral envelope liners, and the most beautiful hand-lettered addressing. The color red is a symbol of luck and happiness in Chinese culture and it wove through every single detail of the day. Laid out alongside Zach’s ZM monogrammed handkerchief, his watch, his velvet loafers and bow tie, everything felt so intentional. So perfectly them.
Getting Ready
Tiffany got ready on site in the bridal suite at Park Chateau. Those arched French doors, the ornate antique armoire, the soft natural light. It is just the dreamiest room to photograph in. Her Galia Lahav gown from Bridal Reflections was breathtaking. A plunging back with the most delicate 3D floral applique detail and the most beautiful train.
Her bouquet by The Budding Florist was one of my all time favorites. Peach garden roses, rust orchids, ranunculus and trailing delicate blooms. So lush and perfectly matched to the whole color story.
Tiffany also had the sweetest first look moments with her father and her mother before leaving for the ceremony. Those photos always get me.
Zach got ready in the groom’s suite and that dark room is so moody and gorgeous. He wore a black tuxedo with that gorgeous colorful boutonniere. The groomsmen portraits in there are some of my favorites.
The First Look
The bridesmaids watched from the balcony as Tiffany walked out to meet Zach on the grounds. His reaction when he turned around said everything. He just held it together and then completely did not. They are the cutest couple, and I always love a first look moment.
About Park Chateau Estate
Park Chateau Estate in East Brunswick, New Jersey is one of the most iconic wedding venues in the state and I am so lucky I get to photograph here. The white French chateau exterior, the manicured boxwood gardens, the circular terrace overlooking the lake. It is truly one of a kind. A few of my favorite things about shooting at Park Chateau:
- The circular ceremony terrace with the lake and fountain as the backdrop
- The manicured boxwood gardens for portraits
- The grand white chateau exterior for wedding party photos
- The ornate bridal suite with arched French doors and beautiful natural light
- The dramatic teal groom’s suite
- The elegant ballroom with the ornate white fireplace
Park Chateau is located in East Brunswick, New Jersey and is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in the state. If you are considering it for your wedding, I would love to be your Park Chateau wedding photographer.
The Bridal Party
The bridesmaids wore a gorgeous mix of copper and blush satin gowns from Show Me Your Mumu and Shona Joy and together against the white chateau exterior they looked absolutely stunning. The mismatched styles and lengths all worked so beautifully together. The full wedding party shot in front of the chateau is one I keep going back to. Also, this light! I’m obsessed!
The Ceremony
The outdoor ceremony at Park Chateau was just spectacular. The circular terrace overlooking the lake, the autumn foliage just starting to turn, the most incredible floral installation by The Budding Florist. An acrylic arch with cascading blooms in rust, peach, burgundy, orchid and white. It was genuinely one of the most beautiful ceremony setups I have ever photographed. The aerial shots really give a birds eye view of the ceremony, which is one of my favorite parts about drone footage. Tiffany walked down the aisle on her father’s arm to a full crowd and Zach’s face when he saw her was everything. Congratulations Tiffany & Zach!!
The Reception
The Park Chateau ballroom glowed. Long harvest tables with lace linens, terracotta taper candles, and low lush centerpieces in Sonoma Spice tones all by The Budding Florist. The sweetheart table sat in front of that gorgeous ornate fireplace with a full floral ground installation cascading out from underneath it. Every single corner of that room was beautiful. Rentals by B&B Tent and Party and Rent Patina brought the whole tablescape together perfectly. POSH Entertainment kept the energy going all night and the cake by Palermo’s Bakery was just gorgeous.
And then Tiffany and Zach changed into their red outfits for the Chinese Tea Ceremony and the whole energy shifted. Tiffany in a stunning custom red cheongsam, Zach in a red embroidered brocade blazer. The traditional tea service, the double happiness teapot. It was such a meaningful and beautiful moment in the middle of the reception and I am so glad I got to capture it.
The first dance was so fun. That dip. The whole room erupted. After that it was non-stop all night long. And to end the night they had Yummy’s Food Truck outside with red paper lanterns glowing and the most gorgeous lit trees behind them. The last photo of the two of them in their after-party outfits with heart shaped sunglasses celebrating under those lights is just so fun too. Check that out below!
See their wedding highlight video by EE Visuals too!
Tiffany and Zach, thank you so much for having me be part of your day. It was so full of joy, meaning, and beauty and it was such an honor to capture it all. Wishing you both the happiest life together.
If you are planning a wedding at Park Chateau Estate and looking for an East Brunswick or New Jersey wedding photographer, I would love to hear from you. Contact me here to check your date.
Wedding Vendors:
Event Design: Victoria Wagner Events
Photography: Karina Mekel Photography
Floral Design: The Budding Florist
Cinematography: EE Visuals
Venue: Park Chateau Estate
Invitation Suite: Victoria Wagner Events
Bridal Stylist: Pretty Little Moments
Wedding Dress: Bridal Reflections
Wedding Dress Designer: Galia Lahav
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Shona Joy
Rentals: B&B Tent and Party
Rentals: Rent Patina
Food Truck: Yummy’s Food Truck
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery
Content Creator: Weddings Unveiled Co
Beauty: Looks by Gigi
As seen in Style Me Pretty
Planning a wedding at Park Chateau? Check out my Park Chateau Wedding Photographer Guide!
See more New Jersey wedding photography from this Park Savoy Wedding! Or contact me anytime to inquire about photography for your wedding.
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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.
