EMILY MONTAY

Monet and Monique Lhuillier, Nicola & James' June Wedding in Princeton, NJ.
EMILY MONTAY PHOTOGRAPHY
June 13th, 2026

Some wedding days feel like they were plucked straight from a painting, and Nicola and James' wedding at Jasna Polana in Princeton, New Jersey was exactly that. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this was going to be something special. The sky was an endless, brilliant blue—not a single cloud in sight. The Etsy witch the bride paid truly outdid herself.
Every detail of the day was thoughtfully designed around the dreamy color palette of Claude Monet's famous water lilies. Soft blues, delicate greens, and the prettiest shades of blush and baby pink were woven throughout every element. Their custom invitations, menus, and even the bars featured beautiful water lily illustrations that perfectly complemented the romantic garden setting. The incredible team at The Wedding Plan & Co, particularly lead planner Cassie, made sure that no small detail was overlooked.
Nicola looked absolutely breathtaking in her lace Monique Lhuillier gown, timeless and effortlessly elegant. Standing beside her were an incredible fifteen bridesmaids, each wearing a different shade of baby pink.
Following the beautiful outdoor ceremony beneath the gazebo and the alfresco cocktail hour, guests made their way into Jasna Polana's spectacular glass orangery for the reception. The light-filled space perfectly echoed the garden-inspired aesthetic, creating an atmosphere that felt elegant yet inviting. Every carefully curated detail reflected Nicola and James' vision, making the entire celebration feel cohesive from beginning to end.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we slipped away for a few quiet moments during golden hour. The warm light spilling across the grounds created the dreamiest backdrop for portraits, every photographer's dream. These are always some of my favorite photographs from a wedding day—beautiful light paired with genuine, unhurried moments.
Then came the party. After a mini photoshoot with her girls in the changing suite, Nicola surprised everyone by re-entering the ballroom in a sparkling Retrofête dress that was made for the dance floor. The energy instantly shifted into full celebration mode, and the rest of the evening was filled with incredible music, packed dance floors, and nonstop laughter.
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Special Mentions
Photography: Emily Montay Photography
Planner: The Wedding Plan & Co
Florals: Peonies to Paint Chips
Venue: Jasna Polana
Videography: Matt Alt Films
MUA: Ashley Raibick and Jamie Saunders
Dresses: Monique Lhuillier and Retrofete
Second Shooter: Lex Christie
Entertainment: Around Town Entertainment

















































































