Real Weddings
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All the Guests Wore Black at This Elegant & Romantic Wedding

Posted on June 02, 2025 by Sammi Caramela

Nicholas and Lauren got married at TillingHouse on November 30, 2024.

Their Story

Nicholas and Lauren Rollo met serendipitously while lounging by their apartment complex’s community pool in Jersey City on Memorial Day 2020. “

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

We both lived at the Cast Iron Lofts, and our apartments were one floor apart,” Lauren says. “Nick’s bedroom was directly above mine!”

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

The lovebirds began officially dating a few months later. By 2021, they moved in together in downtown Jersey City.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

[RELATED: Looking for a photographer? Start your search here!]

The Proposal

On November 10, 2023, Nick popped the question in Charleston, South Carolina.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

On St. Michael’s Alley, a charming passageway in the city, he proposed, and a photographer was there to capture the moment.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

Then, the couple enjoyed an hour-long photo shoot throughout downtown Charleston.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]

Choosing the Venue

Thanks to Nick’s family ties to Suneagles Golf Club, the couple knew that the new on-site venue, TillingHouse, would be the perfect fit for their big day.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

“[We] signed our contract immediately after visiting,” says Lauren. “TillingHouse really stood out as a wedding venue that incorporates modern luxury and historical charm—exactly the vision we were going for.”

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

Details of the Day

For their big day on November 30, 2024, Lauren and Nick chose a formal, black-tie optional dress code and requested that everyone wear black attire.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

“We wanted to create an elegant and romantic atmosphere, so we decided to have both our bridal party and guests dressed in black,” says Lauren. “It perfectly complemented our black-and-white theme and added to the sophisticated vibe we envisioned for the celebration.”

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

The newlyweds hosted a cocktail reception that allowed guests to enjoy five stations instead of just one meal. They capped the night with an after party in the venue’s parlor bar.

Special Moment

One memory from their wedding day that Nick and Lauren hold close to their hearts is their first look.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

“It was such a beautiful, intimate moment that helped ease our nerves before everything began,” says Lauren. “Without the pressure of an audience, we could really focus on each other and the emotions of the day.”

Aisle Style

Lauren donned a stunning strapless ball gown with an ornate bodice for the ceremony. For the reception, she slipped into a short, sequined number.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

“I wanted a fun mini dress for the end of the reception [and] after party,” she says. “The lace gloves were my favorite part of the dress!”

[RELATED: Considering a second wedding dress? Here’s inspo for your wedding reception dress from real brides.]

Sweet Treats

The couple wanted to make the night a bit sweeter. “Cannolis are one of our favorite desserts, and we found Carrello di Cannoli, the Cannoli Guy, through another TillingHouse bride,” says Lauren.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

Conveniently, the dessert-wielding entertainer sported a black-and-white cart that matched the couple’s aesthetic.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

Honeymoon

The newlyweds went to French Polynesia. They stayed at the St. Regis in Bora Bora and the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea.

A TillingHouse wedding.
Ronnie Mae Photography

The adventurous pair snorkeled with sharks and stingrays, rode ATVs through the mountains and enjoyed sunset cruises. “It was a dream come true,” says Lauren.


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the details

Reception Location

TillingHouse

Photographer

Ronnie Mae Photography

Bride’s Gown

Avril by Elysee Bridal (ceremony); Rosie Etienne (reception)

Hair

HAIR: Danielle Miele // MAKEUP: Gina Ritacco

+ more