Real Weddings
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Samantha and Steven at the Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Allison Dupree

Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-Lakes How did you two meet? Steve and I met through a mutual friend, Nikole. We were hanging out with some friends we talked briefly a few times during the evening. Steve is a quiet kind of guy; me, I’m the opposite—loud! After we parted ways, I knew that I had to pursue him otherwise I would have lost my chance. Upon doing so, we had many late nights conversing via AOL Instant Messenger (those were the days!). Our first date was at the Colorado Café for Cinco de Mayo in 2006. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesDetails of your wedding day: After 12 years of being together, eight years engaged, two children, two homes and two dogs, we finally made the decision to officially get married. And of course, what woman doesn’t ever dream of walking down the aisle in that gorgeous white dress? Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesSteve and I agreed that we wanted to have an outdoor wedding ceremony in the fall. We wanted to keep things simple. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-Lakes Our wedding party consisted of 12 of our family and closest friends. Our son Brayden was the ring bearer and daughter Brooke was the flower girl. I love the color purple, so we went with “Regency” (a deep purple) for the bridesmaids’ dresses and for the groomsmens’ vests. [sponsor] Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesOur reception tables were adorned with gorgeous flower centerpieces and gold glitter table numbers with votive candles. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesWhy did you choose your venue? The Mansion at Mountain Lakes was the perfect venue for our wedding. It’s located approximately 35 minutes from our hometown. It was completely renovated inside and out, from top to bottom—it was stunning! Everything was perfect and the staff was accommodating from the first time we visited the Mansion until the following day when we went to pick up whatever was left over from our wedding. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesSamantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesWhat was your wedding menu? We had Grand Mansion salad along with seared filet mignon or roasted herb-crusted chicken, served with French green beans, carrots and salt-baked fingerling potatoes. For dessert, there was wedding cake and a family-style dessert platter of chocolate-covered strawberries, an assortment of cookies, cannolis, brownies and mini cheesecakes. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesYour favorite moment? It’s hard to choose one “favorite moment.” Our “first look” was amazing! We both had tears upon seeing each other for the first time on our wedding day. My husband as handsome as ever and me in my dream wedding gown felt so surreal. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesAnother favorite moment was walking down the aisle with all eyes on me with my father guiding me to the altar where my handsome husband was waiting. It was very emotional with the music playing and our family and friends standing with us as we finally said our vows and became husband and wife! Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesSomething you couldn’t live without? My awesome family and friends who supported and continued to love me through my “bridezilla” phase. And Moscow mule cocktails provided by the venue, and of course the open bar! Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesDid anything go wrong? Nothing went wrong. Everything went just as planned—it was a glorious day. Samantha-Steven-Mansion-Mountain-LakesYour favorite detail of the day? Our favorite detail was the releasing of Painted Lady butterflies in honor of my mother, who passed away in 2014. After the ceremony as we were walking out, one butterfly grabbed on to the back of my dress, and I knew at that moment that my mother was there with us!

the details

Hometowns

Bridgewater, NJ

Ceremony Location

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Photographer

JennRo Photography

+ more