It was a warm, June day when I pulled into the tree-lined driveway at The Estate at Eagle Lake for Rachel & Ray’s fun summer wedding in South New Jersey. There was a sense of anticipation in the air – this day was a long time in the making! And it was going to be amazing.

Fun Summer Wedding in South New Jersey | Summertime Beginnings

Rachel and Ray’s story began on Memorial Day weekend in 2018, when they found themselves sharing a rental house with mutual friends in Avalon. Even though the couple had never met, Rachel described them “picking on each other like grade school kids” that first night. Apparently their mutual crushes were pretty obvious to their friends, and they were inseparable ever since.

A Fishy Proposal

Rachel & Ray both love the outdoors, and spent many weekends hiking and walking around Haddon Lake until sunset, sharing stories, laughing and getting to know each other. Ray also loves to fish, so Rachel wasn’t surprised when 3 years after they met he invited her to join him at Haddon Lake during a fishing trip.

The thing is, Rachel had just come from a friend’s bridal shower and was tired, so she almost turned him down. Thankfully she didn’t! Once she was there, Ray casually asked her to look at something in the lake as a distraction. And when she turned back around, he was down on one knee asking her to spend the rest of her life with him.

A Beautiful Surprise named Nina

The couple immediately wedding planning, and fell in love with the Estate at Eagle Lake as their wedding venue The venue’s gorgeous gardens, natural lake and 12 acres of outdoors were a perfect fit for this outdoor-loving couple! Then Rachel got even better news – she was expecting!! The couple made a quick decision to pivot and pause their wedding plans, to focus on welcoming their gorgeous baby girl Nina in July 2022.

When I spoke with Rachel and Ray throughout their planning journey, they’d often share how excited they were to see Nina walking, smiling and dancing with them at their wedding. Which she did all day! Her smiles were infectious to everyone around her.

Fun Summer Wedding in South New Jersey | Heartfelt I-Dos

Rachel & Ray’s joy could be felt throughout the entire day, most especially when it came time to say I-do! The couple opted for an intimate wedding party, including Rachel’s close friend Julie who stood by her side as her Maid of Honor and Anthony, Ray’s Best Man and friend since 4th grade. And after their heartfelt ceremony the couple and their guests enjoyed cocktails in the beautiful Estate at Eagle Lake gardens.

Fun Summer Wedding in South New Jersey | A Hot Night on the Dance Floor

It’s no secret that I love wedding dance floors – there’s nothing quite like capturing your friends & family having fun and celebrating with you (often after a drink or two). Rachel & Ray’s party was awesome! After the couple shared first dances (inducing one with Nina, which she did not enjoy, lol), and heartfelt toasts they danced well into the night on a packed dance floor! It was a gorgeous summer night to remember.

If you’re planning an Estate at Eagle Lake Wedding, or a wedding in South Jersey or the Philadelphia area and you’re looking for a photographer to document your unique story let’s connect! Your story is unique, and your wedding day should be a reflection of that uniqueness.

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Estate at Eagle Lake Summer Wedding | Rachel & Ray’s Vendor Team:

Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography
Venue: The Estate At Eagle Lake
Caterer: Cathy’s Catering
Florist: Bloomers Weddings & Events
Videographer: Mountain Lyon Media
Hairstylist: Ashley Moore
Make Up Artist: Perfect Bridals By Christina
Bride’s Dress Designer: Pronovias
DJ: Dj Stevie