Private Country Club Wedding in New Jersey

Gina and Alex’s summer wedding at Fiddler’s Elbow was a classic, elegant country club affair in New Jersey. I was grateful to help capture such a day filled with love, from the couple themselves to the family and friends surrounding them, and even some nods toward their beloved dog, Jeter! I’m so happy to share their love story and amazing memories from their big day.

A Gorgeous Summer Wedding at Fiddler’s Elbow

Gina and Alex exchanged their vows during a gorgeous Fiddler’s Elbow wedding in New Jersey. The love shared between them and those around them was clear every moment of the day, from “getting ready” to “I do”. 

Gina and Alex’s excitement and enthusiasm was contagious.  As we got closer to their wedding day, Gina shared, “We are so excited!!! We trust you fully and know this is going to be so perfect. Thank you so much again! We are so incredibly grateful to have you as part of our day.”

Romantic Garden Engagement Photos

Even before their big day, I got to know Gina and Alex during their fun-filled engagement shoot at Tatum Park and Deep Cut Gardens. We found the prettiest open fields to cozy, tree-lined paths. And it wasn’t just them! Gina and Alex included their very good boy: Jeter, a playful Australian shepherd with the biggest smile!  

Getting Ready for a June Wedding in New Jersey

Gina got ready for the day in the Fiddler’s Elbow suite, surrounded by vintage-inspired wallpaper and gold gilt mirrors. Her lounge set and her bridesmaids’ powder blue pajamas tied in perfectly with the room, where she enjoyed time with loved ones and browsed a scrapbook made for her by family and friends. She stepped into an Alena Leena dress from Wander Atelier and pearly white Betsey Johnson shoes before descending the stairs for her father-daughter first look, where her dad, Mark, and even her brother couldn’t help but shed a few happy tears.

Alex spent time with friends, enjoying a game of cards, before he and his groomsmen helped one another set their ties and cufflinks. Among solo portraits and family shots, Alex took a quiet moment to open Gina’s wedding gift and read her card, where she shared how excited she was to see him soon and to officially become husband and wife!

First Look + A Private Moment

The smile on Alex’s face as he turned to see Gina approaching him from the stone country club cottage lit up the already bright summer day—and tears were soon to follow! The two enjoyed private moments together the beautiful grounds of Fiddles Elbow Country Club. Gina’s long veil blew gently in the summer breeze, a handmade wedding gift from her mom, Christine.

 

Fiddler’s Elbow NJ Wedding Photos With Family and Bridal Party

Soon the groomsmen and bridesmaids (the ladies in a mix of pale blue and pink florals) joined the bride and groom for bridal party photos in front of the stone cottage. 

We had a chance to capture one-on-one portraits and some fun group photos. Alex’s groomsmen even surprised him by picking him up, three cheers for the groom! Finally, Alex and Gina’s family joined for family photos before the ceremony.

 

A Ceremony Filled With Classic Elegance at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club

Gina and Alex and their guests spent the ceremony surrounded by natural beauty, with aisles and alter lined by bouquets from Studio Nectar. With the verdant lawn in front and the stone building set behind, the ceremony continued the couple’s theme of quiet elegance. And with songs by Elton John, Louis Armstrong, and Billy Joel, they created an atmosphere of classic charm.

The love that surrounds this couple was made even clearer when their family and friends placed hands on them for a blessing during the ceremony. With vows said and blessings given, the couple received a benediction and walked back down the aisle, officially married, to the sounds of “Your Smiling Face” by James Taylor.

Cocktail Hour at a Fiddlers Elbow Country Club Wedding in New Jersey

While Gina and Alex posed for extended family and just married portraits, the wedding guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with signature drinks on offer: “His” was “Badabing Badaboom,” and “Hers” was “Raspeberry Reverie”. Everyone posed for their own portraits to add to the couple’s memories of the day, and several friends showed off temporary tattoos of Jeter!

And as guests mingled, they could spend a few moments paying their respects to those whose absence the couple felt most. Gina and Alex chose to honor lost loved ones—especially Alex’s grandmother, Nanny, who passed away the month prior—with a memory wall displaying photos of those who could not be with them on such a day of joy. Nestled among classic arched shelves and joined by candles lit in the fireplace, the memory wall honored “our loved ones who are dancing with us in Heaven.” 

Fiddler’s Elbow Wedding Reception

It was my absolute joy to capture all the authentic moments of the wedding reception for the couple, including, at Gina’s request, “lots of pictures of our loved ones on the dance floor, our reactions to the toasts and speeches, pictures of people raising a glass…we really want to feel the love in the room when we look at the pictures.”

That love was certainly visible in every moment of the day. Following their bridal party, the bride and groom entered to applause and moved straight into their first dance with “The Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra. 

After father-daughter and mother-son dances and heartfelt toasts, guests enjoyed the amazing food from Fiddler’s Elbow, with imported creamy risotto, a harvest salad, and the choice of pan seared Chilean sea bass or Chateaubriand. And while they enjoyed their food, they were kept company by Jeter’s friendly face on their napkins, with the greeting, “Cheers! Love, Jeter,” nestled among the pale pink tapered candles and pale pastel bouquets.

And as the dancing and partying began in earnest, the jackets came off! With live music from East Coast Soul, the night was an absolute blast. 

And when they were ready to head home, guests could grab their favor: a bottle of homemade wine (made by Gina, Alex, and family), called “Opus One Style 2024,” with a custom label with an engagement photo and a note: “Best enjoyed at the holidays or later.”

Thank You

Capturing Gina and Alex’s Fiddlers Elbow wedding brought me so much joy!  I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph memories they will be able to cherish for years to come. Gina and Alex, I wish you both so much happinesses and love as you continue to build your life together!

The Team: Photographer – Amy Rizzuto Photography, Venue – Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Venue Coordinator – Meg Leese (with Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club), Hair Stylist – Sarah Mari, Makeup Artist – Kristen Gallo, Invitations – Zola, Florist – Studio Nectar (Amy Gofton), Wedding Dress – Alena Leena/Wander Atelier, Bridesmaid Dresses – Revelry/Dessy Group/V Chapman, Shoes – Betsey Johnson, Jewelry – Olive & Piper, Tiffany & Co., Videographer – Joe Reggio, Cake – Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club, Reception Music – East Coast Soul, First Dance Song- “The Summer Wind” by Frank Sinatra

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Want to see more amazing country club wedding photos like Gina and Alex’s classic Fiddler’s Elbow wedding? Check out Brittany and Kyle’s Eagle Oaks wedding and follow along on Instagram and Facebook!

Amy Rizzuto is a luxury New Jersey wedding photographer

who specializes in capturing the authentic joy of adventurous couples in love.

For more information visit www.amyrizzutophotography.com!