For their Hamilton Manor wedding, Alexis and Michael were married in the venue’s barn, which provided the rustic/elegant charm they were aiming for with their fall-themed big day. They served hot apple cider before the ceremony; their flowers included colors like burnt orange, deep reds, and yellows; their welcome table had a pumpkin engraved with their names; and for their guest book, guests signed wooden leaves and placed them in a frame to make a family tree.

Their Story

“My husband and I met at a party in college,” says Alexis. “Our colleges were 30 minutes from each other’s and had a combined event that we both attended. He asked me to dance and we’ve been together ever since.”

The Proposal

“We purchased our first home around my birthday during the pandemic without telling our families,” says Alexis. “We invited them to a fake birthday party for me and gave them the address to our new home. We hosted a housewarming instead. After touring the home, we went to the backyard to thank our families and give a toast. After I said some words, Mike got down on one knee and proposed! Turns out his family and my family knew about the engagement and thought he was going to propose at my birthday party.”

Their Hamilton Manor Wedding

The couple wanted to incorporate a fall theme for their wedding on October 28, 2022 since that’s their favorite season. “We had hot apple cider served before the ceremony since it was a brisk autumn evening,” says Alexis. “Our flowers included colors like burnt orange, deep reds, and yellows. Our place cards were acrylic rose gold leaves engraved with our guests’ names. Our favors were tea light holders made from wood adorned with fall colored flowers.The welcome table held a pumpkin engraved with our names and we opted for an alternative guest book. Guests signed wooden leaves and placed them in a frame to make a family tree, which is now hanging in our dining room! The bridesmaids wore a mauve/fall pink and the groomsmen matched their colors with their tie and napkin. They wore grey suits. We also did a wedding time capsule.”

“We included our three dogs in many ways,” says Alexis. “One of our dogs was our flower girl, while the other two inspired our signature drinks. We also had figurine replicas of them placed on our cake.”

Why Hamilton Manor?

“Our venue was the perfect location,” says Alexis. “My husband’s family lives in North Jersey and my family is from South Jersey so it was the perfect compromise! The venue included the linens, tables, chairs, catering, open bar, wedding cake, centerpieces and offered a bridal and groom suite. We were also able to host our ceremony and cocktail hour in the same location. We were married in the barn which gave us the rustic/elegant charm we were aiming for!”

The Menu

“Cocktail hour included all of our favorites – a Philly cheesesteak station, Italian grill, and boneless chicken station,” says Alexis. Their first course included a Roman caesar salad followed by a maple glazed short rib and chicken Milanese with a balsamic glaze. The vegetarian option was eggplant rollatini. They had a s’mores bar and boardwalk station for dessert along with their cake, which was dulce de leche flavored.

Bridal Style

“My gown was a mermaid-style ivory, lace dress with long sleeves and a drop neck and back,” says Alexis. “I wanted a long-sleeve gown to match the season (late fall) and wanted to still feel sexy and feminine! This gown was not too conservative but still gave me the elegance I was hoping for. The train was to die for! I felt like such a bride.”

Advice

“Things will go wrong but you can’t control everything,” says Alexis. “The day is about you and your partner. Remember why you are getting married in the first place and it will be a perfect day no matter what.”

Honeymoon

The couple honeymooned in Bali, Indonesia.

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