In the early fall warmth of Hamilton, New Jersey, Scott and Cait celebrated their wedding in a setting as unique and vibrant as their love story. With their beloved gathered in the enchanting garden setting, their day was filled with art, nature, and laughter, reflecting their shared passions and joyful outlook on life.
Location: Hamilton, New Jersey,USA
Style: Artistic, whimsical, joyful, organic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 175
Setting: Garden
Season: Fall
Scott and Cait’s story began with a twist of fate during a beach trip organized by mutual friends. A mix-up with their licenses led to a memorable moment when Cait discovered she had Scott’s license during a dinner a week later. Despite the distance between their cities, they both knew this was something special. As Cait recalls, “We knew our instant connection and ‘accidental’ license swap was meaningful.” Their relationship blossomed as they explored Washington, D.C., spent weekends at their favorite spots, and eventually settled in Annapolis with their Aussie pup, Reggie.
Bridal Morning
Cait began her wedding day surrounded by her closest friends, getting ready in a dress that held deep personal significance. Designed by Made With Love Bridal and sourced from Lovely Bride Philly, the gown incorporated details from her mother’s handmade wedding dress. Her look was completed with Badgley Mischka shoes and a bouquet by Long Weekend Florals, filled with blooms that reflected her love of the garden.
“My hair and makeup were kept minimal to reflect my personal style.”
Groom's Fashion
Scott wore a classic black suit with a crisp white shirt and a light sage green tie, adding a soft, natural touch to his look. His sleek bun with a Viking-inspired side braid reflected his creative spirit, adding a personal element to his style. The white and green boutonnière matched Cait’s bouquet, tying their looks together beautifully.
First Look
Scott and Cait’s first look was a beautiful moment that set the tone for the rest of the day. As they met in the serene, tree-lined path at the sculpture garden, their joy was evident, with smiles that spoke volumes about their connection.
The first look was not just a moment for the couple, but also a showcase of the incredible work by Hannah Snyder Weddings. The photographer captured the genuine emotions and the intimate, playful atmosphere without making the couple feel posed or unnatural. The natural light filtering through the trees added a soft, romantic glow to the photos, perfectly highlighting the couple’s love and the artistic setting they chose for their special day.
Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded in the midst of a picturesque garden, where Cait and Scott stood surrounded by towering stone sculptures that added a sense of grandeur to the setting. The florals, arranged in tall, white pedestals, were a stunning mix of soft yellows, creams, and greens, perfectly complementing the natural elements around them.
Guests were visibly joyful, some even cheering and raising their hands in celebration as the couple exchanged vows. The flower girl, dressed in a delicate white lace dress, added a sweet touch to the ceremony as she scattered petals along the path.
"We didn't have to put in much effort to nurture this energy – the venue has an amazing Shangri-La atmosphere that set the whimsical tone for our wedding day."
Decor & Seting
Scott and Cait knew they wanted a day that was relaxed, artistic, and full of personal touches. The choice of Grounds for Sculpture, with its whimsical Rats Restaurant, set the perfect tone for their celebration. The venue, with its art inspired by Monet’s Giverny garden and the whimsical world of The Wind in the Willows, provided a dreamlike backdrop for their vows and reception.
“Scott’s creativity really shone through in the wedding invitations. He drew inspiration from the venue, placing Ratty, the mood-setting character from The Wind in the Willows, within an elegant art nouveau frame, adorned with earthy tones, ensuring that the invitation perfectly matched the vibe guests would experience upon arriving at the venue."
Reception
The reception setting was a perfect blend of vibrant colors and artistic details, reflecting Cait and Scott’s creative spirits.
The tables were adorned with white linens, and each place setting featured colorful, art-inspired plates paired with rich blue glassware, adding a striking contrast. Floral arrangements in warm oranges, creams, and greens complemented the natural surroundings, while candles cast a warm glow across the tables.
A standout detail was the signature cocktail, “Peanut’s Punch,” a whimsical nod to their beloved cat, adding a personal and heartfelt element to the celebration.
The first dances followed, with Cait and Scott sharing a lively moment on the dance floor, surrounded by their loved ones who watched with smiles and admiration. The love and joy captured in these moments by the talented Hannah Snyder Weddings are so evident that you can’t help but smile along with the couple and their guests as you look at these pictures.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was cutting the three-tiered cake adorned with delicate floral designs. The couple had added a deeply personal touch to their wedding cake by creating their own cake toppers, gifted them by Cait’s mom.
“We cracked open a bottle of wine and indulged in one of our favorite kinds of date nights where we get crafty. We painted caricatures of each other to serve as our cake topper, and they turned out hilariously charming."
As the night drew on, the party moved into full swing, with guests filling the dance floor and the room buzzing with energy. The atmosphere was light-hearted and fun, reflecting the couple’s desire for a celebration filled with joy and love. One of the highlights was the late-night snack of Jersey Mike’s subs, a nod to the couple’s favorite comfort food, which brought a smile to everyone’s faces. The night ended on a high note, with everyone dancing and celebrating under the warm glow of the lights, creating memories that would be cherished by all.
PHOTOGRAPHER Hannah Snyder Weddings | PLANNER Shannon Wellington Weddings | Michelle B | VENUE Grounds for Sculpture | Rats Restaurant | FLORALS Long Weekend Florals | MUAH Air Hair and Makeup | DRESS Made with Love Bridal | BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Lovely Bride Philly | SHOES Badgley Mischka | BAND Sugarbomb Entertainment | STYLING MAT Chasing Stone
