An Elegant Autumnal Wedding at Prallsville Mills in Stockton, New Jersey

The beauty of the fall season permeated every element of Cheryl Mulrane (36 and an architectural project manager) and Raymond Schweiker's (41 and a truck driver) casual October wedding in Stockton, New Jersey. The day unfolded with a ceremony at Prallsville Mills. The mill buildings with their stone facades, exposed wooden beams and acres of lush forest provided a breathtaking backdrop for the couple’s vows. “We loved the rustic feel of our venue and knew it would be beautiful in photos in the autumn, with the leaves just starting to change,” Cheryl says. The pair gathered their friends and families outdoors for the ceremony, where they said their “I dos” under a romantic hydrangea, rose and vine garland in front of a rustic red barn. A burlap runner lined the aisle, helping to convey the day’s casual-rustic fall theme. The autumnal atmosphere continued for the reception, with Cheryl and Raymond infusing the mill building with seasonally inspired touches. Pumpkins filled to the brim with coral roses and an assortment of foliage topped the dark tables, working with burlap runners and warm candlelight to bring the couple’s vision to life. “The dining room did not need much decoration, as the venue lent itself to the rustic feel,” Cheryl says. From the delicious dinner of down-home eats to upbeat country music and rustic decor, every aspect of the evening captured the pair’s easygoing personalities. A tip from Cheryl and Raymond: “Enjoy wedding planning, and don’t make it a chore. It makes the process much more special, enjoyable and relaxed.” —Libby MacCarthy