Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. A Peony-Filled Backyard Wedding in New Jersey
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Peony-Filled Backyard Wedding in New Jersey

contributor-headshot-morgan-chamberlain-0216.jpg
By Morgan Chamberlain
Skip gallery slides
Pin
emily-matthew-wedding-couple-kiss-0144-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

This couple celebrated their wedding in the bride's childhood home with garden-inspired, traditional details.

Start Slideshow

1 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Emily and Matt

emily-matthew-wedding-couple-kiss-0144-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Like many young girls, Emily Simon had dreamt of her wedding day since she was little, always knowing she would marry in her childhood church and host a reception at her childhood home in Green Village, New Jersey. With a gorgeous garden of peonies and lush lawns, Hidden Pond Farm has forever been the go-to locale for her fairytale wedding.

Many years after those childhood daydreams, Emily (a cost analyst for a construction company) met Matt Crystal (a dentist) at a party hosted by his track team on their last day as undergraduates at Lafayette College. Matt took Emily out for ice cream following finals week, and the two became inseparable leading up to graduation.

Four years later, all of Emily's (and Matt's) dreams came true on May 30, 2015, when they married at Church of Christ the King. With a team of family friends as vendors and 332 guests in attendance, the celebration continued in a classic garden party style.

1 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Welcome Box

emily-matthew-wedding-welcomebox-0234-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
See More Amazing Welcome Bags and Boxes

Each out-of-town guest received a wooden welcome box engraved with the couple's wedding logo and filled with the couple's favorite local treats: heart-shaped shortbread cookies and raspberry Champagne wedding preserves from The Artist Baker, Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen artisan crostini, Valley Shepherd Creamery cheeses, and sea salt caramels from Enjou Chocolat.

2 of 21

3 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Gown

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
See More Peony Wedding Bouquets

Emily wore a Carolina Herrera gown with a full tulle skirt and lace flower details. 

3 of 21

Advertisement

4 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Something Old, Something Blue

emily-matthew-wedding-embroidery-0241-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
Get More Ideas for Your "Something Blue"

To honor family tradition, Emily had pearls from her grandmother's wedding dress sewn into her gown as her "something old." For her "something blue," she added an embroidered blue ribbon with her name and wedding date.

4 of 21

5 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Something Borrowed

emily-matthew-wedding-handkerchief-0240-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Judith Ness, a close friend of Emily's family (and also the couple's wedding calligrapher), gave the bride an heirloom handkerchief to use for happy tears throughout her wedding day.

5 of 21

6 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Gifts

emily-matthew-wedding-charm-0008-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Matt gave his bride a gold charm engraved with their monogram, while Emily created a photo album of all of their special moments for her groom.

6 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridesmaids

emily-matthew-wedding-bridesmaids-0032-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Emily's bridesmaids included her future sister-in-law and her four best friends from kindergarten, elementary school, and her college ski and field hockey teams. They wore pale blue Lee Anderson Couture dresses in either short sleeve or sleeveless styles. Jerry Rose, a Simon family friend, created bouquets of lily of the valley and peonies for the bride and bridesmaids to match the property's beloved garden.

7 of 21

8 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony Location

emily-matthew-wedding-ceremony-0067-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
See More Church and Chapel Wedding Venues

The couple wed at the bride's childhood church, Church of Christ the King. "My church means a lot to me. Walking down the aisle and getting married there was the highlight of my whole wedding day," says Emily.

8 of 21

9 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Program

emily-matthew-wedding-program-0049-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
See More Classic Wedding Ceremony Programs

The classic ivory program, created by Mrs. John L. Strong, featured an embossed Simon family crest on the cover.

9 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

emily-matthew-wedding-ceremony-kiss-0077-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

The Newark Boys Chorus School performed traditional songs as guests arrived. Emily entered with her father to "Trumpet Fanfare" by Henry Purcell, and bible passages were read aloud during the Catholic ceremony.

10 of 21

11 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Reception Location

emily-matthew-wedding-house-0002-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Located an hour outside of New York City, Emily's childhood home has hosted decades of Simon family events. The mother of the bride was eager to turn her only daughter's dreams into reality for her big day.

11 of 21

12 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Path of Peonies

emily-matthew-wedding-flowergirls-0103-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

The flower girls ran through the beautiful path of peonies in the backyard of the house that served as the focal point for the design of the wedding.

12 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cocktail Hour

emily-matthew-wedding-cocktailhour-0107-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

In the terrace garden, guests sipped on elderflower Champagne cocktails and enjoyed a raw oyster bar, along with an array of passed hors d'oeuvres prepared by Glorious Food—miniature blini with caviar and crème fraîche, deviled quail eggs, and sautéed foie gras on apple feuillantine, to name a few.

13 of 21

14 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Escort Cards

emily-matthew-wedding-escortcards-0109-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

White escort cards calligraphed in a spring green ink surrounded a white garden urn filled with hydrangeas, peonies, roses, snowball vibernum, delphinium, and dogwood.

14 of 21

15 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Tables

emily-matthew-wedding-tent-0121-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Inspired by the peonies on the Hidden Pond Farm grounds, Jerry Rose Floral & Event Design and Kara Minogue and Co. created a garden inside the reception tent with hanging boxwood garland and blush and white hydrangeas in urns atop boxwood pedestals. Centerpieces of garden roses, peonies, and greenery were placed on white tablecloths with patterned green Schumacher fabric trim.

15 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Place Settings

emily-matthew-wedding-placesetting-0254-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Menus by Mrs. John L. Strong, featuring a blind emboss of the Simon family crest and green calligraphy by Judith Ness Studio, and monogrammed white linen napkins sat atop Wedgwood white petal china. Lime green water goblets, Riedel stemware, and silver flatware completed the elegant place setting.

16 of 21

17 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The First Dance

emily-matthew-wedding-firstdance-0168-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
Get More First Dance Song Ideas

The couple had a lot of fun taking dance lessons together prior to the wedding, and were able to finally show off their moves when they danced to "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra. "It was something really special," says Matt. "We practiced it for months, and it couldn't have gone better."

17 of 21

18 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Cake

emily-matthew-wedding-cake-0124-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

The all-white vanilla cake, layered with raspberry buttercream frosting and adorned with hand-crafted edible flowers, was designed by Colette Peters—the same woman who has created cakes for every major Simon family celebration since Emily was little, including her sixth birthday party.

18 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bouquet Toss

emily-matthew-wedding-bouquet-toss-0214-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

For Emily, tossing the bouquet off of the balcony of her childhood bedroom was a magical point of the night.

19 of 21

20 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Outfit Change

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
Get Awesome Wedding After-Party Ideas

The couple found the bouquet toss to be the perfect opportunity for Emily to change into her short, nude Oscar de la Renta dress and Chanel heels for the after-party. From there, they headed to the property's barn cottage and danced the night away.

20 of 21

21 of 21

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

emily-matthew-wedding-couple-0093-s112720-0316.jpg
Credit: Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

Photography, Christian Oth Studio; Mary Hilliard; John Simoudis
Ceremony Location, Church of Christ the King
Event planning, Kara Minogue & Company
Fashion stylist, CLG Creative
Catering, Glorious Food
Flowers, Jerry Rose Floral & Event Design
Videography, Seth David Cohen Video
Stationery, Mrs. John L. Strong
Calligraphy, Judith Ness Studio
Cake, Colette's Cakes
Music, Newark Boys Chorus School (ceremony); Hank Lane Music (reception); DJ Mouz (after-party)
Bride's gown and veil, Carolina Herrera
Bride's accessories, Suzanne Couture Millinery (hair comb); Paul Morrelli (earrings); Jimmy Choo (shoes)
Bride's after-party dress, Oscar de la Renta
Bride's after-party shoes, Chanel
Bridesmaids' dresses, Lee Anderson Couture
Flower Girl dresses, Nicki Macfarlane
Groomsmen and Groom's suit, Brooks Brothers
Tablecloth pattern, Schumacher
China, Wedgwood
Stemware, Riedel
Welcome box, The Artist Baker (cookies and preserves); Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen (crostini); Valley Shepherd Creamery (cheeses); Enjou Chocolat (sea salt caramels)

21 of 21

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Morgan Chamberlain

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 21 Emily and Matt
    2 of 21 The Welcome Box
    3 of 21 The Gown
    4 of 21 Something Old, Something Blue
    5 of 21 Something Borrowed
    6 of 21 The Wedding Gifts
    7 of 21 The Bridesmaids
    8 of 21 The Ceremony Location
    9 of 21 The Program
    10 of 21 The Ceremony
    11 of 21 The Reception Location
    12 of 21 The Path of Peonies
    13 of 21 The Cocktail Hour
    14 of 21 The Escort Cards
    15 of 21 The Tables
    16 of 21 The Place Settings
    17 of 21 The First Dance
    18 of 21 The Cake
    19 of 21 The Bouquet Toss
    20 of 21 The Outfit Change
    21 of 21 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Peony-Filled Backyard Wedding in New Jersey
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.