Jasmine and Justin’s wedding day at the Allaire wedding chapel was beyond perfect and all Jesus from the beginning. Before anything else, Justin and Jasmine met together at Allaire State Park to read notes to each other, standing back to back so they couldn’t yet see each other. It was so sweet and really emotional. Justin started to read his note, but then just started speaking to her from the heart and it was like the Holy Spirit was in the midst. The excitement and the honor they felt in marrying each other was so evident.

Before guests arrived at the little white chapel in the woods, we got a chance to stroll around the park and take some pictures in the dappled sunlight. I’m always a fan of locations like Allaire State Park because there are just so many options for portraits. One of the things that I love to see in couples is genuine concern for the other person, and Jasmine and Justin were totally like that. They were always checking in with each other during our portrait session, always thinking of the other person first. It’s those subtle things that say a lot.

During their wedding ceremony at the Allaire chapel they wrote their own vows which were also very moving. From knowing Jasmine and Justin you can just tell how much they love each other and how their finding each other was something that had been prayed over for a long time. They are totally marriage minded, which I love, and they’re looking forward not only to enjoying their special wedding day, but to the joys that go beyond the momentary. In Justin’s words, he hoped their wedding day would be the most boring day of their whole married life. I think people can only confidently look forward to that because they are working toward a Christ-exalting, God-centered relationship, full of unexpected glories.

When I talked to Jasmine about what she wanted her wedding day to feel like, she said the reception was going to have a garden-y feel to it. Knowing that it was hosted indoors at a restaurant, I had a hard time picturing what she meant but MY GOODNESS if she didn’t pull it off. The inside of Cornerstone Kitchen & Tap was totally decked out in swags of greenery, flowers, and tall candles. The space was really transformed and it made the perfect setting for mixing and mingling with their intimate guest list. Also, I have to mention that not only was the reception beautifully decorated, but they also hired the cutest photo booth and had people doing freehand drawings of the guests! So cool!

Jasmine and Justin, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your wedding day! I so loved getting to know the two of you. I’m praying every blessing for you two in your new life together!

Attire : Dress: Davids Bridal/Suit:Men’s Warehouse

DJ : Gray Area Entertainment, Glenn Gray

Portrait Artists: Drawn Together NYC

Photo Booth: VW Booth Bus

Make Up: Inside Out Beauty

Hair: Fay

Cake : Cardinal Provisions

Flowers : Desiree Dean Design

Venue : Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap