When Lori and Michael chose The English Manor in Ocean Township, NJ for their November wedding, they knew exactly what they wanted – an intimate celebration with their closest 70 friends and family, surrounded by peak fall foliage and real emotion.

As their English Manor wedding photographer and Monmouth County wedding photographer with over 30 years of experience, I documented every genuine moment of their day. From the nervous excitement of getting ready to that perfect first look that made Michael’s face light up, their wedding was exactly what fall celebrations in Ocean Township should be – authentic, beautiful, and full of the moments that actually matter.

The English Manor is one of those rare New Jersey wedding venues that delivers both indoor elegance and outdoor beauty in equal measure.

Getting Ready: Two Locations, One Perfect Morning

The day started at two different spots. I had Alex cover Lori and her bridesmaids at the Homewood Suite by Hilton in Eatontown, while Jasmin captured Michael and his groomsmen at his dad’s house in Millstone.

This is where you see the real stuff happen – the mom helping with the dress, the bridesmaids laughing in their teal robes, the guys actually being nervous despite trying to play it cool.

Lori’s getting-ready suite was everything. Her dress from Seng Couture was this incredible lace masterpiece with long sleeves and the kind of detail work that makes you actually want to zoom in on every shot. Additionally, the illusion sleeves covered in 3D floral appliques and the fitted silhouette created a stunning look.

When her mom helped her into it, that’s when the waterworks started (in the best way).

The bridesmaids wore these rich teal satin robes that photographed beautifully against the neutral hotel room. We got those classic getting-ready shots – champagne toasts, the dress on the hanger, jewelry details, and that moment when Lori’s mom saw her fully dressed for the first time.

Meanwhile, Michael and his guys kept it classic with black tuxedos from Men’s Warehouse. The patterned bow tie added just enough personality without being over the top.

We captured those traditional groom prep shots, but honestly, the best moments were the candid ones – his dad adjusting his boutonniere, the nervous energy before heading to the venue.

First Look at The English Manor

Here’s where the day really started. Lori wanted to do a first look with her dad at the hotel, then another with Michael at The English Manor. Both moments were exactly what you want as a photographer – real emotion, no forcing it.

The first look with her dad was private, intimate, just the two of them. Those are the shots that end up mattering most to families.

Then we headed to The English Manor where Michael was waiting.

Let me tell you about The English Manor if you’re considering it for your wedding. This venue understands what couples actually need. Located at 1 English Lane in Ocean Township, it’s one of those venues that gives you both the elegant indoor spaces and the kind of outdoor settings that make fall weddings legendary in New Jersey.

The property has mature trees, manicured grounds, a gazebo that’s perfect for ceremonies, and that iconic bridge everyone wants photos on.

From a photographer’s perspective, The English Manor delivers. The mature trees provide natural light diffusion and that golden backlight during late afternoon – you can’t fake that kind of quality. The ceremony gazebo is positioned so you get even, flattering light regardless of the time of day, which is rare for outdoor venues.

“Every direction you point the camera, there’s a good backdrop. As a Monmouth County wedding photographer who’s shot dozens of venues across Ocean Township, that kind of consistency matters when you’re on a timeline.”

The white colonial building, the stone fountain, the bridge, the manicured lawns – all of these give you variety without moving locations.

Michael stood by the ceremony site, back to where Lori would approach. When he turned around – that’s the shot. That genuine smile, the way his whole face changed when he saw her.

This is why we do first looks. It gave them a private moment before the ceremony, let them actually be present with each other, and honestly, it took so much pressure off both of them.

Portraits Before the Ceremony

After the first look, we had time to knock out all the formal portraits before guests arrived. This is the smart way to do it.

We covered:

• Bride and groom portraits around the property
• Full bridal party shots (Lori had 5 attendants, Michael had 7)
• Family formals with both sides
• Those editorial shots on the bridge and by the white colonial-style building

One note on family dynamics – there were some divorced parents and family situations that needed navigating, which is completely normal. We worked with the maid of honor Trisha and best man Pete to gather people efficiently, and everyone was respectful about who did and didn’t want to be in photos together.

The bridal party was game for everything. The bridesmaids in their teal dresses (which perfectly complemented the fall colors), the groomsmen in their sharp black tuxes – everyone just clicked.

We got playful shots, serious shots, and plenty of candid moments in between.

The Ceremony: Outdoor Romance with Fall Florals

At 4pm, with 70 guests seated in white folding chairs on The English Manor’s lawn, Lori walked down the aisle to marry Michael. The ceremony setup was incredible – that black metal gazebo draped in an absolutely stunning floral arrangement.

The florals (by The Prickly Pig) were show-stoppers. Huge installations of eucalyptus, coral roses, white hydrangeas, and blush blooms created this romantic arch that framed the couple perfectly.

Furthermore, the combination of the structured eucalyptus and the soft, organic flowers gave it that elevated garden feel.

The ceremony itself was short, sweet, and emotional. You could feel how much these two wanted to be married to each other.

No receiving line after – they wanted to get straight to celebrating with their people at cocktail hour.

Cocktail Hour Through Reception

The couple actually joined their guests for cocktail hour, which I always recommend if you can swing it. You planned this party – you should get to enjoy it.

Additionally, this gives us photographers a chance to capture you naturally interacting with your guests instead of just doing more portraits.

Reception highlights:

• Two parent dances (always have tissues ready for these)
• Two toasts from the maid of honor and best man
• Dinner service in The English Manor’s elegant ballroom
• Cake cutting before 8:20pm (smart timing)
• Dancing until the venue lights came up

What really made this reception work was the intimate guest count. With 70 people, Lori and Michael could actually talk to everyone, the dance floor stayed packed, and the whole vibe was more “celebration with our favorite people” than “formal event we have to get through.”

Considering The English Manor for Your Wedding?

If you’re planning your celebration at The English Manor in Ocean Township and want a photographer who knows this venue inside and out, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through exactly how we’ll capture your day – from the best ceremony angles to the timeline that lets you actually enjoy your cocktail hour. Contact Alex Kaplan Weddings to discuss your date.

Why The English Manor Works for Weddings

If you’re looking at venues in the Ocean Township or greater Monmouth County area, The English Manor deserves to be on your list. Here’s why:

Multiple Photo Locations on One Property

The Outdoor Spaces: That gazebo, the bridge, the mature landscaping – you get multiple backdrop options without leaving the property. For fall weddings especially, the natural foliage gives you those warm tones everyone wants.

The grounds are positioned so you can shoot in different directions depending on where the sun is, which gives your photographer flexibility throughout the day.

Weather Flexibility

The Indoor Backup: November weather in New Jersey is unpredictable. Lori and Michael lucked out with a beautiful day, but knowing they had a gorgeous indoor ceremony option took all the stress away.

Experienced Staff and Smooth Coordination

The Staff: Marlyn Sime and the team at The English Manor know how to run a wedding. They were on point with timing, helped coordinate vendor setups, and made sure everything flowed smoothly.

Practical Considerations

The Logistics: Plenty of parking, a proper loading area for vendors (not through the main lobby – they care about their space), and enough room for getting-ready photos, ceremony, cocktails, and reception all in one location.

Photographer-Friendly Venue

Vendor-Friendly: They gave us the access we needed to get great photos without being in guests’ faces. The lighting in the ballroom is workable – you’re not fighting harsh overhead spots or complete darkness like some venues.

The outdoor spaces have good natural light throughout the day, and there’s flexibility in how you use the property.

After shooting hundreds of weddings as a New Jersey wedding photographer, I can tell you that venue cooperation makes a massive difference in the final images.

Real Moments Over Perfect Poses

What made Lori and Michael’s wedding work so well wasn’t the perfect weather (though that helped) or the stunning florals (definitely a highlight). It was how present they were.

They weren’t worried about checking boxes or making sure every detail was Instagram-perfect. They wanted to marry each other and celebrate with the people who mattered most.

“This is the stuff that matters in your wedding photos. Not whether your centerpieces matched Pinterest, but whether you can look back and remember how it felt.”

Some favorite moments that didn’t make it into the timeline:

• Michael’s reaction during Lori’s walk down the aisle
• The way Lori’s mom kept tearing up all day
• The groomsmen’s actual joy during portraits (not forced, just genuine friendship)
• How the couple kept finding each other during cocktail hour, just checking in
• The bridesmaids singing along during dancing
• That last dance when everyone circled up around them

This is what separates memorable wedding photography from generic shots. I’ve photographed over 1,000 weddings at venues from The English Manor to Hamilton Farm Golf Club to The Mohawk House to countless churches and country clubs across Northern New Jersey, and that principle never changes – the real moments are always the ones couples treasure most.

Working with The English Manor as Your Wedding Photographer

From a photographer’s perspective, The English Manor gives us what we need to deliver. Good light, varied locations, enough time to work, and a layout that makes sense.

The venue’s rules are reasonable – everything comes through the side door, no moving their setups, be respectful of the space. We can work with that.

The property photographs well in any season, but fall is special there. The trees provide that golden backlight during late afternoon, the grounds are impeccably maintained, and those fall florals against the natural foliage create depth in every shot.

If you book The English Manor for your wedding and want a Monmouth County wedding photographer who gets it – who’ll capture the real moments, work efficiently with your timeline, and give you images that feel like your actual day – that’s exactly what we do.

No overly-staged moments, no making you hold poses until your face hurts, just real documentation of your wedding as it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Manor Weddings

What’s the best time of year to get married at The English Manor?

Fall is spectacular at The English Manor – the mature trees provide that golden light and natural fall color that makes photos pop. But honestly, every season works. Spring gives you blooming gardens, summer provides lush greenery, and winter offers that cozy indoor elegance with the option of outdoor portraits if you’re brave.

How much time should we allow for photos at The English Manor?

For a first look and full portrait session before the ceremony (like Lori and Michael did), plan for 90 minutes. This gives us time for couple portraits, full bridal party, family formals, and those creative shots around the property without feeling rushed. If you’re doing a traditional timeline with photos after the ceremony, budget 60-75 minutes.

Can we do an outdoor ceremony even in November?

Yes, and it can be beautiful. The English Manor has both outdoor ceremony options and a gorgeous indoor backup. November weather in New Jersey is unpredictable, but the venue’s flexibility means you’re covered either way. Lori and Michael had perfect fall weather, but knowing they had the indoor option took all the stress away.

What makes The English Manor good for wedding photography?

Three things: light, variety, and logistics. The mature trees provide natural light diffusion, you get multiple backdrop options (gazebo, bridge, fountain, colonial building) without leaving the property, and the venue layout makes sense for timing. Everything is close together, so you’re not losing time traveling between locations.

Do you recommend joining cocktail hour or doing more photos?

If you do a first look and knock out all the formals before the ceremony (like Lori and Michael), absolutely join your cocktail hour. You paid for that party – enjoy it. Plus, some of the best candid shots happen when you’re naturally interacting with your guests instead of posing for another formal photo.

How far in advance should we book our English Manor wedding photographer?

For peak wedding season (May through October) at popular Monmouth County venues like The English Manor, book 12-18 months out. For off-peak months like November through March, 6-12 months is typically fine, though weekends still book up fast.

Final Thoughts on Lori + Michael’s Day

Lori and Michael’s fall wedding at The English Manor was everything a November wedding should be. Intimate guest count, stunning seasonal florals, perfect weather, and two people who genuinely couldn’t wait to be married.

The English Manor provided the perfect backdrop – elegant enough for the formal moments, relaxed enough for the celebration to feel natural.

Planning Your English Manor Wedding?

If you’re planning your own English Manor wedding in Ocean Township, NJ, or searching for a Monmouth County wedding photographer who shoots real moments over posed perfection, let’s talk.

I’ve spent over 30 years photographing weddings throughout Northern New Jersey, NYC, and the Hudson Valley – more than 1,000 weddings at venues from The English Manor to Hamilton Farm Golf Club to countless others across the tri-state area.

What to Expect When You Book

Venue-Specific Expertise: I know what works at The English Manor. I know the lighting, the best ceremony angles, where to position you for portraits, and how to work efficiently with the venue’s timeline so you actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour instead of missing it for photos.

Real Moments, Not Poses: More importantly, I document your day the way it actually happens – genuine emotion, authentic connection, and all the moments that matter. No overly-staged poses, no making you hold awkward positions until your face hurts. Just real moments, beautifully captured.

Experience That Matters: After three decades in this business, I know how to handle family dynamics, keep timelines on track, work with any lighting situation, and make sure you get images that feel like your actual wedding day – not some Pinterest fantasy.

Contact Alex Kaplan Weddings to check availability for your English Manor wedding date or to discuss your vision for your Ocean Township or Monmouth County celebration.

Key Takeaways for Your English Manor Wedding

Planning your own celebration at The English Manor? Here’s what you need to know:

Best Time for Photos: Fall provides spectacular natural color and golden light, but every season has its advantages at this venue.

Timeline Strategy: Do a first look and complete all formal photos before the ceremony. This lets you actually enjoy your cocktail hour with guests instead of missing it for more portraits.

Venue Strengths: Multiple photo locations (gazebo, bridge, fountain, colonial building) without leaving the property, plus flexible indoor/outdoor ceremony options.

Ideal Guest Count: The intimate ballroom creates the perfect atmosphere for 50-100 guests where everyone feels connected to your celebration.

Photography Booking: Reserve your English Manor wedding photographer 12-18 months in advance for peak season (May-October) dates.

Venue: The English Manor, Ocean Township, NJ
Photography: Alex Kaplan Weddings
Videography: Neil
DJ: Limitless DJs
Florals: The Prickly Pig
Dress: Seng Couture
Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse
Hair: Lionsmane_815
Makeup: Chrissyt_mua
Transportation: Chaps Service

Looking for an experienced New Jersey wedding photographer for your English Manor wedding or celebration at another venue in Ocean Township, Monmouth County, or throughout the tri-state area? Contact Alex Kaplan Weddings to discuss your date and vision.