Styled Shoot: The James Ward Mansion NJ wedding photos

Everything you need to know about a wedding at the James Ward Mansion

Where is the James Ward Mansion?

169 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ 07090

Is there parking?

Parking at the James Ward Mansion is not ideal and I would recommend you hire a transportation service like a shuttle bus for you and your guests on the wedding day. The James Ward mansion team can provide a list of transportation vendors they recommend.

Is the James Ward Mansion handicap accessible?

Luckily there is a private elevator entrance for the handicapped and those who cannot walk upstairs in the back alley. Keep in mind that a shuttle bus cannot drop handicapped guests to the elevator entrance, and those who are handicapped or cannot walk stairs will need a get to the elevator entrance via a van or smaller vehicle. A parking lot is available after their drop-off nearby for an hourly fee. Those who are handicapped or cannot take stairs will not be able to access the upstairs bridal suite or groom suite or church. They will only be able to roam the ceremony/reception/cocktail spaces.

What is the maximum amount of guests allowed at The James Ward Mansion?

120 maximum guest count

Where do the ceremony and reception take place?

The ceremony is on the main floor and flipped during cocktail hour as a reception space.

I am kosher and some guests have dietary restrictions. Can the James Ward Mansion cater to our dietary restrictions?

The good news, the James Ward Mansion has three catering options and will meet any dietary restrictions

Does the James Ward Mansion have a bride and groom getting ready suite?

Absolutely. As a wedding photographer, I find that the James Ward Mansion has one of the most fabulous and elegant bridal suites and no bride should ever pass up the opportunity to capture beautiful bridal portraits in it. Down the hall and around the corner on the 2nd level, there is a groom suite for the groom and groomsmen to chill out in and take some portraits. It’s small and could accommodate up to 4 people comfortably. The bridal suite could comfortably sit up to 8 people.

The ideal wedding photography timeline at The James Ward Mansion

In order to get the most out of your wedding photographer at The James Ward Mansion – I recommend the following timeline:

• The bride and groom get ready off-site, at a local hotel recommended by The James Ward Mansion coordinator. No photographer is needed there.
• The Morning of the wedding, the wedding day details are dropped off in the bridal suite (robe, dress, invitations, jewelry, bouquets, boutonnieres, etc.) so they can be photographed before bride arrives to the james ward mansion.
• Photographer arrives 45 minutes before groom arrives to capture detail photos in bridal suite
• The groom & groomsmen arrive for portraits in the 2nd-floor groom suite before the bride arrives
• 30-45 minutes of Groom & groomsmen & father figure portraits including getting on the ties, cufflinks, watch, shoes, and groomsmen helping with the boutinerres
• The bride arrives with the bridal party and mother figure to the 2nd-floor bridal suite
• 90 minute bridal prep photo session including a staged beauty portraits, wearing robes, getting on the dress, bridal party photos, mother of bride photos, portraits around venue, etc.
• Father figure of bride & Mother figure of groom arrive to venue for photos with their children
• First look with bride & groom + 40 min portraits around venue
• 30 min portraits with the wedding party together, separate groups, and solo portraits
• 30 min portraits with VIP family members 1 hour before ceremony start time
• 30 min buffer before ceremony
• 30 min – 1 hour ceremony
• 1 hour cocktail hour (ceremony flips to reception)
• 4 hour reception

Wedding Photos at The James Ward Mansion

Keep in mind this is a styled wedding photoshoot at the James Ward Mansion. It was a collaboration with local NY/NJ wedding vendors to show off their style. Wedding vendors featured from this photoshoot (wedding inspired) at the James Ward Mansion in NJ:

Venue: @thejameswardmansion

Photographer: @suessmomentsweddings

Planner & Event Designer: @wedding_md_ny

Floral & Event Designer: @gardenofedithfd

Hair/Makeup: @tc.nvubeauty

Dress Shop: @designerloft_bridal

Dress: @pronovias & @chelseacouture

Bridal Robes: @leelnewyork

Cake: @vincenzo_salvatore_cakes

Accessories: @phoenicia_bridal

Linen Rentals: @clothconnection

Tabletop Rentals: @chargedupeventsnj

The Gallery of Photos at The James Ward Mansion

Check out another styled shoot gallery inspired by the elegance and a fairytale wedding theme