Black Tie New Jersey Estate Wedding

A few months back I had a chance to meet the fabulous Kristin behind Reverie Events and let me tell you she’s just as sparkling and sweet as the wedding magic she creates. But when Kristin teams up with the equally lovely Kay English…well, they’re basically unstoppable. *Enter* this spring black tie affair that’s “classic elegance” to a pretty little T. The gallery is what wedding dreams are made of and the film by Right Side Up Productions is just a scroll away!

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Colors

From Kay English… On the first warm day of the year, March 22, 2014, Nicole & Christopher said their I dos at The Ashford Estate in Allentown, New Jersey. Where many brides had previously played upon the French Chateau nature of the magical mansion, Nicole and Christopher worked with the talented Reverie Events to bring out the luxurious texture and depth, with a resulting fox-and-hound-inspired gala to rally the horses and cheers for a simple, elegant and truly memorable affair.

With a warm color palette of neutrals and gold with navy notes, texture was king. From the suede that held the scrolled programs to the thick, navy velvet ribbon that tied the napkins and five flower girls’ nosegays. From the dark-stained standalone wooden table numbers and suede-wrapped julep cups that held lush arrangements of muted blooms and greenery scattered among the romantic candlelight of the five-pronged bronze candelabras on each table, to the luxurious and intricate lace of the bride’s graceful, deep keyholed gown that glimmered with delicate baby sea pearls and crystals.

Gold-plated plaid marked the custom-designed invitation suite as well as the three best men’s Burberry ties. The matron of honor wore a Pippa Middleton-inspired midnight navy gown, complete with black lace cap sleeves and a stunning black lace back with a mile-long row of nearly 40 covered buttons.

The bride walked into the candlelit barn chapel to a unique composition, “Pachelbel Meets U2,” marrying the classic “Canon in D” to “With or Without You.” A Scottish bagpiper paraded guests into the estate where the signature cocktail — an Old Fashioned — began a cocktail hour in the conservatory where tables were detailed with brass trophy cup vases pouring with opulent greens.

Golden horseshoes — displayed on dark wooden boards with brass pegs, complete with laurel greenery adorning the top inspired by thoroughbred’s winning wreaths — guided guests to the spectacular ballroom as the sun began to set. A decadent black & white chocolate buttercream cake stood tall at four tiers and was dotted with the bride’s elegant blooms of white jeanne moreau d.a. roses, ranunculus and white anemones.

The 10-piece band had the entire 200+ room on its feet as the new Mr. & Mrs. were announced into their first dance, Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing” . . . and well into the night before guests were swept off the dance floor with warm chocolate chip cookies as they made their way to the estate library for post-dancing cocktails.

Photography: Kay English Photography | Videography: Cakes To Di For | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Wedding Cake: The Bake Works | Bride's Shoes: Stuart Weitzmen | Catering: Merri-Makers Catering & Special Events | Hair & Makeup: Beauty Artist Group | Band: The Charles St. Paul Dance Band | Venue: Ashford Estate | Bride's Engagement Ring: Gabriel & Co. | Flowers & Event Design: ReverieMade | Invitations & Day Of Paper Goods: ReverieMade | Liquor: Neptune Liquors | Matron Of Honor's Dress: JLM Couture, Inc | Veil: Custom