When I met with Sara & Steve to review their timeline for their Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding, I asked “are there any heirlooms you’d like me to document on your day?” Sara casually replied “yes, we’ll have plastic cows at our reception”. Ok, there had to be a good story there! You see when Sara’s parents got engaged, Sara’s dad Joel requested his bride to be Diane’s hand from her parents. Their response to him was “what’s she worth to you?”.

Being a humorous man, Joel went away and came back with a “dowery” of plastic cows, to which Diane’s parents joyfully blessed the proposal. And those cows made quite an appearance at Diane & Joel’s wedding.

Fast forward a couple of decades, Steve decided to uphold the tradition and showed up to Diane & Joel’s home with a large supply of plastic cows to request Sara’s hand in marriage! Sara’s parents were over the moon, and of course the rest is history.

Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding | Love among the Bookshelves

It was their freshman year of college, and destiny had plans for Sara & Steve. A mutual friend introduced them in the library, of all places! And although Steve initially thought Sara was a bit of a pain in his butt, her charm and persistence won him over. They soon realized they had much in common and decided to go on a date.

Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding | An Adventurous Proposal

Sara & Steve love the outdoors and on any given weekend you can usually find them hiking, biking, kayaking or even apple picking. One weekend, Sara, Steve, and their friends Adam and Alex embarked on a 13-mile hike at Minnewaska State Park in New York. Little did Sara know, this hike was about to change her life forever.

As they reached a stunning ridge, Steve asked Sara to take a seat, and boy, did she have a clue about what was coming! With a playful remark about “letting it happen,” Sara’s excitement started bubbling up. And here’s the twist—Steve whipped out a megaphone, channeling his inner Dwight Schrute from The Office! You can only imagine the mix of emotions Sara experienced, from joyful tears to uncontrollable laughter.

Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding | The Fusing of Two Metals with a Hot Torch

To say that Sara & Steve are fans of The Office is a mild understatement, and their honest, my-kind-of-quirky humor was fully evident throughout the day! The Estate at Eagle Lake Wedding Chapel was filled with laughter throughout Sara & Steve’s wedding vows, especially when Sara produced her own megaphone to make sure those vows were loud and clear. The couple wasn’t going to let a little rain get in the way of having an amazing time on their wedding day.

Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding | Time to Party!

After their ceremony, the rain eased up and we were able to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Estate at Eagle Lake dock & grounds before it was time to come into the tent and light up the dance floor! Which they did – all night long. I had an amazing time laughing, dancing and celebrating with Sara, Steve and their wonderful family & friends!

Gen Palmer is a Premier South Jersey wedding photographer who documents authentic photography for real couples. Gen documents Estate at Eagle Lake Weddings, and weddings around South Jersey and Philadelphia.

Are you planning your own unique and unforgettable wedding? Let’s chat! Reach out to me for all your wedding photography needs. Together, we’ll document your story that reflects your love and personality, just like Sara and Steve’s amazing day.

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Fun South New Jersey Summer Wedding | Sara & Steve’s Vendor Team:

Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography
Venue: The Estate at Eagle Lake
Caterer: Summit Catering
Florist: Ivy on Main
Hairstylist & Make Up Artist: Blo Out Lounge
Bride’s Dress Designer: Stella York
Entertainment/ DJ: DJ Stevie
Bakery: Diane’s La Pâtisserie