Alise and Andrew’s December 14th wedding at The Castle at Skylands Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey was everything a winter celebration should be: elegant, intimate, and full of genuine moments. With 125 guests, a stunning off-the-shoulder gown, emerald bridesmaid dresses, and red roses throughout, they created a classic look that worked beautifully with the castle’s historic architecture. Here’s how their day unfolded.

Having photographed multiple weddings at Skylands Manor as a Ringwood NJ wedding photographer, I can tell you this venue handles December celebrations particularly well. Everything happens on-site in climate-controlled historic rooms, which means no weather concerns, no transportation delays, and plenty of diverse photo locations within one building. In winter, the stone and wood interiors tend to photograph warmer and richer than they do under harsher summer light.

Skylands Manor Wedding Photographer Notes: Winter Timeline

2:00pm – Getting Ready

Alise and seven bridesmaids got ready in the Queen Antoinette Quarters (second floor), while Andrew and six groomsmen used the Library. The bridal suite has excellent natural light for December afternoon coverage- the windows provide soft, directional light without needing flash even at 2pm.

3:00pm – First Look on Spiral Staircase

We timed their first look for 3pm to capture the last good natural light coming through the stained glass windows on the staircase. By 4pm in December, that light is mostly gone, so if you’re doing a first look here, plan for 2:30-3:30pm.

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3:15pm – Family & Bridal Party Photos

After the first look, we moved into the Library for family formals and bridal party shots. In winter, the Library tends to feel warmest and photographs beautifully because of the rich wood paneling.

4:30pm – Couple Portraits

We used the Red Carpet Staircase, Great Hall, and got outside for a few shots in front of the castle entrance before the 4:45pm sunset. The exterior shots need to happen before 5pm in December- after that, you’re shooting in near-darkness.

5:30pm – Ceremony in the Ballroom

The ceremony started right on time in the ballroom. Alise’s cousin officiated, and the processional included both sets of parents, the wedding party, and two ring bearers (Vincenzo and Clemente, who were adorable).

6:00pm – Cocktail Hour Throughout the Castle

Guests explored the Great Hall, Dining Room, Breakfast Room, and Living Room during cocktail hour. This setup works well because it keeps guests moving and gives you multiple backdrops for candid coverage.

7:00pm – Reception in the Ballroom

Alise and Andrew sat at a sweetheart table with 14 guest tables arranged around the dance floor. I handled both photography and DJ services, which made transitions smoother- no miscommunication between vendors.

The parent dances were next- Alise with her father Andrew, then Andrew with his mom Mary. Both were emotional in the best way.

9:20pm – Cake Cutting

Their three-tier white cake with red strawberries matched the color scheme perfectly. After cake cutting and the bouquet toss, my coverage wrapped at 9:30pm as planned.

Best Photo Spots at The Castle at Skylands Manor

If you’re planning a Skylands Manor wedding, these locations delivered the best shots for Alise and Andrew:

Spiral Staircase – Ideal for first looks and couple portraits. Schedule between 2:30-3:30pm in winter for natural light through the stained glass.

Library – Tends to feel warmest in winter, rich wood tones photograph beautifully, ideal for family formals and bridal party shots.

Red Carpet Staircase – Dramatic backdrop with the glass windows. Less foot traffic than the spiral staircase.

Great Hall – High ceilings, architectural details, good for full-length dress shots.

Castle Exterior – Must shoot before 5pm in December. The holiday wreath on the entrance is a nice seasonal touch.

Ballroom – Large enough for 125+ guests, crystal chandeliers, works for both ceremony and reception.

Practical Notes for Winter Weddings at Skylands Manor

Lighting: December sunset is around 4:30-4:45pm. Plan exterior shots and first looks accordingly. The castle’s interior spaces have warm tungsten lighting- adjust white balance or plan to warm up images slightly in post. Pro tip: The Great Hall’s chandelier light bounces beautifully off the white ceiling for flattering fill light during evening portraits.

Temperature: In my experience, the Library tends to feel warmest in winter. The Great Hall and ballroom can be cooler near the stone walls, so it’s worth letting bridesmaids know if you’re shooting in multiple rooms.

Timing: Everything happens on-site, which is huge for winter weddings. No transportation between venues means you won’t lose 30-45 minutes to logistics.

Cocktail Hour: Guests spread throughout multiple rooms. Position yourself near the main flow areas (Great Hall entrance, Dining Room) to catch the most candid moments.

Hidden gem: The alcove near the Red Carpet Staircase has a small window that creates perfect side lighting for intimate couple portraits- most photographers miss it because they’re focused on the main staircase.

If you’re early in planning your winter wedding, here are my winter wedding timeline tips for making the most of limited December daylight.

Vendor Team

Venue: The Castle at Skylands Manor
Hair: Natacha Moreno
Makeup: Kristen Gonzales
Florals: Wyckoff Florist and Gifts (Jeannine Diamond)
Photography & DJ: Alex Kaplan Photography

Final Thoughts

Alise and Andrew’s wedding was a reminder of why I love photographing December celebrations at Skylands Manor. The castle’s architecture does most of the heavy lifting- you don’t need elaborate decor when you’re working with stained glass windows, carved staircases, and rooms that have been hosting celebrations for nearly a century. Their color choices (emerald bridesmaid dresses with red roses) worked naturally with both the season and the venue without feeling forced.

What made their day particularly smooth was the timeline planning. By doing a first look at 3pm, we had time for relaxed portraits before the 5:30 ceremony, which meant they could actually enjoy cocktail hour with their guests instead of rushing through photos. That’s something I always recommend for winter weddings when daylight is limited.

After the wedding, Alise told me the buffer time was the only part of the day where she didn’t feel rushed. That’s the goal.

If you’re planning a wedding at Skylands Manor, I’m happy to walk you through how to maximize both the natural light and the castle’s photo locations. After shooting here multiple times, I can help you build a timeline that gives you great images without feeling rushed.

Ready to plan your Skylands Manor wedding photography?
Visit AlexKaplanWeddings.com or get in touch to discuss coverage.

I work throughout Northern New Jersey, the NYC metro area, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, with a documentary approach that focuses on genuine moments over posed perfection.

Congratulations again to Alise and Andrew!

Skylands Manor Winter Wedding FAQ

What time should we schedule a first look at Skylands Manor in winter?
Between 2:30pm and 3:30pm works best for the spiral staircase. The natural light through the stained glass windows is ideal during this window. By 4pm in December, that light is mostly gone.

Where are the best indoor photo spots at The Castle at Skylands Manor?
The spiral staircase, Library, Red Carpet Staircase, and Great Hall give you the most variety. Each location has different lighting and architectural details, so you can create diverse images without leaving the building.

How early should we do exterior photos in December?
You’ll want to finish exterior shots by 4:45-5:00pm at the latest. December sunset in Ringwood happens around 4:30pm, and by 5pm you’re shooting in near-darkness. Plan accordingly if exterior castle shots are important to you.