Their wedding day: Rock Island Lake Club, NJ

This fall Rock Island Lake Club wedding is what rustic dreams are made of!!! From the autumn florals, the perfect touch of pumpkin decor, custom invitation suite from the talented Dana Britni Designs, and endless love between these two… I’m so honored to have been a part of this dreamy day and their love story leading up to it! Just last year, I was there to capture Heather and Bryan’s intimate minimony at Bear Brook Valley. Now, with added excitement and added company, it was all about celebrating!

The surrounding grounds were absolutely stunning with fall foilage for portraits. The wedding party was so supportive and eager to celebrate Heather and Bryan. They were also joined by their pups for a sweet greeting and of course, some special portraits! As always, Rock Island Lake Club really knows how to throw a party… with a delicious cocktail hour into a cozy reception. The night was filled with so much fun for friends and family. Heather and Bryan finally got their well-deserved celebration!

Their Love Story

Bryan and Heather hit it off with their mutual interest in running. When they started running together, they knew they had an instant connection. They felt they could talk for hours initially about running, races, and training but then also realized they had a mutual love of dogs. Heather gushes that this was when she began falling for him! One day, Bryan made the move and asked Heather to grab a drink. Since then, they’ve been inseparable! They moved in together and realized just how easy life was when they were doing it together. Bryan had always said he never wanted to get married, and Heather embraced and accepted that fully. They talked about children and buying a house and set up their life plan, but marriage wasn’t on her radar!

As time passed on, Bryan had a change in his plans. While Heather was disappointed her grandfather stopped hosting the annual family Easter egg hunt, Bryan was planning his own. He said he’d hide her favorite food – dark chocolate nonpareils. Heather loved the idea and played along by hiding craft beers around the house for Bryan! Easter morning they woke up and started playfully hunting for their presents. Heather found one and when she sat down to enjoy her favorite treat inside, Bryan handed her a different one. When she opened it, there was a ring inside! Heather says “I just remember saying no a lot (in disbelief) and then saying well obviously yes, but are you sure? I know he got down on one knee, but I couldn’t stop staring at the ring. I swear to you, I had no clue this was ever one Bryan’s mind. It was on all of our friends and family’s but I literally was like this is never happening. And then while Bryan was putting the ring on, our foster dog peed on the floor due to all the excitement. So the first thing I did with my new gift was clean up dog pee – how fitting! I was so glad we were at home by ourselves with our furbabies.” How sweet is that?!

Heather and Bryan both deeply support each other in who they are and the decisions they make. They said that their relationship has always been so easy, it has never felt like work. And you can truly feel that love flows easily for these two!

Heather and Bryan,

Oh my, where to begin?! I can’t express what a joy it was to have been a part of your wedding day… I’m so honored to call you friends. Getting to know you from our very first session together, I could see your love was so special. It has truly made photographing your milestones that much more fun! I wish you both the very best and forever sending hugs to those two adorable pups of yours! Love you both! xo