Vicki + Anthony’s Gorgeous Wedding at The Grove
Hearing the sweet and unique love stories of so many couples is one of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer. How I tell that love story through their photographs is one of the most exciting and challenging parts of the job. It’s what keeps me going, and I live for each moment that turns into a memory frozen in time.
Vicki and Anthony met on vacation. Vicki was invited by her best friend and her best friends brother brought Anthony. It was the perfect location (tropical, all inclusive) to fall in love, and they have been inseparable ever since. They chose to embrace Vicki’s heritage with a their beautiful Greek wedding at The Grove, New Jersey, and I loved every bit of it! The guests were so supportive and excited about these two becoming husband and wife that the dance floor was never empty and the party was pumping. There were bright smiles, warmth, crazy dancing, and a lot of romance.
The Ceremony
On the wedding day, almost every single person that celebrated Vicki and Anthony’s big day monitored the weather… including me. Nothing could have prepared us for what the weather actually turned out to be that day. There was a slight morning drizzle, but it cleared enough for some fun bridesmaids photos outside. Their bridal party were amazing, and kept everything light, fun and moving right along! Vicki’s two flower girls admired her gown and when Vicki took the first steps down the stairs to see her bridesmaids, the love and excitement flowed through the air like confetti!
Once we arrived at the church, it was go time. Vicki and her dad shared a few moments before walking into church and down the aisle. As she reached the altar, we could hear the rain begin to pour on the roof of the church. A little later, I looked out the window and saw it was actually hailing. Then, sleet, and then no one really knows! It was back to drizzling by the time we exited the church to head to The Grove.
The Grove
We arrived to The Grove with rain still coming down. The wedding party hung out and charged up with food and fun with their family and many of their friends before we started with photos. Inside, a grand staircase fills the entry way, and we took full advantage of that for some wedding party and family photos. As we finished up our last few vouque like indoor photos, the rain had stopped completely. All the bridesmaids, groomsmen and of course the bride and groom headed outside with us as we made the most of The Grove’s beautiful grounds. Surrounded by lush greenery, and stoned staircases we were in awe. As the wedding party went to claim cocktail hour, Vicki + Anthony blew me away with their tenderness towards one another. Vicki’s dress, including her veil and train, were absolutely stunning! Right towards the end of their portraits the sun peeked through and these two truly glowed.
The luxurious reception offered the best kind of party vibe! The newlyweds’ grand entrance was so much fun! Both of them were beaming and glowing with that ‘just married’ cheer! This couple was so much fun that during the reception, Vicki and Anthony even did a money dance. Vicki’s grandma went all in! And some other guests joined too. That only enhanced the energy of the room.
The speeches and toasts made at receptions are always so touching, and the ones made at Vicki and Anthony’s reception were no different either. The Maid of Honor spoke about their time as Greek school dropouts. It made me feel like I was watching an extension of My Big Fat Greek Wedding! The priest had said this one thing during the ceremony, and later the Best Man reintegrated what he had said while making his toast.
The priest had said that even though it was raining and everything outside was wet, everything and everyone was dry inside the church. The Best Man then connected that to his toast when he said that in a marriage, you must put each other first and always stay connected. I thought that was such a beautiful sentiment. And kudos to him for being so spontaneous and creative too!
Featured New Jersey Wedding Vendors
Thank you, Vicki and Anthony, for allowing me to photograph your big day! It was such a joy capturing the happiness you two bring to your friends, family, and of course, to one another! I wish you two a lifetime of love and adventures together!
- Florist: Dahlia Florals
- Dress Designer: Martina Liana
- Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy
- Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka
- Videographer: Willow Tree Films
- Cake Bakery: Palermo’s Bakery
- DJ/Band: Mystical Entertainment
Are you ready to see more gorgeous images like Vicki + Anthony’s wedding? Follow along on instagram and facebook
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Mekina Saylor is a New Jersey Wedding Photographer located in the Greater New York City Area who enjoys capturing fun couples in love.
For more information visit www.mekinasaylor.com
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June 23, 2021
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