A Garden-Inspired Wedding at Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey

Alexandra Rice (26 and a speech-language pathologist) and Thomas Dalton (28 and a captain in the US Army) pulled of a classic summer affair with garden-inspired flair for their July 4 weekend wedding in Gladstone, New Jersey. “It was important to us that we got married in a place that fit our personalities,” Alexandra says. Having grown up in and spending summers in the Garden State, New Jersey seemed like the perfect spot to say their “I dos.” With its lush greenery, traditional gardens and sense of understated elegance, Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone, New Jersey, offered the perfect backdrop for the fete. “Tom loves to golf and was excited about the idea of having the golf course as a backdrop for the day and enjoying quality time with his groomsmen and family on the course the day of the rehearsal festivities,” Alexandra says. After a traditional ceremony at a nearby church, Alexandra and Thomas and their wedding party hopped aboard a trolley and headed to the reception. A soft palette of blush, ivory, pale gray and green paired with bouquets of lush, full blooms and mercury-glass accents infused the expansive reception tent with a refined, garden-party-inspired vibe. Paying tribute to the locale and the holiday weekend, the couple wove in festive touches throughout, including a Star Spangled Smash cocktail, sweets and snacks from their favorite local spots and Stars and Stripes-themed attire donned by groomsmen. The postdinner dance party was one of the evening’s highlights, with the Sultans of Swing keeping guests on to the dance floor with their lively set list. A tip from Alexandra: “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Try to remind yourself what the day is truly about and that all the pieces will fall into place. Take a moment to soak everything up and enjoy having all the people you love in one room together for the first time.” —Libby MacCarthy