A (Very Hot) Summer Afternoon at Pendry Natirar & Ninety Acres
Some wedding days are grand, bustling affairs. Others are quiet and heartfelt, tucked into the corners of a warm summer evening. That’s exactly what made Lauren and G’s day at Pendry Natirar so special.
Earlier this spring, Lauren and G eloped in Austin, Texas, just the two of them, their officiant, and their photographer. No frills, no fuss, just their love and a sweet lil promise to each other. But when it came time to celebrate with the people who mean the most, they came home to New Jersey to do it in a way that felt intimate and connecting and like them.
Nestled in the Somerset Hills, Pendry Natirar is a venue that carries both charm and history. Once a 500-acre estate owned by the King of Morocco, the property is now home to a luxury resort, spa, and the acclaimed Ninety Acres restaurant. It’s where sweeping countryside views and rolling hills meet refined architecture. It's the kind of place that feels elegant without being overdone. It was the perfect setting for Lauren and G to mark this big new chapter with their families by their side.
The day itself was HOT and sunny. It was the kind of July heat that makes everything shimmer just a little (especially me, as I was drenched in sweat). We wandered the grounds for portraits before the evening began, making the most of daylight and quiet corners of the estate. Lauren’s beautiful wedding dress flowed gracefully as we strolled through the gardens, and G was all smiles watching her. It was one of those sessions where you could feel how much they love being around each other. They were all smiles and each other's calm presence.
After Lauren and G's portraits, we met up with their families. This wasn’t just a celebration dinner; it was also the very first time their families met in person. That made the evening feel even more special. There were introductions, hugs, laughter, and a unique blend of excitement and nerves that happens when two families come together for the first time.
They gathered for dinner inside Ninety Acres, where the cozy, glass-walled atmosphere was perfect for connection. There was easy conversation with new people and familiar kin, and the joy in the room felt genuine and grounded.
One of Lauren’s sisters was just days away from welcoming a baby (set to be induced the following week) and still made it there to celebrate. It was such a sweet reminder of how much love and support surround these two. She made beautiful and thoughtful personalized place cards for everyone at the table; a small but meaningful touch that made dinner feel even more tailored to L & G.
It wasn’t a traditional wedding day and that’s what made it perfect and unforgettable. It was warm, so intentional, and so true to who they are as a couple.
Lauren and G, thank you for inviting me into such a personal and beautiful celebration! I loved getting to witness and document this piece of your story.
Whether it’s just the two of you or a table full of loved ones, your story deserves to be told with care. If you’re planning an intimate celebration in New Jersey or beyond, I’d love to be there. Reach out below & let’s connect.