Elise and Michel’s Ashford Estate wedding in Allentown, New Jersey was one of those days where every element came together perfectly. Thirty acres, an 1800s dairy barn ceremony, the Grand Conservatory for cocktail hour, Suite 9 with its enormous windows for getting ready, and a sunset on the outdoor swing that I had never gotten to photograph before despite shooting here multiple times. Here’s what the day looked like.
The couple’s rings were unique and lovely. I especially adored Michel’s wood-accented wedding band.
The couple had a triple-ring velvet box to hold all of their bands, embossed with their new last name’s first initial.
Each of their details were well thought-through, from the invitation suite to Elise’s pearl-studded block heel shoes.
I love Suite 9 at Ashford. The huge window makes a great backdrop for detail and getting ready photos, especially when a wedding dress is involved!
I love that Ashford Estate has an actual salon on the ground floor for clients to get ready!
The couple’s first look took place outside near the Gazebo and the Ruins. The front lawn space at Ashford Estate is massive, with dozens of excellent locations for photos.
We also got to take advantage of the gorgeous tree-lined driveway for more portraits after the first look.
I kept coming back to this path that led to the Gazebo and the Ruins. The light in Elise’s hair was just too beautiful to pass up!
Then it was back to Suite 9 for the ketubah signing! The huge windows provided excellent natural light, and I was so glad to be back in that gorgeous setting again for more photos.
After veiling the bride and putting on the groom’s kippuh it was time to head to the barn for the wedding ceremony.
The ceremony took place in Ashford Estate’s unique 1800s rustic dairy barn, a really gorgeous space, especially during the daylight hours.
After the ceremony we took a few more family photos and then it was sunset time with Elise and Michel. I’ve been to Ashford Estate several times, but this was the first time I got to photograph a couple on the outdoor swing.
Merri-Makers is the exclusive caterer at Ashford. They offer a comprehensive range of services that cover everything from menu planning to decor – they also help with coordination, which was extraordinarily pivotal in ensuring we had enough time with Elise and Michel to take their portraits.
We photographed Elise and Michel for a few more minutes – enough to get great sunset shots, but not so long that they missed cocktail hour!
The details and decor in the ballroom for the reception were meticulous and extremely well-designed.
Cocktail hour took place in the Grand Conservatory before heading into the ballroom for reception.
I love that you can still see the sun setting outside of the windows while Elise and Michel had their first dance.
After the motzi it was time for toasts!
The ballroom at Ashford Estate holds up to 275 guests, making it a great place for a huge party!
About Ashford Estate
Ashford Estate sits on 30 acres in Allentown, New Jersey and is one of the most comprehensive and beautifully maintained wedding venues in the state. The property includes a historic 1800s dairy barn, a grand ballroom, the Grand Conservatory, Suite 9 for getting ready, a salon on the ground floor, a gazebo, and ruins that create one of the best first look settings I’ve used at any New Jersey venue. Merri-Makers is the exclusive caterer, handling everything from menu planning to decor coordination. More at ashfordestate.com.
The Spaces
Suite 9. The getting-ready suite. Enormous windows, extraordinary natural light, genuinely beautiful as a photography environment. One of the best getting-ready spaces of any New Jersey wedding venue.
The 1800s Dairy Barn. The ceremony space. A rustic historic barn that is genuinely beautiful, especially during daylight hours when the light comes through the structure.
The Grand Conservatory. The cocktail hour space. Elegant and light-filled, a beautiful transition between ceremony and reception.
The Grand Ballroom. The reception space, accommodating up to 275 guests.
The Salon. An actual salon on the ground floor for getting ready. Unusual and genuinely useful for couples who want hair and makeup handled on property.
The Photo Locations
The Gazebo and the Ruins. The front lawn first look area. The path leading to the gazebo with good afternoon light is extraordinary.
The Tree-Lined Driveway. One of the most classically beautiful portrait locations on the property. Mature trees on both sides create natural framing that works in every season.
The Outdoor Swing. A quieter portrait location. Golden hour on the swing with the estate grounds behind you is genuinely beautiful.
Suite 9 Windows. The huge windows are not just for getting ready. They make an extraordinary detail and portrait backdrop throughout the morning.
What to Know
Merri-Makers is the exclusive caterer at Ashford Estate. They handle menu planning, decor, and coordination. Their involvement significantly helps the day run smoothly and protects portrait time. On Elise and Michel’s wedding, their coordination was pivotal in making sure we had enough time for sunset portraits without cutting into cocktail hour.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ashford Estate Weddings
Where is Ashford Estate located?
121 Conover Road in Allentown, New Jersey, in Monmouth County, approximately 50 miles from Manhattan and 30 miles from Philadelphia. More at ashfordestate.com.
What is Ashford Estate?
A 30-acre wedding venue in Allentown, New Jersey featuring a historic 1800s dairy barn, grand ballroom, Grand Conservatory, Suite 9 getting-ready suite with extraordinary natural light, an on-site salon, gazebo, ruins, tree-lined driveway, and outdoor swing. Merri-Makers is the exclusive caterer.
What makes Ashford Estate distinctive?
The variety of portrait locations within a single property is genuinely exceptional. The ruins and gazebo for first looks. The tree-lined driveway for classic portraits. Suite 9 for getting-ready coverage that actually looks beautiful. The outdoor swing for golden hour. The historic barn for the ceremony and the grand ballroom for the reception give the day two completely different visual environments.
What are the best photo locations at Ashford Estate?
The path to the gazebo and ruins for first looks. The tree-lined driveway for formal portraits. The outdoor swing at golden hour. Suite 9’s enormous windows for morning and detail coverage. The barn during the ceremony for warm natural light.
What is the light like at Ashford Estate?
Suite 9 has exceptional window light throughout the morning. The front lawn and gazebo area catches good afternoon light. The tree-lined driveway filters light in a way that’s naturally soft. Golden hour on the estate grounds is warm and beautiful.
Who is the caterer at Ashford Estate?
Merri-Makers is the exclusive caterer. They handle menu planning, decor, and day-of coordination.
How many guests can Ashford Estate accommodate?
The grand ballroom accommodates up to 275 guests.
Do you photograph weddings at Ashford Estate?
Yes. If your wedding is at Ashford Estate, I’d love to hear about it.
Ashford Estate is one of the most complete wedding venues in New Jersey. If yours is here, I’d love to be there for it.
