Under the midsummer sky, Lauren and Matthew exchanged vows and promised their forevers, surrounded by blossoming nature and the love of all their closest family and friends. From delicate lace linens to the shimmering sound of tambourines, every detail of their July wedding at Crossed Keys Estate shone with charm and style. From the enchanting ceremony beneath towering oaks to a spirited tequila speakeasy featuring their beloved pups and tarot cards, the day was layered with meaningful magic, captured with exquisite artistry by Longbrook Photography.
Ethereal Beginnings
Lauren began the day in the Playhouse, immersed in anticipation alongside her closest friends. Turning heads all day, Lauren wore a custom-fitted Devonne Pronovias Privée Satin gown, with a princess silhouette, sweetheart neckline, draped bodice, and voluminous skirt. Iconic Prada leather slingback pumps and a sleek parted bun completed her sophisticated look.
Across the property, Matt prepared in the Estate House’s Private Parlor, sharp in a tailored Jack Victor suit, Ferragamo loafers, and a timeless black bow tie. The air buzzed with excitement as these two stories unfolded in tandem before their first look.
Personal Floral Details
Lauren’s vision for her bouquet was classic and white, but not roses. From the start, she knew her dress was going to be the moment and wanted a simple yet elegant bouquet to complement the gown. Jessica, lead designer at Crossed Keys Designs, crafted a sleek calla lily bouquet paired with a matching boutonniere.
First Look
Lauren and Matt laid eyes on each other for the first time in the middle of a grassy field. With their parents gathered nearby, they shared their first heartfelt moments filled with excitement and emotion.
Following their first look, the day flowed into portraits on the property. Lauren and Matt couldn’t keep their eyes off each other, sharing smiles and genuine affection in their gaze.
Rain teased the day, adding to the romance as they retreated indoors and got cozy in the Stone Cottage and in front of the Farmhouse.
Ceremony Beneath the Oaks
Guests were greeted with champagne as Lauren and Matt signed their ketubah in the Playhouse. Chairs curved along a winding aisle, dusted with white rose petals and whimsical floral arrangements, led to a breathtaking 10-foot chuppah adorned with smilax vines, lush arrangements of roses, hydrangea, hanging amaranth, and allium. Jessica, lead designer at Crossed Keys Designs, collaborated closely with Lauren to bring her Modern Midsummer Ceremony to life, engineering custom stone pillars and a majestic floral palette of pale pink, sage green, ivory, and lavender highlights.
Their French Bulldog, Maui, tuxedo-clad, carried the wedding rings alongside Lauren’s brothers. Just before walking down the aisle, a recording of Lauren’s voice played for Matt, sharing her emotions, creating a memorable start to their celebration.
Matt’s heirloom tallit was displayed atop the chuppah, while another was wrapped around the newlyweds in sacred tradition during their ceremony. Rabbi Deena officiated Lauren and Matt’s Jewish wedding ceremony rituals: the blessing over the kiddush cup, the exchange of rings, and the recitation of vows. The ceremony culminated with Matt’s breaking of the glass, followed by jubilant cheers of “Mazal Tov!” as they sealed their bond with their first kiss beneath the oak trees.
Cocktail Hour Delights
Beneath the Conservatory’s sparkling lights, guests mingled and soaked in the joy of the moment. Signature Hugo Spritzes and classic Negronis flowed, perfectly paired with savory bites like hot honey sliders, lamb chops, grilled cheese, tomato soup shooters, and artichoke fritters. The glass structure and surrounding gardens created a chic, inviting atmosphere alive with love, laughter, and live music filling the summer air.
Farmhouse Reception Celebration
Privately, Lauren and Matt shared their first glimpse of the transformed Farmhouse. Their vision of lush florals, shimmering lace linens, crystal candelabras, and candlelight filled the room with a romantic glow. Pops of desert rose and sage Ezra lichen napkins, chosen to complement the sweetheart table linen and flickering candles, added a sophisticated touch of color. Personalized tambourine place settings created a playful spirit that carried onto the dance floor.
A Victorian-inspired buttercream cake, concealing a playful funfetti interior, was topped with custom LEGO figurines of the couple. Beside the cake, the newlyweds honored their legacy with framed portraits from their parents’ wedding days. All atop a velvet green linen and surrounded by lush florals, creating a striking centerpiece for the couple’s cake cutting.
Months of meticulous planning unfolded before their eyes, filling the room with joy. Savoring the atmosphere, every thoughtful detail, and the anticipation of sharing this beautiful space with their loved ones.
The Tequila Tasting Speakeasy: Samson’s Reserve
Hidden behind velvet drapes, ‘Samon’s Reserve’ named after Matt’s childhood dog, transported guests into a world of vintage glamour. Christine from Click It Event Planning, the couple’s planner, curated the space with a custom fabric bar, vintage lounge furniture, framed portraits of their pups, drapery, lighting, and LEGO bud vases. Lauren’s personal touches, including guest checks, tarot cards, and loose change scattered on the tables. The speakeasy curtains opened after dinner, inviting guests into the exclusive, intimate atmosphere, and quickly became the guests’ favorite hideaway.
A Night to Remember
The evening ignited with choreographed grand entrances from the wedding party that energized the room before Lauren and Matt’s ethereal first dance to Harvest Moon. The Hora followed, blending traditions as Lauren’s parents joined Matt’s in embracing the tradition, blending their cultures and hearts in joyful dance.
Dinner honored the couple’s special request with NY strip steak with frites, alongside options of grilled salmon with peach mango salsa, and chicken medallions sautéed in a lemon-white sauce, satisfying every palate.
Following the speeches, Lauren surprised the mothers of the day with bouquets and appreciation for their endless support. As the evening unfolded, Lauren transformed into a dazzling Retrofête Haven after-party dress, shimmering with sequins, feathers, and fringe. While Matt switched to a sleek black button-up. The dance floor lit up with tambourines, glowing glasses, and glow sticks as Lauren and Matt joined the band for a drum solo.
Reflecting on the day, Lauren shared, “In a world where everyone says don’t worry about the little things, thank you for celebrating them with us.”
“This chuppah was one of the most ambitious projects we’ve undertaken. Our team stretched creatively, collaborating in new ways to honor Lauren and Matt’s vision.” Jessica, Crossed Keys Designs
Christine from Clickit Event Planning, “From the start, it was a very collaborative process. Lauren and Matt had a ton of ideas, and all the details were important to them. Every texture, color, and detail mattered. Their passion fueled the entire process.”
From the garden ceremony beneath the oak trees to the farmhouse reception and every personal touch in between, Lauren and Matt’s midsummer dream wedding at Crossed Keys was a beautiful start to their married life. This unforgettable day could not have come to life without the passion, expertise, and collaboration of the incredible team behind the scenes. Extending our gratitude to the talented professionals who helped make every moment flawless.
Photo: Longbrook Photography
Planner: ClickIt Event Planning
Venue + Catering: Crossed Keys Estate
Video: Ivan Jay Yap
Floral + Decor: Crossed Keys Designs
Hair: Verve NJ
Makeup: Make Me Up Eva
Ceremony & Reception Music: iReserve Entertainment
Cocktail Hour Music: Spinners Entertainment LLC
Dog Handler: Smile ‘N’ Wag
Speakeasy Furniture: Cedar & Sage
Paper Goods: Jilly P. Invitations & Gifts
Bride’s Attire: Pronovias | Retrofête | Prada
Groom’s Attire: Jack Victor | Ferragamo
