I helped my friend Mekina Saylor photograph this Mansion at Natirar wedding in Peapack, NJ before Covid happened. Looking back now I catch myself thinking, “Why aren’t those people inside wearing masks?” hahaha I guess it’s just one way Covid has reprogramed me.

The Mansion at Natirar is an estate that’s actually a historic landmark. I love all the brick and think it’s absolutely stunning with it’s architecture. I did a bit of research on Natirar’s website to find out the history of the estate.

Did you know this Tudor mansion built during the Gilded Age was originally a “country home”? I love to learn about architecture and the history of  buildings and this mansion has quite the history! It was never used to host fancy parties to flaunt money, unlike most estates in the Gilded Age (Which is ironic since it now hosts luxury weddings and other events.), instead it one point it became a refuge to women recovering from illness and it was even purchased by The King of Morocco for a period of time.

Inside the mansion there are so many architecture details, like this amazing mantle and fireplace, that were perfect to show off the Bride’s dress.

There are also some areas, especially in the ballroom, that have been updated and modernized a bit.

Since I was the second photographer I met up with the Groom to get pictures of him getting ready at the Ninety Acres restaurant. It’s just over the hill from the Natirar mansion. The Groom had quite the style with a navy tux, black velvet shoes, striped socks, and anchor cufflinks.

The Groom said the anchor cufflinks were a joke gift from the Bride because she said now she was going to be his anchor so he could never get away. hahaha I still liked them, but I also really like anchors. 🙂

Mekina was with the Bride as she got ready and into her dress. I got the Groom into position so he wouldn’t see her while she walked out the door for their first look.

We did some classic portraits of just the two of them before we brought in the whole bridal party.

They had what I would call the perfect size bridal party: 6 on each side. I always say 6 or less on each side make for a perfect size bridal party. Any more and you’re always trying to find someone and there’s always one groomsman that likes to disappear.

I loved the Groom’s navy tux mixed with the gray groomsmen suits. It made for the perfect contrast. I like when the Groom wears something slightly or completely different than the groomsmen. If the bride stands out from her bridesmaids, why shouldn’t the groom stand out as well?

Oh my gosh this picture of the Groom picking up his grandma just shows the tip of his personality. He was so nice, outgoing, and there to make everyone else laugh and have a fun time.

Oh I loved these navy bridesmaid dresses! The cap sleeves and and the back of the dress were so unique!

The Mansion at Natirar sits on top of a hilltop and looks out over the Natirar Park, Somerset County, and the Raritan River. (Note: Another piece of history, Natirar was named what it was because it’s an anagram of Raritan, the river at the edge of the park.)

Such a “wife” thing to do, make sure the bowtie is straight. lol

I love this picture! Genuine smiles on beautiful people, overlooking a stunning view.

I love me some wrought iron gates and these ones are pretty epic!

I think this is my favorite picture from the day!

Such a beautiful bride and I love the detail on the back of her dress.

The Mansion at Natirar Wedding was at the beginning of the summer and there was a chance of a rain shower so they had the wedding ceremony inside just in case.

The room for the indoor ceremony is all glass on two of the sides and looks out over the beautiful views.

Married!

At the reception is where I feel like the Bride and Groom’s personalities really came out. They were there to have a good time! 🙂

Do you see the plant wall behind the Bride? They are all real, living plants! It’s another “modern” feature added to the ballroom that makes Natirar mansion unique.

And here are a couple shots of Mekina working throughout the day! She’s always so helpful and makes sure everyone is looking at her even when the paparazzi is around her! Hopefully with weddings slowly getting back to normal, Mekina and I will be able to work together again soon!