Pleasantdale Chateau in NJ is home to one of my all-time favorite wedding photo-taking experiences as a photographer! During the fall of 2024, I had the fantastic opportunity to capture wedding photos at this enchanting NJ venue for the very first time. It truly felt like stepping into a storybook about a fairytale wedding, where my creativity flourished, enabling me to capture the authentic elegance of that beautiful wedding day.

Where is the Pleasantdale Chateau in NJ?

A hidden gem, Plesantdale Chateau has gated entrance entering at 757 Eagle Rock Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

 

What was the theme of the Pleasantdale Chateau wedding?

Fairytale storybook vibes, but not too Disney, with accents of red, rust, and oranges to emphasize the fall season.

 

What was the timeline of the wedding day?

It was a lengthy day, primarily because the couple asked me to stay for the afterparty, and they also held a ketubah signing. I began with detail and flatlay photos for an hour before proceeding to capture:

• 90 minutes of bridal preparation
• My second photographer took photos during an hour of groom preparation.
• Before the couple’s first look, the bride shared a 10-minute moment with her dad.
• Following their emotional first look, we captured numerous photos of the couple at the bridge, in front of the venue, in the gardens, in the greenhouse, by the pool, and on the flower-adorned staircase. This session lasted about an hour.
• We wrapped up just in time for the couple to sit down, enjoy a bite to eat, and have some water before the wedding party portraits. The guys posed outside while the girls stayed inside on the staircase, each for a 30-minute session.
• Patiently waiting by the stairs, we took immediate family photos for around 30 minutes.
• We then had a 30-minute break for the bride’s touch-ups and to prepare for the ketubah signing, which took place in a private room for about 15 minutes.
• Dun…DUN…Da.dunnn.. shortly after, the ceremony lasted about 45 minutes.
• This was followed by a swift 15-minute session for large group family photos at the chuppah so the newlyweds could share a private dinner and enjoy the fantastic cocktail hour with guests. They extended the cocktail hour by 90 minutes.
• The reception unfolded over four hours, filled with beautiful, chaotic fun. Thanks to the live band, everyone- I mean EVERYONE- was dancing.
• Afterward, I took an hour of afterparty photos and said goodnight while most guests enjoyed an overnight stay at the Pleasantdale Chateau.

 

Can couples reserve rooms and stay overnight at Pleasantdale Chateau?

Absolutely! This couple rented the entire weekend. It became their private castle – a village of their own. No one else was invited.

 

Pleasantdale Chateau NJ Wedding Photos

 

The Dream Team

Photographer @suessmomentsweddings
Venue @pleasantdalechateau
Videographer @diegostuartfilms
Floral designer @debbies_designsnj
Makeup @glambyalexnatoli
Hair @amandadoesbridalhair for @revelationsbridalnj
Wedding dress shop & designer @bridalreflectionsny
Tuxedo shop & designer @tuxshoppalmbeach
Kippas @Kippotworld
Bridal prep robe or pajamas @etsy
Wedding rings @jvincentjewelers
Bridesmaids dresses @anthrolopologie
Wedding shoes @gianvitorossi
Wedding ceremony music @art.strings
Wedding reception entertainment @hanklanemusic
Decoration rentals @debbies_designsnj
Mother of the bride’s gown @marchesafashion