Bear Brook Valley, NJ Wedding | Heather + Ryan

Driving to Bear Brook Valley in Fredon Township, NJ, can feel long, but perhaps it was the anticipation of capturing my last wedding of 2023 that made the journey refreshing and surprisingly brisk. Heather and Ryan, the delightful couple at the center of this celebration, added to the joy of the day. With Kelly from Gifted Events overseeing the wedding planning, I knew it was bound to be a smooth and amazing event.

Despite a bit of overcast weather, I was relieved there was no rain. Recalling a previous visit to Bear Brook Valley, where freezing temperatures and strong winds made outdoor photography challenging, I welcomed the calmness of the day. Dealing with wind is always tricky—veils and hair flying everywhere can hinder outdoor photo sessions. Given the choice, I’ll gladly opt for an overcast, tranquil day over a windy one.

Kelly and her team were hard at work setting up the venue, ensuring everything ran seamlessly. Meanwhile, Heather prepared for her big day surrounded by friends and family in her bridal suite. The beauty team put the finishing touches on Heather’s hair and makeup, while I arrived.

As the morning transitioned into the afternoon, an unexpected twist awaited in Heather and Ryan’s first look. Heather’s brother-in-law donned a fake first look in a wedding gown, providing a humorous and surprising moment that I eagerly captured. With the initial jitters out of the way, Heather descended the stairs to meet Ryan for the first time in her wedding dress, creating a heartwarming moment that left Ryan teary-eyed and Heather shyly smiling.

Following the first look, we explored the picturesque Bear Brook Valley for wedding portraits. From the swing to the hills and between the trees, we captured the essence of their special day. A highlight of the session was the adorable MOKE, Bear Brook Valley‘s 20th-century Caribbean collectible car reinvented as a 21st-century all-green electric car. With its vibrant yellow color, the MOKE added a playful touch to the photos as we captured moments both inside and outside the charming vehicle.

With the photo session complete, it was time for the main event—the wedding ceremony at Bear Brook Valley‘s barn, marking what I believe was the venue’s very first ceremony at the brand new barn.

The festivities continued into the reception, where Heather and Ryan surprised their guests with a visit from the Devil’s Mascot, showcasing their shared enthusiasm as huge Devils fans. The mascot joined the couple and their guests, dancing and mingling for about 30 minutes, leaving a lasting impression on the celebration.

The wedding day concluded with a dazzling sparkler exit, creating a magical and memorable end to Heather and Ryan’s celebration at Bear Brook Valley.