My Blue Sky // Julie + Chris
We’d say pretty definitively that Julie and Chris were brought together by the String Cheese Incident! The two both had a love for the jam band (the extended, improv “jams”) style of music, and that band in particular brought them together at the campus of Penn State. Chris had already graduated but came back for his birthday weekend to celebrate with friends when Julie was in her senior year there. The two actually share mutual friends but never met each other. Julie’s roommate’s boyfriend convinced him to stay there and that evening while they all hang out together, Chris kept selecting individual SCI songs to play. Julie suggested to him that he use her laptop and browse through her collection of SCI songs. Thirty SCI shows later… and the growth of a beautiful, loving relationship… and here we are on their wonderful wedding day!
Julie got ready for the day with her bridal party at the Hyatt House Branchburg near their wedding venue. They made sure to take some time out to pose for those fun photos in their robes during their preparations too! Once their hair was styled and makeup expertly applied by The Philly Hair & Makeup Co., Julie, along with her sister and maid of honor and her mother, departed for their venue, the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, so Julie could get into her gown.
Meanwhile, Chris and his groomsmen were already at the Ryland Inn in the groom’s cottage, getting dressed and ready for the big day… but not before relaxing a bit with a few beers and a couple rounds of pool! Chris’ father helped him fasten his cufflinks and put on his gray suit jacket and made sure he was ready to go. Chris also took a moment aside to read a beautiful love note written by Julie, hand delivered to him by her sister, in which she reaffirms her love for her “soul mate, her everything”.
Before Julie put on her wedding dress, she also took time out to read a wonderful, genuine love note from Chris. We loved how she could hardly contain her tears as she read. It was such a beautiful moment.
Julie put on her gorgeous wedding gown at the Ryland Inn with help from her mother and sister. It had an exquisite lace applique overlay that featured a bateau illusion neckline. She looked absolutely stunning and was ready for her first look with her father. What another amazingly beautiful moment we were so happy to be there to witness and capture for their film. We couldn’t contain our own tears!
Speaking of first looks, Julie and Chris decided to have one before their ceremony was set to begin. First looks are always so special, and theirs was no exception to this rule! The two simply couldn’t get enough of each other (even slipping in some silly moments!), but it was time for more photos onsite and in the nearby town of Somerville. We were also so thrilled to be working alongside their photographer, the incomparable Drew Noel, on this wonderful day! Make sure you check out a few photos he posted from the day on his Facebook page!
Chris’ father did such a wonderful job officiating their beautiful, personalized ceremony which took place outdoors on the patio of the Grand Ballroom at the Ryland Inn. We loved how Julie and Chris responded, “we do” in unison and their very special, heartfelt vows.
Their reception followed at the Ryland Inn, a venue that features an impressive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, a stunning 30-foot coffered ceiling and gourmet farm-fresh cuisine. Twisted Willow Flowers decorated the ballroom beautifully with lush floral centerpieces in deep burgundy, rose and white, like the gorgeous bouquets carried by Julie and her bridesmaids.
Julie and Chris entered the Grand Ballroom and danced a sweet first dance before the floor opened up to guests. Then, we were treated to very thoughtful, simply perfect toasts to the couple from Julie’s father, Chris’ best man and Julie’s sister. All were so eloquent and really spoke from the heart in their tributes to Julie and Chris.
Graceful parent dances followed, then the dance floor once again filled with Julie and Chris’ friends and family. The FM Band totally rocked the house this evening, as they always do! This wedding celebration was a huge success, and how could it not be with the professional planning of Jenny Orsini Events!
It was such an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this fantastic wedding and to work with such a loving couple and family. As expressed so beautifully in their ceremony, love is the universal truth in life and in the words of Chris’ father, “love is what we’re doing right.” Congratulations to Julie and Chris!
Photographer: Drew Noel Photography – Ewing, NJ
Floral Design: Twisted Willow Flowers – Princeton, NJ
Hair Stylist: The Philly Hair & Makeup Co. – Philadelphia, PA
Makeup Artist: The Philly Hair & Makeup Co. – Philadelphia, PA
Entertainment: The FM Band – Philadelphia, PA
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery – Ridgefield Park, NJ
Wedding Coordinator: Jenny Orsini Events – Berkeley Heights, NJ
Venue: The Ryland Inn – Whitehouse Station, NJ
Accommodations: Hyatt House Branchburg – Branchburg, NJ
