Grounds for Sculpture Garden Wedding from mk Photography

Okay all you New Jersey area brides – I’ve got good news. I have found heaven on earth. Or the Garden of Eden. Or something completely different, but equally as amazing, gorgeous, and breathtaking – and it’s in the Garden State. This gorgeous love-filled soiree takes place at my new favorite place, Grounds for Sculpture. And on top of that, it is filled to the perfect brim with absolute jealousy-inducing details. And a couple who could give you a toothache. Captured by the utter talent that is mk Photography, this affair is an instant favorite. To see what I mean, visit the gallery here.

Manny and Tara met while working at Bloomingdale’s in NYC. They had worked together for over a year but it was never more than a friendly hello. Then one day a mutual friend asked them to go to her wedding. Neither one of us had a date, so she said you don’t live far from each other just go together. So Manny and Tara went to the wedding and had an amazing time. That night they made plans for a date the following week.

Manny and Tara had gone through their share of ups and downs. Manny was promoted to a Senior position at Bloomingdale’s and moved to Orlando while Tara stayed in New Jersey. They spent every few weeks trying to see each other for nine months. Then one day when Tara was visiting Manny in Florida he was offered another promotion in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Manny came and told Tara and asked her if he should take it, and if she wanted to go? Tara always loved the area around Washington DC, and her roommate had just gotten engaged and was moving out. So she figured why not, I have to move anyway — so that’s what she did. Tara followed Manny down to Alexandria.

After five years together Manny popped the question on the Fourth of July while watching the fireworks at the Chart House in Alexandria, Virginia, since that was the first place they shared a home.

It took Manny and Tara five months to find a venue for the wedding. Tara’s worst fear was to have a typical wedding, she wanted it to feel different and special. Tara’s Mom and Dad took Manny and Tara there as an engagement celebration, and Tara knew this was it! The ceremony took place on the Grounds for Sculpture at the nine muses, cocktails and dinner followed at Rat’s restaurant. It could not have been more perfect.

Venue: Rat’s Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture / Cake: Design Cakes / Flowers: Dee’s Flowers and Gifts / Hair & Makeup: Valina Salon and Spa / Photography: mk Photography