Hillary & Dan’s Wedding at Temple Emanu-El in Closter NJ

We first met Hillary and Dan with Hillary’s parents for breakfast in New York City. We knew right away by the laughter around the table that these two loved to have fun! Fast forward almost a half a year later, it was the hottest day of the summer and Hillary and Dan decided to go forth having their engagement session. Even under some of the grossest heat and humidity that only NYC can offer, Hillary and Dan laughed and joked the whole time. It was pretty obvious to me then that no matter what the situation might be, these two make it a great time!

Their wedding was at the  gorgeous temple Emanu- El  in Closter NJ. The day was grayish and rainy  but after having seen the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, everyone was just so grateful that the temple was spared and that the wedding did not have to be moved. Hillary’s stunning gown was created by Maggie Sottero.                               Hillary’s shoes were AMAZING! Mom did the honor, surrounded by all of the bridesmaids watching with big smiles!Looking gorgeous and excited to go see Dan for the first look!How adorable do these two look with those smiles!?Such happiness!Hillary’s ladies soaking up the romance of it all! Looking beautiful in their Bill Levkoff dresses!Beautiful flowers created by Spitz and Peck!Hillary and Dan took a peek inside the sanctuary to see it before their ceremony. The glass hurricane vases with floating candles and the stained glass dome up above made the ambiance so enchanting!Hillary’s Dad sees his little girl all dressed up!!The wedding party was a big crew and they were so willing to line up and smile!  Great group of friends, we weren’t surprised!The chuppa in the distance so artfully captured by Greg!It was now time for the Ketubah signing. The marriage contract was cheerfully signed by the best man and maid of honor, as well as by Rabbi Eric Wisnia, Hillary and Dan. The Rabbi then asked family member to give Hillary a blessing and some kisses. While Hillary’s Grandmother kissing her put a lump in everyone’s throat….…Dan gave her a big kiss and the whole room erupted in laughter!The chuppah was personalized using Hillary and Dan’s prayer shawls.Dan escorted down the aisle by his parents!The darling flower girl did a wonderful job not only of spreading rose petals but also joy!!Hillary escorted by her parents!The wedding was not only beautiful on the eyes but also in content. The parents look on under the chuppah with twinkling eyes full of emotion. A touching part of the ceremony was Dan’s Mom chanting blessings. Hillary and Dan are wrapped in a prayer shawl as the Rabbi gives them a marriage blessing.Kiss the bride!!Married!!The cocktail hour was a lavish affair filled with delicious food and drinks by Northern Valley Affairs.The flower girl continued to bring joy with pinching and Hillary showed off her wedding ring to family and friends!Even though the night was chilly, guests stayed warm outdoors under the heat lamps!The wedding cake was a stunning modern creation…that was delicious too!The tables were beautifully set with candles and flowers, then personalized with framed images of Hillary and Dan from their past!Hillary and Dan’s first dance!Then it was perhaps everyone’s favorite time- the Horrah!!!Then the chairs came out… Hillary was such a trooper as she held on tight, putting her trust in those holding her chair!Uncle Mitch did the Motzi, traditional blessing over the challah bread.Hillary’s maid of honor Ashly,  started off the speeches. Even though she mentioned her nervousness of making speeches, she did such an incredible  job recalling touching and funny stories of their friendship!Dan’s best man Heath was next and had the house erupting in laughter, not so much the mushy stuff!Both Fathers then welcomed and thanked everyone for coming from near and far to celebrate with Hillary and Dan!The reception was an elegant affair with exquisite  food and atmosphere.  This happily married couple were clients under 2 years ago and how we met Hillary and Dan.  We are now proud to call these two friends and adore seeing them at weddings!I was able to steal the newlyweds for a minute to photograph them in front of the mural I loved!While the adults were just getting going, the little ones were settling in on chairs and in strollers for some sleep! Their parents carefully placed the yarmulkes over their ears!Parent dances!It was then time for the Ernest Mill Band to get the dance floor going!  Everyone had such an incredible time, even Grandma was shaking her thing!!And amongst all the fun, Hillary and Dan were in their own little world!Dan had given me a little heads up that some of his friends had some creative dance moves!Dan woos Hillary with his air guitar skills!The last dance, surrounded by family and friends, a perfect way to end an incredible celebration of Hillary and Dan!  Hillary and Dan, may you two have a fantastic life together!  Thank you for letting us document your wonderful day!

A special thanks to Milestone Productions on video!