Rachel & Jason were looking for a NJ wedding photographer who would let the moments unfold naturally. They were looking for someone who could capture authentic emotion and support them through their wedding day jitters: a photographer who could have fun with them and their friends and family, too!
Their wedding was classic and elegant with pops of fun and color, too. It was a southern Gentleman finding his Jersey Girl and lab partners turned lovers and best friends!
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Rachel shares, “We loved working with Lisa because she knew when to let the moments unfold naturally to capture the truly heartwarming photos that we wanted. She also knew when to step in and give us guidance, coaching us through the wedding day jitters while having fun being with each other and our wedding party.”
Jason adds, “Lisa was a great photographer, we are so excited to see how all of the photos turn out!”
First Look with Dad: NJ Wedding Photographer
There is something about a father seeing his daughter for the first time on her wedding day that words can hardly capture, but a camera can. In this beautiful moment at The Palace at Somerset Park’s newly renovated Grand Foyer, Rachel’s dad’s joy says everything. And that grand piano in the background? It adds a layer of timeless elegance that feels like it was made for this moment. This is exactly why I love documenting real, unscripted emotion as an NJ wedding photographer — you simply cannot plan a reaction like this.
Icing the Groomsmen!
Rachel’s groomsmen were in for a surprise! If you’ve seen this viral TikTok wedding trend, you know — the bride hides a bucket of ice cold Smirnoff Ice underneath her wedding dress and surprises the groomsmen with it before the ceremony. It’s the perfect way to break the tension, get the party started, and capture some of the most genuine, unscripted reactions of the entire wedding day.
As an NJ wedding photographer who lives for real moments and deep human connection, I absolutely love when couples bring this kind of fun energy to their wedding day at The Palace at Somerset Park.
Artistic, NJ wedding photographer
Sometimes my creative side takes over — and I just go with it. I could only imagine how fast Rachel’s heart was beating in this moment… it was almost time for the first look! As an artistic NJ wedding photographer, these are the real, in-between moments I live for.
First look at the Palace at Somerset Park
Jason says, “When I’m with Rachel, I feel complete. She is truly my other half and makes every day better than it possibly could’ve been without her.”
Rachel laughs, “I fell for Jason when we were lab partners, and he took my thoughts and opinions into consideration as equal partners. Once we had the foundation of teamwork, his personality started to shine through, and he would make me laugh and feel at ease. Before long, we were already acting like an old married couple.”
The first look at The Palace at Somerset Park — one of my all-time favorite moments to capture as an NJ wedding photographer. You can feel the authentic emotion, the wedding day jitters melting away in real time. Classic, elegant and timeless — just like The Palace itself, with its grand spaces, iconic columns, and stunning renovated interiors that create the perfect canvas for deep human connection and real moments like this one.
Private Wedding Vows: Such a sweet Idea!
They share, “We met in college with such different backgrounds and loved the differences we saw in each other. Rachel saw a southern gentleman, and he saw his Jersey Girl.”
Private wedding vows are one of the most meaningful and intimate trends I have seen growing recently, and Rachel and Jason did it beautifully. Exchanging personal vows privately, just the two of you, creates a moment of deep human connection that is completely your own.
No audience, no pressure, only authentic emotion and words spoken from the heart. It also gives couples a chance to be fully present and let the moments unfold naturally before the ceremony even begins. As an NJ wedding photographer who specializes in documentary storytelling and photojournalistic, romantic natural imagery, these are the moments I treasure most — misty-eyed, vulnerable and real.
Palace at Somerset Park: vibrant, spring wedding party
Rachel says, “My vision for our wedding was classy and elegant with a pop of fun. The Palace perfectly fit what we were imagining for our day. I was excited to see all of our friends and family in the ballroom. The cocktail hour room was mind blowing, seeing all of the details they put into everything. The iconic columns out front were a beautiful spot to take photos with each other and our wedding party.”
The wedding party was absolutely stunning, light blue floor-length gowns paired with the most vibrant bouquets against the classic, romantic backdrop of The Palace in Somerset, New Jersey. This is the kind of timeless elegance that The Palace was made for, and exactly the aesthetic Rachel had envisioned from the very beginning.
Palace at Somerset Park: Ceremony in the Renovated Grand Foyer
Jason smiles, “I loved how Rachel surprised me with the instrumental of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ as she walked down the aisle. It’s one of my favorite songs!”
The ceremony in the Grand Foyer at The Palace at Somerset Park was absolutely stunning! Bright, white, and modern with the newly renovated carpet and lattice giving it the most perfect garden vibe for Rachel and Jason’s classic, elegant day. And that floral arch paired with her vibrant bouquet? That pop of color was everything!
Big and little moments during the Ceremony
I love it all. The quiet little moments, like the rings being dropped into the groom’s hand. And the big, joyful moments like Rachel and Jason being cheered on as they exited the Grand Foyer as husband and wife for the very first time.
Palace at Somerset Park new east side ballroom renovations
Jason shares, “I was most excited for the large ballroom, where we were able to gather with all of our family and friends on our special day. I really enjoyed the getting-ready suites, as they gave each of us time with our closest friends on our special day.”
The renovations to the East Side Ballroom are complete, and wow, are they white bright and absolutely stunning! This really gives an excellent blank canvas for couples to use on their big day.
Palace at Somerset Park East side ballroom
The East Side Ballroom at The Palace at Somerset Park — the entrance, the first dance, timeless, classic, romantic and elegant. This is what I love about being an editorial, photojournalistic, natural light NJ wedding photographer.
Speeches, florals and photojournalism: NJ wedding photographer
I noticed Rachel and Jason quietly holding hands, and across the room. Her mom’s face said everything as she watched her two daughters share such a loving, tender moment together.
The vibrant florals bringing that garden aesthetic into the East Side Ballroom made it all even more beautiful.
This is how we do it!
They laugh, “We both love ABBA (Rachel the most) and made sure to have many of their songs played throughout the wedding!”
This NJ wedding Photographer loves the dance floor!
NJ Wedding Photographer: Happily ever after!
As an award-winning NJ wedding photographer, I let the moments unfold naturally, captured authentic emotion and had the most fun with this incredible couple, their family and friends.
As a veteran Palace at Somerset Park photographer, I knew exactly where we needed to be for our final shot of the evening. It did not disappoint!
NJ Wedding Photographer Slideshow: Rachel & Jason
VENDORS:
- Venue, Catering, Planner: The Palace @palacesomerset
- Bridal Attire: Poffie Girls @poffiegirls
- Groom Attire: Jos. A Bank @josabank
- Florist: Carousel of Flowers @carouselofflowers
- Hair: @thehairlossboss
- Makeup: Melissa D’Aloia & Co @melissa_daloia_co
- DJ: Elegant Music Group @emg_josuel
- Bakery: Palermos Bakery @palermos.bakery
- Officiant: Dalton Thornton – @daltontthornton
HUNGRY FOR MORE?
CONTACT ME!
Are you or someone you know looking for a photographer for their weddings, portraits, engagement, business branding, etc? I’m your girl! Contact me here, I’d love to hear all about it!