When Amanda reached out to me about her Pat’s 30 Acres NJ wedding, I was excited because it had been a few years since I had last been to Pat’s 30 Acres. You can check out my last visit by clicking here. I love the vibe at Pat’s 30 Acres and it is a really underrated option for outdoor weddings in New Jersey. While it is at the shore, it is tucked away in the forest with a ceremony site right on a little pond. There are covered pavilion type areas or there is also a tent option which Amanda and Jack utilized. Any place with an open-air bar and dining is calling my name (obviously I don’t drink while I work). Guests get to enjoy the fresh air, drinks and bites to eat while engaging in conversation…. a wonderful setting.
We had a perfect fall day for a Pat’s 30 Acres NJ wedding! Amanda and Jack opted to start with a first look. I’ve had a lot more couples opting out of preps, even some opting out of formal first looks and I think it is really great. Sure, business-wise I should be encouraging people to opt for as much coverage as possible, but that doesn’t sit well with my soul. The wedding industry puts so much pressure on couples to make their day look a certain way, but I am all about supporting couples in doing what works best for them and what matters most to them. If you want the whole shebang, great, if you want something less, I’m ok with that, too. Sadly, this industry puts so much focus on money spent and putting on a show… It’s what gets you published and can give you an edge in winning awards, but that doesn’t matter to me. Photographing weddings is stressful and hard on the body and the mind, but I’ve stayed in this industry because I love telling a story and my couples are the kind of people that appreciate that fact no matter how many or few hours I am with them, how small or big of a budget they have and how into wedding trends or not they are– they all have this is common. Being able to tell the story of the day with awesome people is what has fueled me to stay in the crazy industry for nearly 20 years!
We started off with some portraits around the grounds at Pat’s 30 Acres in Wall, New Jersey… 
Love Jack’s blue suit and maroon tie combo…
Fall showing it’s pretty self….
Another trend I’ve been noticing is more couples not opting to have a bridal party or having a lot less people. You don’t have to have a formal bridal party to get a formal group photo with your good friends. Always happy to have them arrive a little earlier and capture a proper photograph.
The ceremony was held by the pond. Here, Jack watches as Amanda walks down the aisle…
Amanda’s dad meets her at the altar…
A Pat’s 30 Acres NJ wedding presents an opportunity for a serene outdoor wedding ceremony.
Wedding guests react to the reader speaking about marriage being a bit of a rollercoaster at times.
Husband and wife!
Another trend I’ve noticed is the Sola wood flowers… such pretty flowers.
First dance vibes…
Tears and laughter during toasts…
Jack’s three sisters giving a toast…
Party time!
If you’re not up for dancings, you can chill in the open air bar area and enjoy the fresh night air.
These two were at it all night long!
You couldn’t ask for a more perfect day for Amanda and Jack’s Pat’s 30 Acres NJ wedding. If you’re looking for a place that incorporates nature and a chill vibe, Pat’s 30 Acres should be on your list. It was a pleasure working with Amanda, Jack and their friends and family. Thanks to Brandan Calhoun for assisting me.
