Erica & Chris’s Nature-Inspired Wedding at Tatum Park in Middletown, NJ
On a crisp autumn afternoon, Erica and Chris tied the knot surrounded by nature’s beauty at Tatum Park in Middletown Township, New Jersey. Captured by Red Bank Studio, their October 5, 2025 celebration was the perfect balance of heartfelt simplicity, natural elegance, and timeless romance.
With its warm fall palette, scenic woodlands, and intimate atmosphere at the Holland Activity Center, this wedding was a perfect example of how Red Bank Studio brings each couple’s unique story to life through authentic, emotionally rich photography.
Getting Ready at the Holland Activity Center
The day began at Tatum Park’s Holland Activity Center, where Erica prepared for the ceremony with her mother, Peggy Pierson, and sister, Amanda Pierson, by her side. The rustic yet cozy interior set the tone for a day full of warmth and love.
Red Bank Studio captured the details that make the morning so special — the delicate lace of Erica’s gown, her heirloom jewelry, handwritten vows, and the moment she read a heartfelt card from Chris. These quiet, emotional moments created a powerful start to the day’s visual story.
At 1:45 PM, makeup wrapped up, followed by the exciting “get in the dress” moment at 2:00 PM. Soon after, at 2:45 PM, Erica shared a touching first look with her dad, a tender exchange that brought everyone in the room to tears.
Meanwhile, Chris and his groomsmen were also getting ready at the venue at 1:30 PM, sharing laughs, tightening ties, and reflecting on the moment to come. Just like Erica, Chris received a card from his bride that morning — a simple but beautiful way to connect before their first look.
First Look and Couple Portraits in the Park
At 3:00 PM, Erica and Chris shared their first look surrounded by the natural beauty of Tatum Park’s meadows and tree-lined trails. The early October light cast a soft, romantic glow over the couple, creating the perfect atmosphere for candid portraits.
Inspired by nature and their shared Pinterest vision (see their inspiration here), the session focused on golden leaves, gentle sunlight, and the authentic joy of the moment. The couple also incorporated a vintage car for timeless portraits, blending rustic charm with classic style.
Red Bank Studio’s approach — focusing on natural tones, motion, and emotion — perfectly captured the essence of the day: intimate, romantic, and full of life.
Family and Bridal Party Portraits
At 4:00 PM, family portraits were taken at the Holland Activity Center. Surrounded by loved ones, Erica and Chris’s families came together for a mix of formal and candid group shots. The park’s natural backdrop — with its open fields and autumn foliage — gave every image a soft, organic beauty that reflected the day’s tone.
A Romantic Ceremony at Tatum Park
At 5:00 PM, the couple exchanged vows in a short outdoor ceremony at Tatum Park. The ceremony setting was elegantly simple — rustic décor, fall florals, and the soft sounds of live acoustic music performed by Andrew Robinson, their ceremony and cocktail-hour musician.
As the couple exchanged rings and promises beneath the open sky, Red Bank Studio captured every heartfelt glance and smile, preserving the genuine emotion of their commitment.
Cocktail Hour and Reception Celebration
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a cozy cocktail hour at 5:30 PM, complete with music by Andrew Robinson. A highlight of the evening was a private moment shared by Erica and Chris — just the two of them reflecting on the ceremony before joining guests.
Around 6:15 PM, extended family photos with cousins, aunts, and uncles were captured during the tail end of cocktail hour, as the sun began to dip behind the trees.
The reception began at 6:30 PM, perfectly coordinated by Jenna, the couple’s wedding planner, and catered by Jacques Catering. The evening flowed effortlessly through a lineup of touching and joyful moments:
DJ and MC Dylan Massiah kept the energy lively throughout the evening, transitioning seamlessly between emotional moments and dance floor fun. Red Bank Studio ensured all speeches and important dances were not only photographed but recorded with sound, preserving the words and music that made the evening unforgettable.
Vendor Team
An incredible team came together to make Erica and Chris’s wedding day effortless and beautiful:
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