A Chic & Joyful Day at The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor
Jenn and Joe’s October 17, 2025 wedding at The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor in Hazlet, NJ unfolded with style, warmth, and thoughtful details. This elegant boutique-venue — known for its sweeping staircase, chandeliers, and spacious ballroom — provided a refined, timeless backdrop to their celebration.
From early morning preparations to their first dance under soft lights, the day was full of meaningful moments, careful planning, and emotional connection — all beautifully captured to reflect their personalities and love story.
Getting Ready & Personal Touches
The morning began at 11:30 AM at Sonesta Select Tinton Falls Eatontown, where Jenn prepared for the day. While no additional names were specified for her getting-ready crew, we prioritized shooting meaningful details: the charm from Jenn’s uncle added to her bouquet, the quiet moments with her mother, and the special “first look” with her bridesmaids — matching pajamas and all.
In the early hours, Jenn and Joe also exchanged letters/cards — a private, heartfelt gesture that set a touching tone for the day.
Joe began his preparations at 1:00 PM at the same hotel. His mother joined him, helping with cufflinks and tie — a moment full of family love and nervous excitement. We also documented the groomsmen prep with their matching knives, and captured Joe being blindfolded for his surprise car ride to the venue — a fun, emotional moment filled with anticipation.
These early details — prep, personal items, family interactions — laid the foundation for the rest of the day, and offered beautiful candid snapshots full of meaning.
Portraits & Bridal Party Moments at The Gramercy
At 2:30 PM, Jenn and Joe arrived at The Gramercy for their couple-portrait session. We captured them in a variety of settings: perhaps a reflective shot of their silhouettes in the venue’s grand mirror at the entrance; a posed-but-casual bar scene inside (Jenn seated, Joe standing) — as requested; and candid moments that reveal their connection and excitement.
By 3:30 PM, the bridal party joined in. We made sure to get individual portraits — Jenn with each bridesmaid, Joe with each groomsman — as well as full group shots. These images add depth and variety to the gallery, reflecting both close friendships and celebratory energy before the ceremony.
Family Photos & Ceremony Highlights
At 4:30 PM, we gathered extended family for formal group photos — a meaningful record for generations to keep.
The ceremony started at 5:30 PM, in a short but heartfelt service. We documented the vows, the readings (including a reading by Joe’s mother), the ring exchange, and their first kiss — the quiet, emotional core of the day. The Gramercy’s elegant ballroom and decor added richness and timelessness to these key moments.
Cocktail Hour & Reception: Celebrations, Family & Joy
Cocktail hour began at 6:00 PM, giving guests time to mingle and enjoy the venue’s ambiance. Right around sunset (approx. 6:12 PM), we planned for special golden-hour couples or group portraits — soft light and warm tones ideal for cinematic images.
At 7:00 PM, reception festivities began:
-
Grand entry of Jenn, Joe, and their wedding party
-
First Dance
-
Parent Dances (Bride & Father, Groom & Mom)
-
Speeches — Maid of Honor and both Best Men
-
Cake cutting
-
A special 90s-era birthday tribute for Grandma with a small cake
-
Family groups photographed on the venue’s staircase steps, and additional group photos at tables for the groom’s family as requested
This schedule offered a beautiful mix of formal moments, heartfelt speeches, and relaxed celebration — giving us plenty of opportunity to capture laughter, hugs, tears, and all the details that make weddings unique.
Why The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor Shines for NJ Weddings
The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor stands out as one of New Jersey’s most elegant, boutique wedding venues. With a capacity up to 300 guests, a sweeping staircase for grand entrances, a draped-ceiling ballroom with chandeliers, and both indoor and outdoor options near the lake, it offers versatility and timeless style.
For couples like Jenn and Joe — who value family moments, personal touches, and a mix of fun and elegance — this venue provides the perfect balance.
If you’re planning your wedding in NJ and want beautiful photography and videography to match your vision, we’d be honored to help you bring your day to life.
Schedule a consultation: https://redbankstudio.com/meetings
Vendors
-
Venue: The Gramercy at Lakeside Manor, Hazlet, NJ
-
Photography & Videography: Red Bank Studio
-
DJ / Entertainment: Posh DJs
