Sometimes the sweetest love stories begin in the most unexpected places. For Samantha and Ralph, theirs began right next door.
Sam’s family moved to Central New Jersey in 2020, and Ralph’s grandparents happened to be their next-door neighbors. After about a year of living next door, Ralph’s grandmother and Sam’s mom introduced the two of them. From there, their relationship grew into something more, and they spent the next few years building a life together.
Now Samantha and Ralph are officially married and beginning their next chapter together, and we had the absolute pleasure of capturing their big day.
Normandy Farms
Sam and Ralph toured four different venues while looking for the right place to get married. After seeing their options, they decided Normandy Farms was the perfect fit for their day.
With its beautiful grounds, historic architecture, and natural scenery, the venue offered a mix of classic architecture and outdoor settings that worked perfectly for their day. It also gave them a variety of backdrops for portraits while keeping everything in one location.
Their day at Normandy Farms included their first look, private vows, portraits, outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, allowing everything to flow naturally from one part of the celebration to the next.
Morning of
The morning began with Sam and Ralph getting ready separately, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Sam spent the morning with her three bridesmaids, while Ralph got ready alongside his three groomsmen. There was plenty of excitement and anticipation as everyone prepared for the celebration ahead.
Sam had a few meaningful details planned throughout the morning, including a special bracelet she gifted to her mom and engraved cufflinks she gave to her dad. She also carried a charm featuring her late grandparents on her bouquet, keeping their memory close throughout the day.
For Ralph, the morning included the traditional finishing touches as he got ready with his groomsmen, from helping with his bowtie and jacket to spending time together before the day officially began.
Both sides of the wedding party brought their own energy to the morning, creating plenty of candid moments before Sam and Ralph finally saw each other.
First Look & Private Vows
After getting ready, Sam and Ralph met for their first look in the Grand Garden at Normandy Farms. After spending the morning apart, they finally saw each other and took in the moment together.
They also shared their vows privately, creating a quiet and personal moment before moving into the rest of their portraits.
Portraits
After their first look and private vows, Sam and Ralph spent time taking portraits around the grounds of Normandy Farms. They wanted a mix of classic portraits and candid images, including romantic portraits with Sam’s veil flowing in the wind.
Their three bridesmaids and three groomsmen then joined them for wedding party portraits, followed by family portraits before the ceremony.
The ivory and gold color palette added an elegant touch to the portraits, while the candid moments kept the images feeling natural and personal.
Ceremony
With sunshine overhead, Sam and Ralph exchanged vows during a beautiful outdoor ceremony at Normandy Farms. Sam’s brother officiated the ceremony.
Family played a big part in the day, with most of the bridesmaids and groomsmen being family members. Sam’s brother also had another special role as the ring bearer, walking down the aisle alongside his nephew.
Surrounded by the people closest to them, Sam and Ralph officially became husband and wife during a heartfelt ceremony filled with happy tears and genuine emotion.
Cocktail Hour & Reception
Cocktail hour featured several personal touches from Sam and Ralph, including photos from throughout their relationship, customized napkins, a signature drink sign, and bowls filled with custom matchbooks. Instead of a traditional guest book, they had a perpetual calendar for guests to sign as a keepsake from the day.
The celebration continued in Normandy Farms’ Grand Ballroom, where their ivory and gold color palette created a classic setting with simple greenery throughout the room. Sam danced with her dad and grandmother, while Ralph danced with his mom and grandmother. Sam’s dad, Larry King, also gave a speech and toast.
Most importantly, Sam and Ralph wanted their reception to be a party where everyone could get on the dance floor and have a great time. By the end of the night, their family and friends had filled the dance floor, celebrating right alongside them.
It was such an honor to capture Sam and Ralph’s wedding day and all the moments that made it uniquely theirs.
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Samantha & Ralph's Vendor Team
Venue: Normandy Farms
Florist: Willow and Thistle
Entertainment: Screaming Broccoli
Makeup: Luxe looks by Lex
Hair: Top Knot Hair
