Once upon a time a beautiful couple (Haylie+Dan) got married at The Inn at Mill Race Pond in Hope, New Jersey. I had the absolute pleasure of being their photographer and can't wait to get back to that venue! The grounds are amazing, the food and staff are delightful and I can't get over how stunning the newly renovated reception space is. Okay, let's dive in a little more - shall we?
The grounds. As a wedding photographer I have a great appreciation for grounds that have it all. The Inn at Mill Race Pond has lodging for you and your guests. I would call them hotels but they are more like a fusion of a hotel and bed&breakfast. Super cozy buildings with unique cottage style rooms that all have a modern twist to them. What a dream to have your whole family or bridal party a stone toss away the day before and the day after your wedding! It alleviates so much of the chaos like shuttles, hotel blocks and missing everyone on the way in and out. Not to mention if you forgot something in your room someone could (literally) run to the room and grab it.
The grounds at The Inn at Mill Race Pond also have a restaurant for lodging guests and below a speakeasy type bar where there are original industrial features of the old mill. For this particular wedding the gentlemen and groomsmen got ready in the speakeasy which made for a really cool environment. It was very fitting for this group of gentlemen and it made for a nice flow in the pictures. (For a bunch of guys who hated to take pictures they sure did fool the camera!)
Then of course there's the couples sweet which in this case was used for the ladies and bridal party to get ready! It's beautifully decorated with modern finishes but light and neutral which is great for those glam shots. It also helps offset the dark wood timbers that all together bring so much character. The timbers and staircase lead you up to the lofted bedroom for the couples suite where the gorgeous design follows. There's perfect natural lighting coming in from the windows and a stunning white porcelain bath tub. It all works together to make a beautifully curated space for a bride to get ready in.
You're probably thinking, "okay Ash, where do we actually get married?" I'm so glad you asked, this is the best part! The have a beautifully resorted original building to The Mill that acts as both a beautiful backdrop and inside a cocktail hour worth exploring! Attached is the reception area that is fabulously redone with white vaulted ceilings and more of those gorgeous wood timber frames. Tables fit nicely inside with the sweetheart table placed centered with the fireplace. (what a beautiful detail for summer evenings, fall weddings or chillier months!) With tables framing the outer perimeter there's ample space for dancing the night away. Posh DJ was set up for Haylie and Dan's wedding at The Inn and they included a sax player. He kept up with oldies and new generation music which really kept the crowd happy. (10/10 recommend)
To think when I was last there they were finishing up a new outdoor patio space to expand cocktail hour and reception offerings. I can't wait to see what it looks like when it all comes together! Now, Imagine all these grounds perfectly intertwined with pretty grass patches, bring and paver pathways that lead perfectly to the center gem - the bridge. The wooden bridge crosses over a running creek that has optional water features and lighting. This spot was calling my name from the very start as their First Look location. I had the groomed positioned on one side, eyes closed and the bride on the other. I gave them a special moment for them to just enjoy each others company for a moment (without peeking) before the chaos of the rest of the day ensued. Then we went into the first look and I swear I saw a tear shed by the groom on this picturesque bridge amongst The Inn.
The weather that day was looking a bit iffyyyy but the sun came out and shined on a beautiful outdoor ceremony. A stone toss away from the reception building which makes it great for vendors to help coordinate your day. Easy to access people for different phases of the event and no time wasted driving or walking long distances in-between. The couple did NOT like being the center of attention which made my job a bit interesting as a wedding photographer. However, I've learned how to work through uncomfortable moments with couples like them and to only torture them for the moments that will truly count. A standard wedding is 10 hours of photography. Most people aren't even used to one hour so I try to cut my couples some slack and give them a few moments to settle and catch their breath. The flow of the grounds at The Inn help facilitate that relaxed environment and easily allowed for me to give those moments to the couple. With that said you can imagine how short the ceremony was. They were so quick to put each others rings on I had to pose them after to take their pictures! The sweetest couple and all that matters is, I got the shot.
After the ceremony I quite literally turned around and walked into the reception space to get a feel for lighting, setup and gear. They graciously allowed me to grab a plate from cocktail hour and boy am I glad that I did! The pasta bar was amazing and to think there was still more for dinner. I am going to be honest the rest of the night was such a blur and so much fun I can't really remember eating dinner, ha! I know they fed me which I am grateful for but I recall a few delicious bites and back to the dance floor I went! (occupational hazard, sometimes you forget to eat)
All in all the wedding went off without a hitch! I can attest to that having a lot to do with the venue and staff being so helpful and efficient! It takes a village to pull off a seamless wedding day and The Inn at Mill Race Pond certainly has it under control. I so wish I could go back and repeat Haylie and Dan's special day. At least I have their stunning photos to go back and look at. Until next time, The Inn at Mill Race Pond, until next time...
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