When Rachel and Jauxnas set out to find a New Jersey wedding venue that felt formal, romantic and exclusively theirs, the Mansion at Mountain Lakes checked every box. From the moment they stepped into the stunning ballroom, they were sold—and their October 11, 2025 wedding delivered on every expectation. With soft peach and white florals, a one-shoulder Grace Loves Lace gown, bridesmaids in sage green, and a live saxophonist whose performance had guests raving, Rachel and Jauxnas created a celebration that was elegant and deeply personal from start to finish. Orchard Street Studio captured every moment.
Their Story
“We met in April 2019 at the gym—he was a personal trainer, and I was a regular who quickly became more than just another familiar face,” says Rachel. “What started as casual conversations between workouts naturally grew into something deeper, and before we knew it, we were inseparable.”
“Our relationship has always been rooted in shared passions: health and fitness, outdoor adventures, and a deep love for nature. From snowboarding and hiking to kayaking and exploring Colorado and the surrounding areas, we’ve spent the last several years building a life centered on movement, adventure, and balance.”
The Proposal
“Our engagement happened during a 2024 Thanksgiving getaway to Colorado, where we stayed in a tiny home cabin nestled in the mountains just outside of Cañon City near the Royal Gorge,” says Rachel.
“The morning after Thanksgiving, we were getting ready to head out and explore the town and take in the views when he surprised me. Before I realized what was happening, he shared how he felt about me and our life together, turning an ordinary moment into something incredibly meaningful.”
“It was just the two of us—quiet, personal, and surrounded by nature—which made it feel even more special. It was the perfect reflection of our relationship and a moment we’ll always treasure.”
“We chose the Mansion at Mountain Lakes because it perfectly captured the elegant, formal and modern atmosphere we envisioned for our fall wedding,” says Rachel. “From the moment we saw the ballroom, we were struck by its beauty and timeless design. We also loved how private the venue felt, with only one wedding taking place at a time, which made the entire day feel incredibly personal and exclusive.”
“The getting-ready suite was another standout—it was beautifully designed, spacious, and calm, creating a stress-free start to the day. Above all, the venue felt welcoming from the moment we arrived, and we knew instantly it was the right place to celebrate such a meaningful moment.”
Details of the Day
“Our wedding day reflected a formal, romantic, and classic aesthetic with soft, timeless details throughout,” says Rachel.
“Florals were minimal yet elegant, featuring peach, white and off-white blooms with leafy green accents. Tables were styled with white linens and a mix of tall and low floral arrangements.”
“Personal touches included a welcome mirror with our names, a mirrored seating chart, and an old-school telephone for guests to leave voice messages as our guest book.”
“The day began with a ceremony, followed by cocktail hour, and then a reception with a plated dinner. We had an after party back at the hotel to continue the festivities of the night! We also shared a private first look and vow exchange and were able to capture stunning photos both indoors and outdoors.”
“Walking down the aisle and locking eyes with my soon-to-be husband, while seeing all our loved ones gathered, was an unforgettable moment full of emotion,” says Rachel.
“I also cherished my first dance with my husband and a special dance with my dad—both intimate and heartwarming highlights of the day.”
“One standout touch that made the celebration feel truly magical was the saxophonist we hired; their performance added such a unique, elegant vibe and received so many compliments from our guests.”
Wedding Day Attire
“I wore the Aire gown from Grace Loves Lace, a one-shoulder satin dress with button details along the back and a side split, paired with a cathedral veil for a timeless touch,” says Rachel. “I completed the look with elegant kitten heels featuring a strap and bow on the front, and later switched to the jagger robe, a long-sleeve duster with asymmetric tulle frills for the reception.”
“My husband wore an all-black suit with a standout tie, while his groomsmen matched in black suits. Bridesmaids wore the same sage green color in different styles, our flower girl wore sage green and white, and our ring bearer was in a tuxedo. Every look complemented the elegant, romantic, and modern vibe of our day.”
Advice For Other Couples
“Be present in every moment of your wedding day,” says Rachel. “I joked that I ‘blacked out’ once the ceremony started because the day went by so quickly, and it’s true—the hours fly by in a blur of love, laughter and celebration. Take time to soak it all in, even in the little moments, because those memories will stay with you long after the day is over.”
Honeymoon
“We’re planning a delayed honeymoon in late August to early September 2026, spending three weeks exploring Europe,” says Rachel. “Our adventure will take us through France, Italy, and Spain, giving us the chance to enjoy the culture, cuisine, and landscapes of each country while celebrating our new life together as a married couple.”
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