Gabrielle & Matt had their beautiful elopement at Laurelwood Arboretum on October 1, 2022.

Their love story

To start, Matt and Gabrielle met in college. A little background to their love story: On their first date they went to an Italian deli in the Bronx. They gave Gabrielle the wrong sandwich but she ate it anyway. The date was great and ended in a very nervous kiss. Catch these two finding new restaurants together, going to the zoo, making up their own words and using them in conversations. Overall, they have one of those rare connections that is so admirable and you can’t help but smile when you’re around them. 

The ceremony

Next, they chose to have a small wedding outside within nature. Surrounded by their family, they committed their lives to one another. Pure joy radiated from everyone’s faces. It was a moment they had all been waiting for. The joining of these two families and the sacred love being shared. We set up chairs right next to the pond. The ceremony took place right on the grass with the pond in the background. Their close friend officiated their wedding ceremony.

Moreover, Laurelwood Arboretum was the most stunning outdoor environment for their elopement to take place in. The experience was so pure and so beautiful. I felt so honored to document their marriage.

Are you looking to elope? 

In conclusion, if you are a NJ resident looking to have your elopement in a beautiful area surrounded by nature, Laurelwood Arboretum is an amazing option. The arboretum is located in northern NJ in the town of Wayne. The arboretum has various paths, sections, a pond, a gazebo, a mini bridge, flower gardens, a sensory garden, sculptures and much more.

In addition, the whole place has such a relaxing vibe. You feel serene in nature while you are there. I think it is the perfect spot to elope if you want a very nature-oriented and intimate experience.

Laurelwood Arboretum: amazing location to have your elopement

Overall, I highly recommend utilizing Laurelwood Arboretum for your elopement because of how big the property is. Having the arboretum reserved for your elopement, having the whole place to yourself, it was so beautiful and serene. There were deer walking around calmly while we were there. Above all, such a natural place, and truly wonderful environment to get married in.

Link to Arboretum website & photography permit requirements!

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Gabrielle & Matt’s gallery on my website: https://allyfrances.com/portfolio

Also: I added this helpful blog “Reasons to Elope in 2023” by Vows and Peaks for all the brides pondering eloping in 2023: https://vowsandpeaks.com/top-reason-to-elope/