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By Lauren Fair Photography

The Blog

I’m Jill, a wedding photographer based in New Jersey — and I’m so excited that you’re here! Follow along with the blog to get a glimpse into the heart behind my work.

A Classic Ballroom Wedding at The Rockleigh

Rockleigh, New Jersey

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An absolutely gorgeous wedding day for Julia and Taylor! These two had a traditional church ceremony at the stunning Immaculate Conception Church in Tuckahoe followed by a celebration just over the NY/NJ border at The Rockleigh.

Julia and Taylor first met in school at Villanova University at the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year. As Julia tells it, “I decided to introduce myself to Taylor at a party because I knew through the grapevine that my dad’s best friend was Taylor’s high school lacrosse coach. Len sadly passed away last summer a few weeks before we got engaged, but he’s an important part of the reason why Taylor and I met in the first place. From there, it was a slow burn for us as I was actually seeing someone else when Taylor and I first met. We realized we were in the same major, so we took classes together and developed a strong friendship as the foundation of our relationship. Taylor and I ultimately started dating a few years later in January 2017, and the rest is history!”

Fast forward to the summer of 2022 when Julia and Taylor were living together in FiDi. “Taylor scoped out a great spot right off the West Side Highway with an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty to pop the question! Funny story actually — our pre-engagement dinner itself ended up being one of our most memorable to date. It was a muggy July night, about to rain and the restaurant he picked was al fresco (aka no AC) opening up to a beautiful public park area. When we got to dinner, we noticed there was a giant circle of folding chairs set up in the park that turned out to be for a “bongo drum night” community event. Our entire proposal video from after dinner is overtaken by the sound of bongo drums… which has now turned into a huge inside joke. Taylor ran by the exact spot the two previous weeks to vet the area leading up to the proposal, but bongo night was not an obstacle he saw coming.”

Julia’s ring is gorgeous, and exactly what she wanted! “It’s an oval diamond solitaire on a pave band, all set in platinum. Taylor and I went together to try on engagement rings back in April 2022 to get some ideas on what I liked most. I’m the kind of girl who likes to know all my options before I commit all in to something. We left the store with a better idea, but everything was solidified by some “subtle” instagram DMs of perfect examples. Taylor is such a supportive partner (it’s something I love most about him!) and he also takes directions quite well.”

When chatting with these two, Julia explained her inspiration for her wedding day was to create something timeless, classic, and chic. “The whole family fell in love with The Rockleigh as soon as we walked in the door. It’s so opulent — everything is white marble. Probably one of the prettiest venues we’ve ever seen, plus we heard it had amazing food. We look forward to taking advantage of the beautiful indoor spaces — and weather permitting — the gorgeous outdoor spaces.”


And permit the weather did! These two got an absolutely gorgeous October day, as the leaves were just beginning to turn, and were able to experience their celebrate exactly as they always imagined. Congratulations again to the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith!

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Vendors:

Photography: Jill Sahner Photography
Venue: The Rockleigh
Videography: Alex Knight Studio
Hair: Hair by Casey Veda
Makeup: Jax Cole Artistry
Ceremony Florals: Mrs. Morgan’s Flower Shop
Reception/Personal Florals: Amaryllis Event Decor
Band: Stolen Moments Entertainment
Invitations: Minted
Cake: A Little Cake
Gown: Elizabeth Johns Couture, Amsale
Veil: Peter Langner
Topper: Anne Barge
Bridal Stylist: Bogan Loves Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale
Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply
Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux
Photo Booth: Events 2 Remember
Engagement Ring: Henry K Diamonds
Wedding Bands: Lauren B Jewelry
Transportation: BBZ Limo

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