Planning Your Wedding at the Garden City Country Club

The Garden City Country Club turned out to be the perfect venue to host Molly + Matt’s wedding. This private, members-only golf club had everything they dreamed of for their wedding from the rolling expanses of the golf greens to the picturesque floral pathways and elegant décor. 

The club is open to events all year round for anything from small private dinners to larger events and weddings of up to 225 guests. The grand backdrop the club provides makes it a wonderfully elegant venue for couples planning a wedding that’s sophisticated yet personalized. 

Once a couple books their wedding at Garden City Country Club, they’re guided through the planning process by the club’s dedicated event staff. From choosing between their indoor event spaces or outdoor porch and patio areas to customizing the on-site catering menu, club staff are there with you to help make sure every detail is thoughtfully planned so your dreams become reality. 

A Relaxing Wedding Morning at the Garden City Hotel

Molly + Matt’s wedding day began in the elegant suites of the Garden City Hotel. In one suite, Molly and her bridesmaids got ready while wearing matching blue floral pajamas as the talented hair and makeup artists from LB Makeup & Hair Team worked their magic. 

Once they were ready, the bridesmaids changed into their lovely dresses all in varying shades of blue. Choosing only a color palette and giving her bridesmaids the freedom to pick their own dresses created a coordinated and effortlessly chic look that flattered each lady perfectly. Meanwhile, Molly’s mom was absolutely glowing in a deep pink gown as she helped her daughter with the final touches of her bridal look in a sweet and sentimental moment between mother and daughter.

Before heading to the venue, Molly’s bridesmaids surprised her with a heartfelt gift – a memory album filled with photos and notes from all across their years of friendship. Laughter and happy tears filled the room as they flipped through pages of childhood memories, college adventures, and snapshots leading up to the wedding day. To top it all off, Molly planned a bridesmaids’ first look, where her best and closest friends were the first to see her big wedding day reveal. 

While the ladies were getting ready, Matt and his groomsmen were in a separate suite putting the finishing touches on their own ensembles for the day. By the time the guys were all ready, a bus was already waiting outside to take them the short drive to the country club before returning to pick up Molly and her bridesmaids next. 

At the club, Matt separated from the rest of the wedding party to head down the club’s flower-lined pathways to await his first look with Molly. Beneath the shady, flowering trees lining the paths, the two shared a sweet, intimate moment together before the whirlwind of the day truly began. 

Ceremony in the Garden State Country Club

After a few portrait sessions with the bride and groom, the wedding party, and immediate family, it was finally time for Molly + Matt’s wedding ceremony to begin. 

Molly + Matt’s ceremony took place in one of the club’s elegant indoor event spaces. The room was absolutely breathtaking, with crisp white walls, intricate crown molding, and three golden chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. Rows of gold-painted chairs with plush white cushions lined the aisle, which was decorated with lush floral arrangements of fluffy white flowers and greenery. But the most striking feature of the space was the full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. With gauzy curtains draped over them, the windows allowed natural light to filter in and create an ethereal backdrop for Molly + Matt’s vows. Their ceremony was short and sweet, filled with heartfelt moments and happy tears, and concluded with the traditional smashing of glass to honor their Jewish heritage. 

Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests stepped out onto the club’s scenic porch and patio for an outdoor cocktail hour overlooking the rolling golf greens. Guests mingled in the summer air as they enjoyed a delicious buffet and drinks from the bar. A fun and unique touch to the evening was Molly + Matt’s twist on traditional place cards. They used golf balls and tees to guide guests to their reception seats instead of traditional place cards, giving a cute and subtle nod to the beautiful venue. 

Before heading inside for the reception, the newlyweds stole away for golden-hour portraits on the course. Taking a golf cart out onto the rolling greens, Molly + Matt soaked in the magic of their newlywedded bliss as the sun dipped low on the horizon reaching tendrils of warm golden light towards them through the trees. 

A Lively Reception Under the Stars

As the sun set over the Garden City Country Club, Molly and Matt’s reception came to life beneath a long tent set up on the far side of the patio. Stars began to twinkle awake in the deep blue sky, visible through the transparent roof, creating a whimsical and airy atmosphere for their outdoor celebration. Above rustic chandeliers, a smattering of twinkle lights, and lush green vines draping overhead, the beauty of the night darkening sky shone through above all of the guests as they found their seats for Molly + Matt’s reception. 

Every detail of their reception truly brought the couple’s dream wedding to life. But making that dream a reality was no small task. Still, Danielle Caldwell and her event team made it look effortless. They spent three days carefully setting up, making sure every detail was just right. One of the most unique touches was the way they mixed patterned and solid table linens, a unique design choice suggested by Molly. The result was a fresh take on a classic garden party – sophisticated yet relaxed, elegant without feeling too formal. 

The reception began with Molly and Matt’s first dance, followed by an energetic Hora, where they and Matt’s parents were lifted high above the crowd on chairs, surrounded by cheering friends and family. Heartfelt speeches followed, with words from Molly’s mom, Matt’s parents and sister, and members of the wedding party. Every speech was filled with love and laughter, eliciting more than just a few happy tears from the newlyweds and their guests. Matt then shared a dance with his mom, and Molly had a special dance with her brother before dinner was served.

Afterward, once the dance floor opened, it stayed packed all night long. Guests danced under the stars, celebrating Molly + Matt with an energy that never faded. One of the most memorable moments was the dance floor college reunion – a fitting full circle moment and tribute to where Molly and Matt’s love story began. It was the perfect way to end a night filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories.

Thank you to Molly + Matt for allowing me a small role in one of the most important days of your lives! If you’re looking for a photographer for your own  wedding, I’d be more than honored to be there for you too!

Hi there! I’m Rachael Crowe of OkCrowe Photography. I’m a wedding photographer based in New York City. Planning an upscale modern wedding? Or maybe a charming outdoor wedding like Molly + Matt’s? No matter what your style, I’ve seen it all. I’ve shot hundreds of weddings across the country and internationally. I’d be honored to be chosen to shoot yours as well! Just fill out my contact form and let’s get started!