Jennifer and Javier’s Rutgers Gardens NJ elopement was a true elopement. I know the term ‘elopement’ has been tossed around more loosely since the landscape of weddings shifted so quickly earlier this year, but Jennifer and Javier had plans to elope long before everything changed and in true elopement style, it was kept pretty quiet. Elopements are typically done with very few witnesses and without much announcement. I think there is something very romantic about an elopement…
I loved that Jennifer and Javier wanted some images of them getting ready. They have shared this apartment for a long time and it is a place that they have loved. As they know their lives may soon take them elsewhere, it was important for them to have this space documented and what a perfect way to document it, but on the morning of their elopement…
Jennifer and Javier’s friend and officiant reviews some materials while Javier works out his tie situation…
Charlie strikes a pose giving me a photographic element to echo into my composition… 
Very chill groom prep…
This kitty didn’t want to make a public appearance…
When I captured this image, I know what called me to do it, but it was when I was editing that I got a bit lost in it and while the thoughts that came from that mindful meander are too many to post here, I’ll consider sharing them as a separate blog post in the future. 
With one officiant and four witnesses, Jennifer and Javier picked the spot for their Rutgers Gardens NJ elopement upon arrival at the gardens…
Laughter during a ceremony is some of my favorite wedding stuff…
I love when couples write their own vows…
We spent a little time exploring Rutgers Gardens…
I love the magical light of the bamboo garden… no artificial light or modifiers here… just good ‘ole sunshine.
Marriage licenses are often signed in the most random places…
It was a lovely morning capturing Jennifer and Javier’s Rutgers Gardens NJ elopement. A meaningful way to capture an apartment they’ve spent so much time in, a heartfelt ceremony and a lovely jaunt around Rutgers Gardens on a beautiful fall morning. I’m loving capturing elopements and intimate weddings! You can check out more of my elopement and intimate wedding work by clicking here.
