[Wedding] Tessa & Dave – The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ

While I’m sure there’s something in the employee’s handbook about fraternizing with your colleagues, I’m glad Tessa and Dave never got the memo :). Hands down, these two are probably the coolest political scientists I’ve ever met – even if they are the only two I’ve ever met. Had they been my professors in college, I probably would’ve studied something more practical and useful than say, Renaissance and Medieval English Literature (or German, for that matter). It’d been a year since we’d last seen each other, but it was a reunion of sorts when I arrived at their hotel that morning. Upon entering their bridal suite, I felt like I was swimming in the aroma of Italian butter cookies. You know, like when Bugs Bunny floats in the air with his nose leading the way towards a cauldron of carrot soup? Yes, just like that. Goodness gracious. Thankfully there were actual Italian butter cookies in the room, or else the bridal party had some ‘xplain’n to do!

Dog looks out of the window on Tessa and Dave's wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride's wedding dress hangs by the window on her wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

I see the something blue and something new. I suppose the something old is that adorable dog :).
Couple's rings on their wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.A bride is helped into her dress on her wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Mother of bride looks on during a wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride poses with her dog on her wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bride with her bridesmaids on her wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride checks her make up in the mirror her wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom prepares his vows on his wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom gets ready for his wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groomsmen get ready for a wedding day at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Ring bearer falls asleep during the wedding ceremony in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. Father of the bride ties the knot during a wedding ceremony in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Ring bearer was just saving up his energy for that evening :).

Bride and groom make their grand exit after their wedding ceremony in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride and groom make their grand exit after their wedding ceremony in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal party portraits in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Bridal party portraits in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Bride and groom portraits in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. Bride and groom walk around for portraits in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

I remember these portraits so vividly. It was nearly 1000 degrees and unbearably humid, so we weren’t about to hike around town looking for a place to do portraits. Then there across the street, we spotted a little mall where Tessa and Dave had done their engagement photos just a year ago. Only this time, we brought along an entourage :). It’s amazing how one’s perspective could change so much in just a year.
Sign-in table for Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Floral centerpieces for Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau. Wedding cake at Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Tessa and Dave’s wedding reception was held at the beautiful Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ.

Father and daughter dance during Tessa and Dave's wedding at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Groom dances with his sister during Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Man of Honor makes a speech at Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Best Man makes a speech at Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.Guests dance during Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Guests dance at Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Guests dance during Tessa and Dave's wedding reception at the Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ. Captured by awesome northern NJ wedding photographer Ben Lau.

Congratulations to Tessa and Dave for hosting such a wonderful event, and we wish you two many, many years of smiles, laughter and a lifetime of engaging conversations surrounding global politics :). We couldn’t have been more thrilled and honored to be part of your special day, and we hope you enjoy these images as much as we enjoyed capturing them. This celebration wouldn’t have bene possible without the help of the following people:

Ceremony : : Kirkpatrick Chapel in New Brunswick, NJ
Reception : : The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ
Gown : : Wtoo by Watters
Shoes : : Badgley Mischka
Jewelry : : Hamilton Jewelers
Hair : : Voi Salon & Spa – East Brunswick, NJ
Make Up : : Voi Salon & Spa – East Brunswick, NJ
Grooms Attire : : Men’s Wearhouse
DJ/Entertainment : : Elite Sound Entertainment
Photo Booth : : Elite Sound Entertainment
Catering : : The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ
Cake : : The Heldrich Hotel in New Brunswick, NJ
Floral : : Robert’s Floral
Favors : : DIY – Pam, Joe, Alec & Laura
Stationery : : Well Noted
Secondary Photography : : MJ Park

 

As for us, we’re happy to report that the double/triple-header craziness of the Fall wedding season has finally passed, and we’ll be on cruise control for the next two months. With a newborn in the house, this is fantastic news :).

Hope you’re all enjoying this beautiful Fall weather!

Ben & Karis

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