Pam & Jim- Greystone Hall Wedding

I have been anxiously awaiting Pam and Jim’s Greystone Hall wedding for the past year. It finally arrived on my husband a my fifth wedding anniversary! It was every bit as beautiful as I expected it to be. I have really spent time the last 12 months getting to know these two and their families. We have done multiple engagement sessions, family portraits, and an engagement party together. I have not only had the pleasure of getting to know them, but I have also learned a great deal about Jewish wedding customs and traditions.

Pam and Jim’s big day began at Pam’s parent’s home. Hair and makeup was being done upstairs by the girls from Gloss in the City when we arrived. Pam not only had bridesmaids getting ready, but also had four bridesmen. Four of Pam’s best guy friends were asked to stand by her on her wedding day. They took the job very seriously and owned the role. They carried on during the getting ready portion of the day wearing matching floral robes and blasting music. Their positive energy was truly infectious. After photographing the getting ready and the details we headed to Greystone Hall.

Pam got into her amazing dress by Modern Trousseau at Greystone. After revealing to her dad, Pam and I spent a few minutes doing some amazing portraits throughout the Mansion. I then spent some time with Jim and the guys before the first look. The first look took place outside. The weather was just perfect! At this point in the day we were running a little behind. We spent some time walking the grounds and grabbing some photos in the amazing pergola. This space was just a dream to shoot in. The bridal party joined us for some formal photos and some fun as well. This group was just fantastic to work with. Everyone really had a great time getting photos done which is not always the case when working with bridal parties and various personalities.

Family formals then took place in the back of the house before the ceremony got underway. After family formals we headed indoors to meet with Cantor Mark Stanton for the signing of the Ketubah. The Ketubah, or the official Jewish marriage contract, was truly a work of art. It was a very detailed paper with a cutout design around the outer edge. Once the families witnessed the signing of the Ketubah, it was time for the ceremony.

The ceremony took place outside under an amazing Huppah, adorned with incredible florals by Bri from Robertson’s Flowers. Yarmulkes were handed out as guests arrived. The ceremony itself was full of many Jewish traditions lead by Cantor Mark. Once the ceremony was over we had Pam and Jim stop at the end of the aisle for a group photo. I loved this idea! I think it is great that they have a photo of everyone who celebrated with them.

The guests headed to cocktail hour. Pam and Jim and I took a few minutes for some portraits before we lost the last inch of light. We then joined cocktail hour which took place in the back of the house. The guests enjoyed an elaborate spread of food stations by Boscov’s A la Carte Catering. Each station had a different theme that varied from hand rolled sushi fresh made paella.

I had a few minutes to sneak into the tent to get some photos of the reception space. All I can say is, wow! I was blown away by the attention to detail. The room glowed with candles.The florals were a mix of hydrangeas and peonies. The place cards were hand made. Every detail had been very clearly thought out and came together beautifully. The cake, brought in from L’Estis Desserts in Brooklyn, New York was a work of art, adorned with sugar flowers. The space was carefully lit by Brian from Events Productions.

The party really got started the minute Pam and Jim entered the reception space. They went right into a Hora. After a few minutes of dancing, it was time for toasts and first dances, followed by dinner. After dinner was served, the Janis Nowlan Band played a killer set that had everyone on their feet. Once cake cutting took place, dessert was served in the house. The dessert display, also brought in from L’Estis Desserts in Brooklyn was incredible. Every type of pastry, cake, and mousse was there. It was a sweet lover’s dream. There was even a crepe making station.

It was an incredible day and even ended on an amazing note with a send off by the band. Pam and Jim followed the horn players in a New Orleans style Second Line.

I cannot thank Pam and Jim, the Stapes, and the Meissler’s enough for trusting me to capture your memories. It was an honor to be a part of such an amazing day and to witness the love Pam and Jim have for each other and their friends and families. Also, thank you to Samantha from Secretariat Wedding and Event Planning for helping to make this day go smoothly. It was also wonderful to work with Jennifer from The Good Life Films. I am anxious to see the final video!