An expert-level lift probably wasn’t what guests expected when Amanda and Ethan stepped onto the dance floor at Quaker Ridge Golf Club. But after months of wedding planning with Danielle Caldwell Events that included a few unexpected dance lessons, the couple had a surprise waiting.
Their celebration photographed by Siobhan Stanton Photography balanced moments like that with a more traditional sense of romance. Abundant greenery, delicate pastel florals, and a flower-covered chuppah by Enza Events complemented the golf club’s timeless character, while meaningful Jewish traditions kept the day centered on their relationship and the people they loved.
A long-distance love story that began during a season of change
Amanda and Ethan met while both were in the middle of moving, with one in Jersey City and the other in Boston. Despite the distance and less-than-ideal timing, their connection was immediate.
After a long COVID winter, meeting someone who shared their values, ambitions, and sense of humor felt especially meaningful.
“Finding each other felt like the light at the end of the tunnel,” they shared.
As their relationship developed, Amanda and Ethan discovered how much they admired each other’s intelligence, drive, kindness, and humor.
In February 2024, they went ring shopping together. By September, Ethan had planned a proposal at Harbor Island Park, a location connected to one of their first dates.
He arranged a spa day for Amanda and one of her friends while preparing the surprise. Although Amanda had an idea that a proposal might be coming, returning to a meaningful place made the moment no less romantic.
Quaker Ridge Golf Club inspired a timeless spring wedding
Quaker Ridge Golf Club already held special meaning for Amanda’s family, making it a natural choice for the couple’s celebration.
Rather than dramatically transforming the venue, Amanda and Ethan embraced its established character and designed a wedding that felt elegant, organic, and appropriate for the setting.
Lush greenery became the foundation of the floral design, accented by delicate spring blooms in soft pastel shades. The combination brought freshness and romance to the celebration without overwhelming the venue’s timeless atmosphere.
Natural wood tones appeared throughout the design, including the chuppah, chairs, and dance floor. These warmer elements added a subtle rustic quality while allowing the flowers to remain the focal point.
A lush floral chuppah complemented the bride’s gown
One of the most striking design elements was the couple’s chuppah, covered in greenery and abundant spring florals.
The organic arrangement created a romantic setting for their traditional Jewish ceremony, with pastel blooms bringing softness to the natural wooden structure.
Amanda’s bridal fashion echoed the floral design. Her gown featured beautiful floral appliqué, creating a visual connection between her look and the flowers surrounding the ceremony.
Rather than competing with one another, the dress and chuppah complemented the overall garden-inspired aesthetic.
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Violin and guitar accompanied their Jewish ceremony
Amanda and Ethan’s traditional Jewish ceremony incorporated live violin and guitar, adding an intimate musical element to the exchange of vows.
The ceremony was rooted in the couple’s faith and traditions, with the flower-covered chuppah providing a beautiful setting for the meaningful occasion.
Immediately afterward, the newlyweds observed yichud, the Jewish tradition of spending private time together following the ceremony.
Away from the excitement of the celebration, Amanda and Ethan were able to decompress, enjoy a quiet meal, and savor their first moments as a married couple.
It became an opportunity to be fully present with one another before returning to their guests.
A choreographed first dance came with an unexpected lift
While the ceremony embraced tradition, the reception gave Amanda and Ethan an opportunity to show off a more playful side.
The couple surprised guests with a choreographed first dance that included an impressive, expert-level lift.
Preparing for the performance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios had become an unexpected highlight of their engagement. Amanda and Ethan described their dance lessons as a fun “side quest,” giving them something new to learn together during the busy planning process.
By the time they performed for their guests, the dance represented more than a surprise reception moment. It was also a memory they had created together before the wedding even began.
A beaded fringe mini brought sparkle to the reception
As the celebration continued, Amanda changed out of her romantic floral-appliqué Elie Saab gown and into a beaded fringe Nadine Merabi mini dress.
The shorter, sparkling silhouette introduced a playful contrast to her ceremony look and was perfectly suited for an evening of dancing.
The fashion change also reflected the progression of the wedding itself, from the traditional ceremony and softly romantic design to a more energetic reception.
An overflowing floral display framed the wedding cake
The floral design continued into the reception, where the couple’s wedding cake was presented amid an abundant display of blooms.
Rather than treating the cake by Lulu Cake Boutique as a separate decorative element, the flowers connected it to the lush arrangements and pastel palette seen throughout the day.
The result brought another romantic focal point to the celebration while maintaining the cohesive garden-inspired aesthetic Amanda and Ethan had envisioned.
From the flower-covered chuppah and meaningful Jewish traditions to their private newlywed meal and unexpectedly athletic first dance, Amanda and Ethan found ways to balance timeless elegance with genuine personality.
Their wedding honored the family connection that brought them to Quaker Ridge Golf Club while making room for new memories entirely their own. And although the pastel flowers and romantic details created a beautiful setting, it was the moments of connection, laughter, and shared accomplishment that made the celebration feel especially personal.
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