One of the questions I ask every couple before their wedding is what they love doing together. Some couples have a list of hobbies a mile long. Others love to travel. Some are happiest spending a Saturday hiking or trying a new restaurant. Dan and Michael told me they can make just about anything fun. Whether it’s date night or a Target run for groceries, they genuinely enjoy being together. After hearing that, it made complete sense why their Penn Oaks Golf Club wedding felt the way it did. It was about spending the day exactly how they love spending every other day—together, surrounded by the people who make life even better.

Drinks at Texas Roadhouse… and Closing the Place Down

Every couple has a story, and I loved hearing how these two got started. Dan and Michael met for drinks at Texas Roadhouse after only texting for a couple of days. What was supposed to be a casual first date turned into hours of conversation, and before they knew it, the restaurant was closing around them. I’d say that’s usually a pretty good sign!

They clicked almost immediately, bonded over their shared sense of humor, and quickly realized they balanced each other in all the best ways. Michael described their relationship as a “yin and yang” dynamic, and I think that’s one of my favorite ways I’ve ever heard a couple describe themselves. Different enough to keep life interesting, but similar enough to make it work.

The Proposal Nobody Saw Coming

Dan had been planning his proposal for almost a year, and Michael had absolutely no idea. Only a month after moving in together, Dan decided he couldn’t wait any longer. During a house party surrounded by their closest friends, he completely surprised Michael with a proposal that nobody saw coming.

A Wedding That Felt Relaxed from the Very Beginning

One of my favorite choices they made was getting ready together with their wedding party. Sometimes couples feel like they have to follow traditions simply because that’s what weddings are “supposed” to look like. But Dan and Michael have always done things their own way. Their closest family members and friends were there, everyone was excited, and the whole day unfolded with the same “go with the flow” attitude they’ve built their relationship around. It’s amazing how much calmer a wedding day feels when couples stop worrying about how they’re “supposed” to do things and start making decisions based on what actually feels right for them.

Epic Portraits Without Missing the Party

One thing Dan and Michael told me was that they loved architecture and dramatic portraits, which was music to my ears! But they also had one very important request: They never wanted their wedding to feel like a styled photoshoot. I couldn’t agree more! Beautiful portraits absolutely matter. Years from now, I want my couples to have artwork they’re proud to hang on their walls. But I also never want them looking back and realizing they spent more time with me than they did with the people they invited to celebrate.

My goal as a South Jersey wedding photographer has always been to find that balance of creating photographs you love without pulling you away from your wedding day. Penn Oaks Golf Club gave us the perfect setting for exactly that. Its beautiful architecture and surrounding grounds created incredible backdrops, while still allowing Dan and Michael to spend the majority of the day doing what they actually came there to do: celebrating. And judging by the dance floor later that night… I’d say they made the right choice!

Thinking About a Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding?

I think every couple worries they’ll have to choose between being present on their wedding day and getting incredible photographs. But the truth is, you shouldn’t have to! When we build a timeline around your priorities instead of around a shot list, you end up with both. So if you’re looking for a photographer who believes your wedding should feel like your wedding (not one long photoshoot) I think we’d get along really well. Let’s grab a drink, talk about what’s most important to you, and see if we’re the right fit.

Dan & Michael’s Penn Oaks Golf Club Wedding Vendor Team

• Photographer: Gen Palmer Photography
• Venue: Penn Oaks Golf Club
• Florist: Creative Twists
• Hair & Makeup: MU8 Beauty Studio
• Groom’s Suit Formal Wear Provider: Men’s Wearhouse
• DJ: Silver Sounds DJ
• Bakery: Bakers of Buffington