Autumn is always a busy time in NJ for weddings and this year topped the charts. Jenna & Alex’s Wedding at Perona Farms was September 19th and the kick-off to the busiest time of year for me. Its the time I had been looking forward to since COVID arrived in our everyday vocabulary. Despite making changes, and switching dates a few times, these newlyweds had the time of their life on their wedding day!

Jenna & Alex’s COVID Wedding at Perona Farms was a breath of fresh air (literally as everything was held outdoors) that I needed as a photographer in an industry that’s definitely struggled in 2020, but also to their guests that craved a bit of normalcy. It was my first wedding since March 2020 where I was back to photographing at a venue for the entire wedding day, so I was not sure what to expect. I have to tell you, what I saw was amazing!

From the temperature checks and mask policy for vendors at the door, social distancing chairs at the ceremony, and putting up a beautiful tent and outdoor bar, plus extra food serving precautions, the day was beautiful and as normal as possible.

To pull this off, adjustments were made by Jenna & Alex for their COVID Wedding as well. Their Priest had several conversations with them about what was possible for their ceremony, and was convinced by Jenna and Alex to write the bishop. This resulted in permission to perform an outdoor Roman Catholic wedding ceremony. Ahhh! If you are Catholic and/or a previous bride or upcoming bride, you know how nearly impossible and unheard of that is! I wonder if this might be a reason why Alex cried when he saw his bride at the first look AND again when she walked down the aisle? Don’t worry, I included those adorable photos.

When I later re-capped Jenna & Alex’s COVID Wedding at Perona Farms with them, I asked what they were most worried about leading up to the wedding and what was actually great about the planning process. You may be surprised, but they didn’t even mention COVID anymore! In the end that wasn’t what even stood out about the day. They said they were most worried about crying in front of their guests and pulling off the outdoor catholic ceremony. One out of two isn’t bad, right Alex?? 😉

Well, as a photographer I am constantly observing. I observe all the details of décor around me, expressions of guests, conversations going on, and of course the couple getting married. I learned a lot from this gorgeous wedding day.

When observing the details I saw you can make all your visions come true or maybe there is a slight change, but guests just notice all the effort and beauty (not that Perona Farms needs much help there).

From observing the guests I saw that its really true statement when you hear that celebrations and love can lift all spirits.

The best, and my favorite, from the Bride & Groom I saw that true love and faith conquer all. It’s so corny, I know. But dang! This was true through all of my Autumn 2020 weddings that followed and I think engaged couples should hear the reminder.

Jenna & Alex’s advice for future wedding couples:

It’s truly the people who are there that make the day and night so unforgettable, just be present and in the moment!

Peach & Pit:

Peach: Our first look (he cried!) and not leaving the middle of the dance floor!

Pit: It was the coldest night of the year so far (and not expected for September) and we did have a tent so we remained outside because of COVID restrictions.

*For more insight into planning a wedding during a pandemic, read into my “Pandemic Wedding Issues” series here.

Vendors & Links:

Bridal Dress: Maison Signore

Groom’s Suit: Tuxedo Den

Bride Shoes: Gianni Bini

Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulu’s

Florist: The Flower Bar

Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Jianna

Venue: Perona Farms

Second Photographer: Anne Molnar