nick
& kelly

Estate Elegance Meets Modern Fun in this Palace at Somerset Park Wedding

Weddings

Genna and Jacob’s journey to us started with a bit of a pivot. They initially had hired a different photographer, but had a disappointing experience with their engagement session. They didn’t feel comfortable working with the person, and the photos were not natural looking or edited true to life. They decided to cut their losses, and found us instead.

We loved working with Genna and Jacob. From their escape-room proposal to their adorable pittie, Misty, joining their do-over engagement session with us, we loved capturing their unique energy. Nick and I know what it’s like to have a disappointing experience with a photographer as the photos from our own wedding didn’t go as planned, so it was especially important to us to get Genna and Jacob’s gallery right. Don’t get us wrong, filters or highly-stylized editing aren’t necessarily always bad, but sometimes what couples are really searching for is a photographer who will capture the day as it *really* looked. Vivid, accurate colors. Real skin tones. Natural, belly-aching laughter because your photographer just makes you feel that comfortable. 

Genna and Jacob chose The Palace at Somerset Park for its grand European gardens and, thankfully, its equally sumptuous indoor spaces, which saved the day when the rain rolled in! The tri-state area is always a little tricky with rain, and this was one of those occasions where it really paid to have plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces all curated beautifully whichever way the day ended up. Below we dive deeper into the venue itself, our experience shooting Genna & Jacob’s wedding there, and all our photography tips & tricks for if you choose to have your own wedding at the Palace at Somerset Park!

Wondering what your wedding photos might look like at The Palace at Somerset Park? The simplest answer is: timeless, grand, and just the right blend of traditional & modern. From the Juliet balconies to the sweeping 24-foot ceilings, every inch of this 30-acre estate is designed for an impact. Let’s dive into some real-life sample wedding photos from Genna & Jacob’s gallery below!

Clickable Menu:

Getting Ready Photos at The Palace at Somerset Park

A bride is lit by bright natural light as her makeup artist works on applying her makeup.
Black and white of a bridesmaid wearing a fun pajama set and slippers talking to the bride as the bride gets her hair styled. The wide angle shows the bride's smiling face in the reflection of the mirror.
A large group of bridesmaids laugh and look on as the bride pops a bottle of champagne. They all wear slippers and stand on lush green grass outside.

From the moment Nick and I stepped onto the limestone plaza at The Palace in Somerset, we were struck by its stately, European charm. Genna and her bridesmaids were soaking up that Manhattan-meets-Versailles energy in the West Wing bridal suite.

The suites at The Palace are a photographer’s dream; the massive mirrors and plush, neutral-toned furnishings create a clean, high-end backdrop that lets the bride truly shine. We captured Genna getting into her gown as the morning light poured through the oversized windows, hitting the floors and creating a glow that felt both classic and editorial.

Pro Photography Tip: When shooting in The Palace suites, use the mirrors for “layering.” By capturing the reflection of the bridesmaids reacting to the bride, we create a multi-dimensional story in a single frame. The neutral cream walls act as a natural reflector, making skin tones look creamy and flawless.

A cinematically-framed black and white picture of the groom as he puts on his shoes next to where his suit jacket hangs ready on the door.
The groom adjusts his suit and laughs as one of his groomsmen leans over his shoulder with his lips puckered up.

First Look Photos at The Palace at Somerset Park

For Genna and Jacob’s first look, we stepped out onto the West Terrace. While many couples hope for a bright sun, we were obsessed with the moody, cinematic sky that greeted us.

We positioned Jacob facing the expansive stone balustrade, allowing his custom tobacco-brown suit to really pop against the neutral architecture. As Genna approached, with her lace sleeves and train sweeping across the stone floor, the world seemed to go quiet. The symmetry of the French doors and the clean, expansive lines of the terrace provided that “Modern European” aesthetic they were dreaming of, keeping the focus entirely on their emotional connection.

Watching Jacob’s reaction as he turned around was a highlight. The overcast light acted like a giant, natural softbox, making their expressions look incredibly soft and their skin tones flawless.

Tips for your The Palace at Somerset Park First Look:

  • Embrace the Overcast: Don’t fear a cloudy day! The Palace is famous for its light-colored stone, which reflects light back onto your faces even when the sun is hiding. This “Limestone Glow” ensures bright, airy portraits regardless of the weather.
  • The Power of Contrast: Like Jacob’s brown suit, choosing attire that contrasts with the white and cream stone of the venue adds a level of visual “pop” that looks incredible in a full gallery.
  • Architecture as Art: We love using the stone balustrades to “frame” the couple against the sky. It adds a sense of “place” and grandeur, making your first look feel like a scene from a classic film rather than just a standard portrait.
  • Terrace Versatility: Because of its massive scale, the terrace allows us to capture both tight, emotional close-ups (like Genna’s smile over Jacob’s shoulder) and wide, sweeping architectural shots without having to move locations.
The groom, in a brown suit, waits as his bride approaches during their first look.
The bride smiles wide as she prepares for her groom to see her for the first time on their wedding day.
The groom smiles as he sees his bride's dress, which has long lace sleeves and a train.
The happy bride and groom approach each other under overcast skies during their first look at the Palace at Somerset Park outdoor terrace.

Wedding Ceremony Photos at The Palace at Somerset Park

For Genna and Jacob, this was where the “European Estate” vibe truly reached its peak. Standing at the top of the dual grand staircase, under the glow of the massive crystal chandeliers, Genna’s entrance felt like a scene from a modern fairytale.

Nick and I always find that ceremonies here offer a unique visual hierarchy. By utilizing the balcony, we were able to capture the grand scale of the architecture—the wrought iron railings and soaring ceilings—while still being close enough to catch the tearful, quiet moments during their vow exchange. Whether it was the high-energy “first kiss” at the base of the stairs or the intimate laughter as they shared their handwritten promises, the space provided a backdrop that felt both expansive and deeply personal.

Pro Photography Tips for Palace Ceremonies:

The “Double Perspective”: If you have two photographers, have one stay on the ground floor for those emotional eye-level reactions, while the other heads to the Juliet balcony. This downward angle captures the full scale of the bridal party and the ornate carpet patterns that define the East Wing.

Embrace the Symmetry: The Palace is built on symmetry. We love centering our ceremony shots to utilize the two staircases as natural “leading lines” that point directly to the couple.

Kelvin Consistency: The warm indoor lighting can pull very orange against the white marble. We “dial in” a custom white balance to ensure Genna’s white lace sleeves look crisp and Jacob’s tobacco-brown suit maintains its rich, earthy tone without looking muddy.

The bride, wearing a veil, prepares to walk down the stairway to her wedding ceremony. A gorgeous chandelier hangs overhead.
The officiant and bridal party look up at the bride, who makes a dramatic entrance to her wedding ceremony coming down a grand flight of stairs.
The bride beams at her groom as she recites her wedding vows.
Dramatic black and white shot of the bride and groom as they share a kiss in the middle of the aisle after their wedding ceremony.

Wedding Portraits at The Palace at Somerset Park

When it comes to portraits, The Palace at Somerset Park is a playground of textures. We really wanted to lean into the diversity of the 30-acre property to give Genna and Jacob a mix of “regal estate” shots and “modern-editorial” vibes.

We started by taking advantage of the West Terrace and the massive architectural scale of the building. The sweeping portico and columns provide a sense of grandeur that you just can’t find elsewhere in New Jersey. As the sun began to dip, we moved to the manicured garden paths, where the seasonal yellow blooms provided a pop of color against the lush evergreens.

But the real magic happened once the stars came out. We headed back toward the East Wing gardens to utilize the twinkling lights of the holiday trees, creating a “bokeh” backdrop that felt incredibly nostalgic. We finished the night inside, utilizing the reflective marble floors and the dramatic purple and amber uplighting of the grand foyer to create those high-contrast, “end-of-the-night” silhouettes that have become a signature of our documentary style.

Mastering the “Palatial Perspective”

To capture Genna and Jacob’s portraits, we utilized a few key techniques to ensure the building felt as grand as the couple. By shooting from a lower angle on the terrace, we were able to include the full height of the Greek columns and the moody, expansive sky, making the couple look like they were on top of the world.

Pro Photography Tips for Palace Portraits:

  • The “Limestone Reflection”: Don’t overlook the floors! The polished marble in the lobby acts like a mirror. By getting our cameras low to the ground, we captured that stunning reflection of Genna and Jacob in the doorway, doubling the “wow” factor of the shot.
  • Low-Light Silhouettes: The Palace features incredible “archway” lighting. We love positioning our couples in front of a bright light source (like the back-lit French doors) to create a sharp, dramatic silhouette that highlights the profile of Genna’s lace sleeves and Jacob’s classic suit.
  • Chasing the “Sparkle”: For those night-cap shots by the lit trees, we used a wide aperture (low f-stop) to turn the string lights into soft, glowing orbs. It adds a touch of magic to the final gallery that feels both cozy and sophisticated.
The married couple look down together from the grand terrace outside the Palace at Somerset Park underneath an overcast sky.
The bride and groom walk though the lush gardens with yellow flowers blooming at the venue.
The bride and groom are lit up by off camera flash as they share a kiss and clink glasses during their wedding portraits. Beautiful bokeh from the lights in the trees at night glows behind them.
Dramatic red lighting frames the bride and groom as they kiss between grand pillars in the interior of the venue.
The Palace is lit up behind the couple as they embrace in the dark night.

Wedding Reception Photos at The Palace at Somerset Park

If the ceremony at The Palace is about “palatial grandeur,” the reception is 100% about the celebration. From the moment Genna and Jacob made their grand entrance down the East Wing’s spiral staircase, the energy shifted into high gear.

One of our favorite things about a Palace reception is how the space transforms. The same ballroom that feels stately during dinner suddenly feels like an exclusive Manhattan club once the purple and red ambient lighting kicks in. We captured everything from the heartfelt (and hilarious) toasts at the sweetheart table—complete with their custom “The Johnsons” neon sign—to the high-energy dance floor moments that defined Genna and Jacob’s night.

Lighting the Party in a Grand Space

Receptions in the Grand Ballroom are all about atmosphere. As photographers, we love working with the vibrant uplighting that accentuates the architectural columns and coffered ceilings. It creates a deep, multi-dimensional background for those “sing-along” dance floor shots. Whether it was the guys leading a massive group chorus or the quiet romance of the couple’s first dance under the glow of the massive crystal chandeliers, the lighting here provides a dramatic, high-energy backdrop that looks incredible in photos.

Pro Photography Tips for Palace Receptions:

  • The Spiral Entrance: To capture the grand entrance, we recommend having one photographer at the base of the stairs and one wide-angled shot from across the room. This captures both the couple’s expressions and the cheering crowd of guests in one epic frame.
  • Mastering the Neon Glow: Neon signs like “The Johnsons” are a huge trend, but they can be tricky for lighting. We use off-camera flash to ensure the couple is perfectly lit without “washing out” the glow of the sign behind them.
  • The Donut Wall Detail: The Palace is famous for its dessert displays! We use a shallow depth of field (low f-stop) to capture the details of the Viennese donut table, making those treats look as delicious as they tasted while keeping the colorful reception party blurred beautifully in the background.
  • Capturing the Action: When the dance floor gets wild, we move in close with a wide-angle lens. This puts the viewer right in the middle of the action, capturing those candid, “hand-in-the-air” moments that truly represent the soul of the party.
A fun neon sign spells out the happy couple's last name above their newlywed table at their wedding reception.
Purple reception lighting glows above a stacked table of desserts.
The newlyweds descend a grand staircase as they are welcomed by their wedding guests into the reception space.
Wedding guests in fun, colorful outfits dance under red party lighting.
A wide shot of the crowded dance floor as the bride is spotlighted by bright light underneath a towering ceiling and ornate chandeliers.
The couple breaks into laughter as they stand together by their wedding cake; the bride holds a microphone.
The groom raises his eyebrows in a funny expression as he tries one drink while holding a second.

About The Palace at Somerset Park

If you’re looking for a venue that says “I’ve arrived,” The Palace at Somerset Park is the one. This isn’t just a wedding venue; it’s a Palladian-style villa that feels like you’ve been teleported to a Mediterranean estate without ever leaving Middlesex County.

The Vibe: European Estate Meets High-End Gala

The Palace is massive, but it’s the details that make it a photographer’s playground. We’re talking arching ceilings, sweeping grand staircases (perfect for that “movie star” entrance), and acres of manicured gardens. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony on the West Terrace under a moody Jersey sky or a black-tie party in the East Wing, this place was built for drama.

Why We Love It 

As photographers, we see a lot of venues, but the staff at The Palace operates like a well-oiled machine. They treat vendors like family, which means your timeline stays on track and you actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour.

  • The Lighting: The light-colored limestone is a literal cheat code for gorgeous skin tones. It acts as a natural reflector, giving you that “bright and airy” look even if the weather isn’t playing along.
  • The “One-Wedding” Feel: Even though it’s a large estate with two distinct wings, they’ve mastered the art of privacy. You’ll have your own dedicated entrance, bridal suite, and garden—it’s your world, everyone else is just living in it.

Pro Photo Tip:

Don’t sleep on the night-cap shots! Once the sun goes down, the exterior lighting on the columns and the twinkly lights in the garden create a completely different, romantic mood. We love sneaking our couples out for 5 minutes during the reception to catch those “twilight-at-the-villa” portraits.

Want more info straight from the source? Make sure to check out  The Palace at Somerset Park official website.

A birds-eye view of the bride reaching out her hand to hold her groom's hand in black and white. The white of her dress contrasts sharply with the dark floor.

Comparing The Palace at Somerset Park to Other NJ Venues?

If you’re looking at The Palace, your Pinterest board is likely filled with grand architecture, manicured gardens, and that “modern royalty” aesthetic. While we have a huge soft spot for the “Palace Glow,” we know that many of our couples also tour a few other heavy hitters in the area.

Here’s how The Palace stacks up against some other “vibe-adjacent” venues:

The Palace vs. Park Château Estate & Gardens (East Brunswick, NJ)

While both venues offer that incredible French-inspired grandeur, they feel very different on camera. The Park Château has a very distinct “fairytale” feel with its manicured gardens and on-site chapel. The Palace, by comparison, feels a bit more “New York City Gala.” It’s slightly more modern and expansive, offering two distinct wings that allow for a massive, high-energy guest list without ever feeling crowded.

The Palace vs. Pendry Natirar (Peapack-Gladstone, NJ)

Located just down the road in Somerset County, Natirar offers a hilltop, “country estate” luxury. It’s a bit more rustic-refined with those sweeping views of the Somerset Hills. Natirar has that “weekend retreat” vibe, but if you want that high-drama, grand staircase entrance and a ballroom that feels like a royal banquet hall, The Palace is the winner.

The Palace vs. The Ryland Inn (Whitehouse Station, NJ)

If you’re torn between “Grandeur” and “Farmhouse Chic,” you’re likely looking at The Ryland Inn. The Ryland is famous for its equestrian charm and white-washed barn aesthetic. However, if your heart is set on Greek columns, marble floors, and massive crystal chandeliers, The Palace provides that architectural “weight” and scale that a barn venue simply can’t match.

The Palace vs. Pleasantdale Château (West Orange, NJ)

Both are absolute icons in the NJ wedding world. Pleasantdale feels like stepping back in time into a historic, woodland castle—it’s very “Old World.” The Palace, on the other hand, feels like the modern evolution of that luxury. It’s brighter, airier, and built specifically for the flow of a modern wedding, making it a bit easier to navigate for large wedding parties.

The Bottom Line:

You choose The Palace at Somerset Park because you want a venue that feels both grand and classic, but with a distinctly modern edge (and convenience).

About Nick & Kelly Giardina: Wedding Photographer Duo Shooting at The Palace at Somerset Park

Hi! We’re Nick & Kelly, a husband + wife documentary wedding photographer duo based in Middlesex, NJ.

A little about us — Nick popped the question in his family’s Italian restaurant 20 years ago, and we’ve been “that couple” ever since. Our secret? A marriage that’s gotten better, sillier, and more fun with every passing year, and we bring that exact same energy to every wedding we shoot.

We aren’t just the people behind the cameras; we’re your calm-in-the-chaos and your professional wedding-party-belly-laugh-inducers. Whether we’re hunting for that perfect “limestone glow” on the West Terrace, timing portraits to hit the golden hour over the garden hedges, or sneaking a celebratory donut with our couple at the end of the night, we absolutely love shooting at The Palace at Somerset Park, and would love to shoot your wedding there!

Looking for a New Jersey Wedding Photographer? We’d love to chat.

If Genna and Jacob’s gallery made you want to grab a glass of champagne, hit the marble dance floor, and celebrate until the lights come up, we’re probably a match made in heaven.