This wedding was a mix of perfect and complementary opposites. Cranbury Park’s sprawling grounds and overflowing abundance of nature pairs beautifully with the elegant and understated luxury of Gallaher Mansion’s stone terrace and intricate interior. But that is nothing compared to the couple! Kevin and Dexter are a perfect match, embracing their contrasting traits — the latter is an exuberant Californian and the former a soft-spoken New Englander. But they share their best attributes in common: tenderness, compassion, giant smiles, and a love of having a good time. And holy shit did they throw a rager at Norwalk’s Mansion and park.
Their entire wedding felt like I was attending a friend’s party, and it will go down as one of my all time faves. Dexter’s vivacious friends and Aggies (he’s a very proud North Carolina alum) and Kevin’s artsy buds joined for happy crying during their vows, amazing laughs at cocktail hour, and absolutely amazing dance moves that tore up the dance floor. They capped off the night with an exit as bright as them, with friends creating a corridor of sparklers to send them off. Basically it was a perfect night. Also, how sweet is it that these cuties got married on Pride!?
The first full weekend of summer, the greenery at their wedding and all throughout Cranbury Park was ON POINT.
The best wedding parties both look great and act a fool.
Both families were all about hugs.
I still can’t get over the lighting over this century old weeping willow on the Gallaher Mansion grounds.
Tip 1 to make sure your photographer happy/ugly sobs all through your wedding: have a friend officiate so they can speak personally about you.
Tip 2 to make sure your photographer happy/ugly sobs all through your wedding: have heartfelt moments with your parents.
Tip 3 to make sure your photographer happy/ugly sobs all through your wedding: tie the knot in an amazing garden that smells like grass and sunshine.
Tip 4 to make sure your photographer happy/ugly sobs all through your wedding: wipe away your boo’s tears.
Tip 5 to make sure your photographer happy/ugly sobs all through your wedding: celebrate marriage equality and your beautiful union on Pride with happy tears of your own like a fucking boss.
The Gallaher Mansion’s patio at cocktail hour is ????.
If your officiant can also serenade you for your first dance, then you have made the right decision.
I love during parent dances when a couple swaps halfway through. I especially like it here because Kevin’s mom looks so happy to boogie with her new son.
I wasn’t kidding when I said these folks knew how to dance. and drink. and party. and laugh. and can they come to my wedding?
Good friends cheer when you kiss your new spouse. Great friends then give you a group hug.
VENUE: Gallaher Mansion at Cranbury Park
SUITS: Men’s Wearhouse
FLORALS: Sam’s Club
OFFICIANT: Will Saunders
CATERING: Fitzgerald’s Fine Catering
