Clinton, NJ Backyard Wedding: Suzanne & Jim

April 3, 2018

The backyard of Suzanne and Jim will forever be special to them. Sure, they have a beautiful property with amazing sunsets from their back porch, but now it is more than that. It is the culmination of tons of planning, hard work, and numerous DIY projects, making their wedding day even more personal and special. Just like them.

Last October was the time, their home was the place, and how it all went down was better than anyone expected. I really loved spending the day with Jim and Suzanne and all their friends and family. The way Jim looks at Suzanne is enough to make anyone’s heart melt over and over. What a perfect day for this perfect couple. And another honor for me to be there to photograph it all for them.

Here is their story, as told by Suzanne:

How did you meet? Our story begins with Jim’s childhood best friend (Shawn), and brother, of my college roommate and best friend. A little over five years ago, and after multiple other missed opportunities to meet, while at a wedding Shawn mentioned to Jim that he had a “boo” for him. Shawn texted me and asked if he could give my number to Jim. While I appreciated him thinking of me, I politely declined. Thankfully, Shawn being Shawn, he ignored me and three months later Jim and I met at the Clinton House for a drink which turned into dinner and the rest is history.

The proposal: Jim’s schedule changes weekly, so our date nights are typically unplanned. On a random January Monday afternoon, we spent the day walking around Ken Lockwood Gorge with our dogs, Remi and Titan. Jim suggested that we go to the Clinton House for dinner and a stroll around Clinton. While walking around downtown Clinton by the Red Mill Museum, where we met on our first date, Jim got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so in shock that I didn’t actually answer him and walked away. After realizing that I left him on bended knee I quickly ran back and said yes! I don’t think I stopped shaking the entire night.

What’s next on your calendar as a couple? After the year we had (engagement, addition to the house, and backyard wedding), we decided to just kick back and take it all in before planning a honeymoon. This year we plan on either heading to Colorado to see the Red Rocks and backpacking in the Rockies (Jim) or going to Europe (Sue). Something tells me we’ll end up doing both!

How/why did you choose your own backyard for your wedding? We researched a number of outdoor venues and couldn’t quite find the “perfect” place. With help from our friends and family we were able to have everything we wanted without leaving home. Having it at home really made it “us.” We built the arbor, created signs and decorations, lighting, centerpieces. It was a lot of work but made it special to us. It made for a very personal atmosphere for us to share with the people we love.

What were some of your favorite moments from your wedding day? Everything coming together as planned and just seeing everyone dancing, drinking, and have a great time.

Any advice for future couples planning their weddings? Make sure you stop for a minute to take it all in. Drink and dance like no one is watching, we sure did!

Some of Suzanne & Jim’s other fabulous vendors include: