Kristy & Luis' Wedding at The Madison Hotel | Morristown, NJ

A Timeless Wedding at the Madison Hotel

Some weddings stay with you, and Kristy and Luis' day at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, New Jersey is one I'll always remember. I first met them a couple years ago when they visited Niagara Falls and asked me to photograph their engagement session. We spent a summer evening exploring the botanical gardens, and then headed down to the falls just as the sun was setting. The light was perfect and the photos turned out beautifully romantic.

Kristy and Luis' Niagara Falls engagement session.

A few months later, they reached out again and asked if I would travel to New Jersey to photograph their wedding. I didn't hesitate for a second. From the start, Kristy and Luis have been two of the kindest, sweetest people I've had the chance to work with. When they told me the wedding would be at The Madison Hotel, with its historic charm and stunning glass Conservatory, I couldn't wait to capture every part of their day.

The Day Before + Getting Ready

I arrived at The Madison Hotel two days before the wedding to get familiar with the venue. The evening before the big day, I ran into Kristy and Luis in the hotel lobby. They looked excited and full of anticipation, though I could tell there were some nerves, too. It was a sweet, unexpected moment, and it set the tone for what was going to be a truly special day.

The morning of the wedding, I started with Luis and his groomsmen. He showed me the custom lining of his wedding jacket. It had a design inspired by one of Van Gogh's paintings, complete with their wedding date and the words 'Forever & Always' stitched in gold. It was such a meaningful detail and immediately set the emotional tone for the day. At first, Luis was a little nervous, but once his family and friends arrived, the room filled with energy, laughter, and excitement.

After that, I went to meet Kristy and her bridesmaids. From the moment I walked in, Kristy was all smiles. If she was nervous, she didn't show it. She radiated excitement and joy. I captured the details while the girls finished up hair and makeup, and then Kristy stepped into her dress. She looked absolutely stunning. I especially loved the two veils she wore, which added a unique detail to her beautiful wedding dress.

Before heading outside, Kristy shared two emotional first looks — one with her mom and one with her maid of honor. Both moments were filled with hugs, happy tears, and lots of love. It was a beautiful way to begin the day.

First Look + Portraits

We stepped outside the front of The Madison Hotel for Kristy and Luis' first look. The hotel's classic facade, with its tall arched windows and white trim, provided the perfect elegant and timeless backdrop. Kristy waited off to the side while I got Luis into position. She quietly walked up behind him and gently tapped him on the shoulder.

When he turned around, I think he was completely speechless. He stepped back, took a long look at her, and just stared in awe. Then he pulled her into a hug and kiss, holding onto her like he never wanted to let go. After taking it all in, they shared a quiet moment together and read their private vows. It was one of those moments where everything else fades away. Just the two of them, completely present and fully connected.

Soon after, Kristy shared a first look with her father. There was a gentle smile on his face, and the look in his eyes said everything. You could feel how proud he was of her in that moment, and it was incredibly moving to witness.

Next, we brought the entire wedding party outside for one more first look. I had everyone turn around on the count of three, and their reactions were priceless. There was laughter, cheering, and so many big smiles. I especially loved seeing the junior bridesmaids and flower girls light up when they saw Kristy. The joy in their faces said it all.

We took a variety of wedding party photos around the hotel grounds, using the greenery, the architecture, and all the beautiful little spots we could find. Then I had some time with just Kristy and Luis. This part of the day felt especially meaningful. The way they looked at each other, the quiet laughs, the little whispers — you could tell they just feel safe and at home with one another.

We explored The Madison together, including the vintage train car and the sweeping old staircase inside the hotel. They were open to every idea I had, and the session flowed effortlessly. From soft, emotional portraits to playful and candid moments, every photo from this part of the day reflected who they are together.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place inside The Conservatory at The Madison Hotel, and it was breathtaking. The space is surrounded entirely by glass, allowing the golden Sunday afternoon light to pour in from every direction. Hanging florals overflowed with cascading white blooms and lush greenery, draping down from the tall white beams that framed the space. Large, elegant chandeliers sparkled overhead, adding a romantic glow to an already dreamlike atmosphere.

Kristy and Luis stood together beneath a soft white fabric-draped arch accented with delicate blooms. As they exchanged vows in front of their closest friends and family, the love between them filled the entire space. Their ceremony felt deeply personal, full of quiet joy and sincerity. Every moment felt thoughtful and true to who they are as a couple.

One of my favorite moments came just after they were officially married. As they walked down the aisle together, they paused halfway through, smiled at each other, and shared a kiss before continuing forward.It was such a sweet moment, with the perfect backdrop of the Conservatory and all their guests smiling on.

The Reception

After the ceremony, everyone made their way into the ballroom, which had a romantic and cozy atmosphere. Soft lighting, glowing chandeliers, and elegant table settings made the space feel warm and inviting. There was a quiet sense of anticipation in the room as guests waited for the couple to make their entrance.

The wedding party was introduced first, followed by Kristy and Luis. They were welcomed by their guests with loud cheers and applause. As they entered the ballroom, they went straight into their first dance. Low-lying fog drifted across the dance floor while cold spark fountains lit up behind them, filling the space with a soft glow. It was a beautiful and exciting moment, and you could feel the joy in the room as everyone watched and celebrated with them.

After a couple of heartfelt speeches, the energy in the room shifted from emotional to electric. The DJ turned up the music, and the dance floor filled up fast. It didn't matter how old you were — everyone was up dancing, laughing, and celebrating. The lights, the music, the energy... it all came together in the best way.

Then, just when the night seemed like it couldn't get more perfect, the guests cleared out of the ballroom so Kristy and Luis could have a private last dance together. This was my first time ever seeing this while photographing weddings and I loved it. Just the two of them in the middle of the room, holding each other close, soaking in the final quiet moment of the day. It was sweet, emotional, and the perfect way to end an incredible celebration.

Congratulations you two!

Final Thoughts

Kristy and Luis' wedding was everything a wedding should be — full of love, joy, laughter, and the kind of energy that stays with you long after the night ends. From our first session in Niagara Falls to their last dance in an empty ballroom, these two have been nothing but kind, fun, and so deeply in love. It was an absolute honor to document their day, and I'll always remember the way they made every moment feel meaningful — not just for themselves, but for everyone around them.

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