I was absolutely honored to photograph Tara & Ethan’s wedding day. Their wedding gave me *all the feels* for two reasons. For one, their loving bond is truly inspirational. And two, because they said “I do” in the exact same place where my husband and I got married!
Park Chateau is by far my favorite place to shoot weddings. The venue is absolutely gorgeous! It may have been the beginning of October, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell by the beautifully pristine gardens that surrounded the area. Views like this are a photographer’s DREAM!
It was such an amazing day, not only to reminisce on my own vows, but to watch as Tara & Ethan began their life together.
Their love story started about ten years ago, having both met while working in a mall at the same Oakley store. That fall, Tara and Ethan went off to different colleges. After enduring a long distance relationship for a while, Tara decided to end things because it was just too hard not to see Ethan. The next day, he dropped out of college and came back to Tara, and the rest is history!
Several years later, they moved into their first place together. These two spent an entire weekend building outdoor furniture and buying plants to make their house a home. Then, on a random Tuesday night (to throw Tara off), Ethan surprised her with a backyard full of candles and flowers and proposed!
Fast forward to now, and Tara & Ethan are making the final preparations for their wedding day. While each party got ready in separate rooms, I was able to bounce back and forth to feel the anticipation building from both sides. These two were ready for their lifetime commitment.
Tara’s bridesmaids all wore different styles and shades of gold dresses, while Tara donned a stunning and sexy open-backed gown that complimented her body perfectly. Her curly dark hair was pinned in a half updo with a gorgeous diamond headpiece. She was the definition of a beautiful bride!
When the time came for the ceremony, Tara & Ethan’s family and friends gathered in the most breathtaking chapel I’ve ever seen! This dramatic and beautiful treasure was the perfect setting for Tara & Ethan to share their intimate vows.
Now that they were officially husband and wife, it was time to take their wedding portraits. They were both over-the-moon in love, and Ethan was perfectly happy posing however Tara wanted. I tell you what, this guy has had the idea of “happy wife, happy life” figured out for quite some time now!
Before the grand entrance of the bride and groom, I had to sneak in some pictures of the reception ballroom. The venue’s large windows, stunning chandelier, and gorgeous floors were matched by the simple, yet elegant touch of gold and blush decor that was picked by Tara. The The bouquets and floral arrangements were created by Twisted Willow Flowers, with a mixture of blush, red, and white roses and complementing greenery. Everything looked beautiful!
After some cocktails and a delicious meal was enjoyed by the guests, it was time for Tara & Ethan to join together on the dance floor. Watching as the couple slow danced to “When I Get My Hands On You” by Bob Dylan was my favorite part of the day. Then, it was time to party! Family and friends all joined in for a good time, and fun was definitely had by all.
Tara & Ethan, thank you so much for having me as part of your wedding day! As you begin newlywed life together, I wish you all the happiness in the world!
Myra Roman is a New Jersey wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer who loves capturing beautiful moments and turning them into lasting memories. Myra is now interviewing couples for weddings in 2020 and 2021! View her website for more information or follow her on Instagram!
The Team
Photographer: Myra Roman Photography
Venue: Park Chateau (East Brunswick, NJ)
Florist: Twisted Willow Flowers
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Most Valuable Bridesmaid
DJ/Entertainment Services: Elegant Music Group
Wedding Dress: Calla Blanche / Castle Couture
Bride Headpiece: Bridal Styles Boutique
Hair Stylist: Vola Via Hair Salon / Julianne Venturino
Makeup Artist: Jessica Spinelli Cascio/Beauty by JSC
Wedding Cake: Bruno’s