Love Is Not Canceled | New Jersey Elopement Photography

Elopement Coronavirus Suprise Celebration First Dance

Rachel & Frank

Photographing a wedding is so much different than last year. Heck, its even way different than our last wedding we captured back in March! Through the coronavirus pandemic, the uncertainty of weddings and getting married in general has been up in the air, with so many restrictions. However, LOVE is NOT canceled, especially when it comes to Rachel & Frank. LOVE conquers ALL! Rachel & Frank have been through a little more than the “normal” bride and groom during the pandemic. Not only were supposed to have their big wedding celebration this past weekend with all of their friends and family, which got postponed to the fall; but amidst the pandemic, they both battled through COVID-19 themselves, and won! They conquered the virus, started postponing and changing their plans like champs, but knew they wanted to at least say their vows, and have a New Jersey elopement, on their original wedding date!

A New Jersey Elopement at Christ Our Light Catholic Church

Rachel & Frank’s grandparents church agreed to marry them on their original wedding date! With just immediate family present (and a few on facetime) Rachel & Frank committed forever to one another. There was not a dry eye in the church. The emotions could be felt so strongly, even though there were only a few people in the church. It was perfect.

Bride & Groom Elopement Photography at Croft Farms Art Center

After their ceremony, we headed over to Croft Farms Art Center to have some portrait time with the newlyweds! What a beautiful day! Rachel’s cousin even stopped by with the couple’s dog, Red, for some photos! Red is the absolute sweetest pup and we just love him!! Afterwards, we took a short drive to Rachel & Frank’s local ice cream shop, Maple Shade Custard, where the couple got celebratory ice cream cones! <3

A Surprise New Jersey Elopement Celebration with Family & Friends

As we were planning the timeline of the day, Rachel mentioned to me that her mom set up a drive-by celebration back at their house! So, after we were done photographing them at Croft Farms, we were supposed to head to her parents house to capture the drive-by celebration of all of their friends & family! However, what the couple didn’t know is that I had been in contact with Rachel’s Matron of Honor, Lisa, and they had an even bigger surprise awaiting the couple!!

The day of the wedding, Rachel’s mom mentioned that they would be driving to Moorestown High School, to then lead the car parade back to her parent’s house. When they arrived at the high school parking lot, they were greeted with a circle of cars, all decorated for them!! They saw all of their family & friends, staying in their own family groups circled around an area with decor and flower petals for the couple! To say they were surprised, would be an understatement! Rachel & Frank were able to walk around, socially-distanced and greet all of the people that mean the world to them!

All of a sudden, Rachel & Frank’s first dance song started to play, and the couple danced their very first dance, surrounded by everyone they love! I don’t think this day could have been any more perfect for these two!