If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a wedding strikes the perfect balance between classic elegance and laid-back summer magic, look no further than Kelly and Ralph’s July 4th celebration at The Reserve at Perona Farms.
This wedding had it all—gorgeous garden views, heartfelt vows, delicious food, and a dance floor that didn’t quit. Plus, celebrating on Independence Day gave the whole day a fun, festive twist without ever feeling overdone.
A Venue with a View (and Then Some)
Perona Farms is already a favorite of ours, but The Reserve is truly something special. Tucked away on a private stretch of the property in Andover, NJ, The Reserve has this incredible mix of rustic charm and Tuscan-inspired elegance. Think arched stone doorways, warm wood floors, and giant windows that flood the space with natural light.
For Kelly and Ralph, it was the perfect setting. From the moment their guests arrived, the place felt magical—like stepping into their personal summer garden party.
Getting Ready, Good Vibes Only
The day started with both wedding parties getting ready in their own private suites on-site. These rooms are a dream—lots of natural light, comfy furniture, and just enough space for your crew without feeling cramped.
Kelly looked absolutely stunning in a sleek, modern gown with soft waves in her hair and natural makeup that felt very “her.” Ralph kept it classic in a black tux. They both looked amazing, but more importantly, they were so clearly happy—and that joy was contagious from the very beginning.
Ceremony Under the Sky
Their ceremony took place right in The Reserve’s garden space. It’s got this gorgeous retractable roof (which thankfully wasn’t needed because the weather was perfect), and the whole setup felt warm and romantic. Picture string lights above, soft music playing, and guests fanning themselves with custom fans bearing K+R’s initials.
The ceremony itself was personal and sweet—filled with laughs, a few happy tears, and a vow exchange that had everyone feeling all the feels. It was clear from the way they looked at each other that these two were so ready to start this new chapter.
The Reception: Effortlessly Elegant
The reception space inside The Reserve came alive that night. The room was decked out with beautiful florals, soft candlelight, and long tables with wooden accents that gave everything a relaxed, modern farmhouse feel. The couple’s three-tiered cake sat under a twinkling canopy of fairy lights, with fresh raspberries and herbs adding the perfect touch of color.
Toasts, Tears & So Much Love
After dinner, the speeches kicked off—and they were so good. The best man had the room cracking up with stories from Ralph’s school days but wrapped it all up with the sweetest note about how Kelly brings out the best in him.
The maid of honor took us through Kelly’s journey, from childhood adventures to finding the one person who makes her feel truly seen. Her words were heartfelt and funny and had just the right amount of nostalgia. You could feel the love and support from every corner of the room.
Let the Dancing Begin
Once the formalities were out of the way, the dance floor opened up and did not slow down. The DJ played a mix of throwback hits and newer tracks, and there wasn’t a single lull the entire night. There was a cozy lounge area for guests who wanted to catch up over cocktails, plus a photo booth loft for goofy pics and late-night snacks like sliders, truffle fries, and mini donuts that hit just right around 11 PM.
A Firework-Worthy Ending
As the night wrapped up, guests gathered by the fire pits outside The Reserve, sipping cocktails and watching the last bit of sunset fade into a clear summer sky.
It was one of those weddings that felt both timeless and totally personal. The kind of day where everything went right, but more importantly, everything felt real.
Kelly and Ralph’s wedding at The Reserve was the perfect blend of elegance and ease. The venue offered a stunning backdrop, the team at Perona Farms made everything run like clockwork, and every detail felt intentional without being over-the-top.
If you’re planning a summer wedding and dreaming of a day that’s beautiful and laid-back, this is your sign: The Reserve at Perona Farms might just be your place.
Congrats again, Kelly & Ralph—we loved every second of your celebration and are so grateful to have been a part of it.
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