Danielle & Dom grew up a block apart in Union, New Jersey — and somehow, it took a dating app to finally bring them together. I had such a wonderful time documenting their Nanina’s In The Park Wedding, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!

Nanina’s In The Park Wedding | About the Couple

“Some love stories begin far away; ours began just around the corner.” That’s how Danielle put it. They met on Hinge in the fall of 2023 — Dom went to private school & Danielle to public school, so their paths just never crossed growing up despite being practically neighbors. But when the timing was finally right, it was right.

Their first date was at Dull Boy in Jersey City — easy conversation, good drinks, and apparently a lot of talk about candy. Dom has a serious candy obsession, and Danielle? She literally makes candy for a living. A perfect match if I’ve ever heard one. Their second date at Razza sparked what became a beloved tradition — endless pizza dates, which they still swear are anchored by the best pizza they’ve ever had.

The couple loves spending time decorating their apartment together, hunting for treasures at estate sales and auctions, traveling, reading book series side by side, enjoying the meals Dominick cooks at home and playing Catan (one of our favorites too)!

Nanina’s In The Park Wedding | About the Venue

Nestled inside Branch Brook Park in Belleville, New Jersey, Nanina’s In The Park’s lush, manicured grounds and classic Italian-American elegance make for a stunning wedding-day. The interior is warm and timeless, the kind of space that feels both celebratory and intimate at the same time. Nanina’s has been a landmark wedding destination in New Jersey for decades, and it’s easy to see why couples keep choosing it.

Nanina’s In The Park Wedding | The Wedding Day

The morning of the wedding had that great, buzzing energy that the best wedding days always do. Danielle was surrounded by her people — all laughter, happy tears, and the kind of getting-ready chaos that feels so full of love. Meanwhile across the property, Dominick and his guys were equally excited — you could just feel how ready he was for this day.

Given the brisk 20-degree weather, the couple chose to have a first look in the beautiful bridal suite! After which we darted outside for portraits by the chapel – which Danielle was especially excited about. Because of the January temperatures, we did most of their portraits in Nanina’s gorgeous indoor spaces.

Nanina’s In The Park Wedding Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony was beautiful and emotional in all the right ways. Watching Dominick’s face when Danielle walked down the aisle? That’s the shot I live for. Every. Single. Time. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Cocktail hour flowed effortlessly into the reception, and once that dance floor opened up — it did not stop. Danielle and Dom were in the center of it all… well maybe with the exception of a surprise guest. The green M&M – a HUGE hit representing Danielle’s passion and dedication to her career at The Mars Company. The couple spent the night dancing with family, laughing with friends and completely present in every moment.

Nanina’s In The Park Wedding | A Love Built on the Little Things

What I love most about documenting weddings is getting to peek inside the small, specific world a couple has built together. For Danielle and Dom, that world is pizza dates and board game nights, cooking at home and wandering through estate sales on weekends. It’s reading the same book series and rooting for the same nieces and nephews. It’s two people who could have met as kids but instead found each other exactly when they were both ready.

As Danielle said: “Every twist, turn, and choice in our lives led us to each other.” From neighbors who never knew each other, to partners in everything — I got to witness the next chapter of that story, and I am so grateful for it.

Danielle and Dom, thank you for letting me be part of your day. Wishing you a lifetime of pizza, and all the victory points in Catan! 🤍

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Danielle and Dominick’s Vendor Team

Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography

Venue: Nanina’s In The Park

Florist: Metropolitan Plant + Flower Exchange

Hairstylist: Heir Clean Beauty

Make Up Artist: Erica Michele Makeup

Danielle’s Dress: i do… i do…

Entertainment: Elegant Music Group

Content Creator: Blissfully Content Creation

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Gen Palmer is a South Jersey and Philadelphia wedding photographer who documents authentic photography for real couples. Gen documents Nanina’s In The Park Weddings, and weddings around South New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Gen loves working with couples who cherish relationships over things, and who value printed photographs to display and enjoy their memories every day. Sound like you? Reach out about your wedding!