Princeton University Winter Elopement

 

Philomena and Jesse tied the knot at the Princeton Battlefield on February 29th! They chose to have a Leap Year elopement day with their closest family and friends. It was a cold winter day here in New Jersey but we were lucky to get the sun come through the clouds during the afternoon. Before getting to their ceremony location we even got a few snowflakes and I thought huh this is kind of magical if it snows for their day. It didn’t last very long and instead, we got some sunshine which was absolutely perfect to keep us all warm.

We all met up by the Princeton Battlefield with Jesse and his friends while waiting for Philomena to come with her dad to walk to the ceremony site. When she stepped out of the car I was amazed to see how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress. The details of her dress on her back were absolutely gorgeous and she was wearing a long veil which with a little wind blowing just made it look even better. Her wedding bouquet was made by a local florist in Princeton, NJ, Viburnum. Philomena’s bouquet was representing the winter season so perfectly. A lot of greens and a touch of cotton flower buds and dry grass. While she was walking down the ceremony Jesse was waiting for her with his back turned away to keep the surprise of seeing her for the first time in her dress until the end.

Once their ceremony was over we stayed at the Princeton Battlefield to take a few portraits of them and enjoy having the place to ourselves. We then all drove to Princeton University to finish their elopement portrait session before they headed to the restaurant in Princeton downtown to celebrate with their family and friends. Princeton University is the perfect set up for wedding photos. The university is absolutely stunning. The variety of architecture within the university itself is amazing. I remember when I first walked in, I felt like I was right in the middle of a Harry Poter movie!

We walked around and snap a few photos here and there while everybody passing by was congratulating Philomena and Jesse. A perfect winter elopement at Princeton University! (Keep scrolling to see my recommendations)

Take a look at Philomena and Jesse Engagement Session at Minnewaska State Park

Things to do in Princeton New Jersey

If you have never been to Princeton or Princeton University I highly recommend you do. It’s one of the cutest towns in Central New Jersey.

• Take a walk through the University starting by the main entrance with their famous Nassau Hall. The Nassau Hall building is covered with ivy leaves, it’s such an iconic building in the University area of Princeton. The beautiful Blair Arch where we took a few photos for Philomena and Jesse. We didn’t get a chance to go there but go take a look at the famous Rockefeller College Cloister Arches. It’s one of the most famous spots for Princeton Engagement photos. Let’s keep going with the arches it’s one of the prettiest in the University, the Rothschild Arch. When first walking into Princeton University you’ll see on the right-hand side the only building with Brownstown the Alexander Hall which stands out from all the other buildings and architecture of the University. Take a walk and go explore because it has so much to offer!
• My favorite thing to do in Princeton New Jersey is walking around town and Palmer Square, I love all the cute shops they have and restaurants. One of my favorite Ice Cream shops is Palmer Square and I highly recommend you make a stop there when you get a chance at the famous The Bent Spoon.
• My favorite restaurants and pub are Triumph if you want to try some locally brewed beer. There is a small alley that will take you from Palmer Square back to Witherspoon St where you’ll find an amazing Italian restaurant the Teresa Caffe. The cute string bistro lights are the perfect romantic ambiance for a nice dinner out. I’m all about trying new places and food so I could go on with where to go to Princeton but I’ll let you explore by yourself!

Take a look at this other winter elopement where Keighley and Dylan exchanged their vows at the Inn at Glen Cairn in Princeton New Jersey.