Real moments don’t need direction. They just need to be noticed. Alyssa and Mikey’s wedding started with a traditional Catholic ceremony at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls, then moved to The Mansion at Mountain Lakes for their reception. What stood out? Mikey’s face when Alyssa came down the aisle. The way their 200+ guests naturally circled them throughout the night. Those quiet pauses between big moments when everything felt real.

Getting Ready at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Alyssa and her bridesmaids got ready in the upstairs bridal suite at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes. The sage green pajamas coordinated perfectly with their wedding colors- sage green, slate blue, lilac, and creamsicle. Hair and makeup wrapped up right on schedule, giving us time to capture the details before the ceremony.

The bridal party energy was relaxed but excited. Everyone helped Alyssa into her classic white gown with the plunging neckline. Her bouquet from Kim Auriemma Designs mixed peach roses, blue delphinium, and eucalyptus—exactly what you’d want with those sage green bridesmaid dresses.

Meanwhile, Mikey and his groomsmen gathered at the Courtyard Parsippany, keeping things low-key before heading to the church.

Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church Ceremony

The ceremony at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Cedar Knolls was a full Catholic Mass with all the traditional elements. That distinctive A- frame wooden ceiling and marble altar created a striking backdrop for their vows. Many Northern New Jersey couples choose this church specifically for that architectural character- it photographs beautifully without feeling overly formal.

Mikey’s reaction when he first saw Alyssa coming down the aisle? That’s the moment. You can’t recreate it, you can’t pose it. His expression shifted from nervous anticipation to complete overwhelm in about two seconds- exactly what wedding photography is supposed to capture.

The ceremony included readings, Ave Maria, and the full Mass. When they sealed it with that first kiss, you could feel the energy shift in the room.

After the ceremony, they walked back down that aisle as husband and wife with their entire wedding party celebrating around them. We grabbed the large family formal shots right there at the church while everyone was present- grandparents, parents, siblings, the whole extended family. Then the wedding party joined in for group shots inside and outside the church.

One detail that mattered to Alyssa: she teaches sixth grade at Brookside, and several of her students attended the wedding. Getting that group photo with her students meant everything to her- that’s the kind of specific request I always make room for.

Portraits at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

Back at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes, we had time for bridal party portraits and couple shots before cocktail hour. This venue gives you options- elegant indoor spaces with classic architectural details, manicured grounds, and natural light that works beautifully for portraits.

As a Mansion at Mountain Lakes wedding photographer, having time and space like this makes it easier for couples to stay present instead of rushing through portraits. The bridal party shots captured the real dynamics between these friends. For Alyssa and Mikey’s couple portraits, we moved through different areas of the venue, taking inspiration from their engagement session style- moments between them rather than stiff poses.

Reception at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes

The Mansion at Mountain Lakes delivers on the classic wedding venue experience without feeling dated- something that photographs beautifully year after year. The ballroom accommodated their 200+ guests comfortably, with elegant details throughout. High ceilings, neutral tones, and professional lighting created the right atmosphere for their reception.

During cocktail hour, guests mingled while the newlyweds enjoyed a few quiet moments. Once reception started, the energy kicked up. Parent dances brought some tender moments, followed by toasts from both maids of honor, the best man, and Alyssa’s parents.

We made sure to capture specific group shots throughout the evening- TCNJ students, Brookside staff (Alyssa’s coworkers), various cousin groups from both families. The goal was to photograph every guest so they could include photos with thank you cards. Ambitious with 200+ people, but we covered it.

The traditional Italian vase-drinking ritual happened during the celebration. It’s one of those family traditions you don’t see at every wedding, and Alyssa specifically wanted it documented.

Why The Mansion at Mountain Lakes Works for Weddings

This Northern New Jersey wedding venue handles large weddings well. Professional staff, proven systems, and classic spaces that don’t require excessive decoration to look great. Many couples choose The Mansion at Mountain Lakes because it offers that ballroom elegance without trendy elements that’ll look dated in five years.

The upstairs bridal suite provides a comfortable getting-ready space. Multiple portrait locations around the property give variety for photos. The ballroom scales for different guest counts while maintaining intimacy. And the location in Mountain Lakes puts you close to quality churches and hotels for out-of-town guests.

Northern New Jersey Wedding Photography

Alyssa and Mikey’s Catholic wedding ceremony at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church and reception at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes captured what matters- the look on Mikey’s face during the ceremony, the way family surrounded them after they said their vows, and those packed dance floor moments when 200+ guests celebrated together.

The sage green bridesmaid dresses, classic venue choice, full Catholic Mass, and traditional Italian elements created exactly what they envisioned. These photos tell their story- the laughter, tears, traditions, and joy from start to finish.

Planning a wedding at The Mansion at Mountain Lakes or another Northern New Jersey venue? If documentary-style photography matters to you- capturing what actually happens rather than staging everything- I’d love to talk.

📞 Call or text: 917-992-9097
🌐 AlexKaplanWeddings.com

After 30+ years photographing weddings throughout New Jersey and the tri-state area, I know these venues inside and out. Let’s discuss your day.