From a distance, the couple appears small and serene, framed perfectly on a wooden bridge that stretches over glassy water. The reflection of the trees and structure below them made this Medford, NJ wedding scene feel almost storybook-like.
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A Lakeside at Medford Wedding Celebrating Family, Personal Traditions, and Joy

Filed in Wedding Days — May 25, 2025

Close-up of the bride and groom embracing beneath a handmade wooden arbor adorned with pine and baby’s breath. The groom wraps his arms gently around the bride from behind, both smiling with their foreheads nearly touching. The rustic, heart-shaped detail built into the arbor captures the love and craftsmanship at this Lakeside at Medford wedding, nestled deep in the woods.

Rachael and Ian’s wedding at Lakeside at Medford was one of those rare days where everything felt deeply personal—because it truly was. After over a decade together and already growing their family, they chose to marry at Lakeside at Medford, a rustic, wooded venue tucked into a former boy scout camp. The bride had spent her childhood on a nearby lake, and this venue—with its calm shoreline and quiet woods—felt like coming home.

A wide view of the rustic exterior of Lakeside at Medford, framed by deep red foliage and pine trees, showcasing the cozy lodge-style building where the wedding day began. Lakeside at Medford Wedding.

The groom stands confidently on a weathered wooden bridge surrounded by trees, hands in pockets and a small smile on his face. This relaxed portrait highlights the natural charm and wooded pathways that make a Lakeside at Medford wedding such a picturesque choice for couples wanting a nature-inspired day.
The bride, holding a bouquet of white blooms and greenery, smiles softly while standing at the edge of a wooden bridge. Her gown flows across the dirt path beneath towering trees, evoking a sense of peaceful romance that suits this Lakeside at Medford wedding and its intimate, rustic charm.

A Meaningful Beginning by the Lake

The day began in the cozy indoor spaces of Lakeside at Medford, where warm wood-paneled interiors and oversized windows filled with natural light offered a relaxed start to the celebration. Rachael got ready with loved ones in a soft-lit room overlooking the trees, wearing an off-the-shoulder Stella York gown that perfectly matched the natural surroundings. It was clear from the start that this wasn’t just a wedding day—it was a reunion of deep connections and lifelong traditions.

The bride shares a moment with her mother, who helps fluff the voluminous skirt of her dress inside the bridal suite, a tender part of the day at this Lakeside at Medford Wedding.
The bride stands smiling in front of a large arched window, her off-the-shoulder tulle gown with floral lace detail glowing softly in the natural light. A joyful moment during getting ready at Lakeside at Medford Wedding.

A Gender Reveal They’ll Never Forget

One of the most unforgettable moments of the day happened during their first look: a private gender reveal. Neither Rachael nor Ian knew the baby’s gender in advance. When Ian opened a delicate black box to find a single pink rose, they both realized they were expecting a baby girl—their third child after two boys. The raw emotion between them was immediate. Ian’s expression softened with awe, and Rachael wiped away tears while clutching the box to her chest.

It was a moment full of love, surprise, and joy—one they’ll never forget. Later in the day, they shared the news with their guests, and the entire celebration carried a deeper sense of shared happiness.

A joyful reveal as the bride surprises the groom with a box holding pink baby’s breath, announcing they’re expecting a girl—an unforgettable memory at their Lakeside at Medford Wedding.

The groom stands across from the bride, who clutches a slim black box holding a single pink rose and delicate baby’s breath—the moment she reveals their baby’s gender. Her expression is full of emotion, her lips trembling and hand resting on her chest. This deeply personal reveal was one of the most unforgettable parts of their Medford, NJ wedding day.
With the lake gently rippling behind them, the bride raises her hand to wipe away tears, overwhelmed by the joy of sharing their baby news. The groom watches her lovingly as she holds the keepsake box close. It was a moment that brought tenderness and tears to their Medford, NJ wedding celebration.

Portraits with Personal Touches

After the reveal, we wandered the property to capture portraits that felt relaxed, romantic, and true to them. The lakeside dock gave us space to pause and reflect, while a quiet moment on the sand let their laughter shine through. We also stopped by one of the venue’s footbridges for a wide-angle shot that showed the couple from afar, small and centered against the vastness of the surrounding nature—a dramatic image that added a lovely variety to the gallery.

Laughter echoes across the sandy shoreline as the bride and groom walk arm in arm, stealing glances and sharing smiles. Their joy felt effortless during this playful moment at their Medford, NJ wedding, surrounded by water and woods.

A quiet, intimate moment as the bride’s arms wrap around the groom’s shoulders from behind, her hands resting gently on his back. Her engagement ring and wedding band sparkle against the soft tulle of her dress. This sweet detail captures the intimacy and serenity that define a Lakeside at Medford wedding celebration.
The bride and groom stand together on a narrow wooded path surrounded by tall pine trees and early spring greenery. She wears an off-the-shoulder gown with sheer sleeves and a flowing train that drapes naturally over the dirt path. He wears a light gray suit and looks at her lovingly while she smiles up at him.

A Relaxed, Rustic Ceremony at a Rural NJ Venue

The ceremony space, framed by towering trees and the quiet of the lake, was made even more special by the wooden arbor that Rachael’s father built by hand. As a surprise for the couple, he added a carved heart at the top—a detail that moved them both deeply. Set with white blooms and soft greenery, it stood as a tribute not just to the couple’s love, but to the family who shaped them.

Guests sat on folding chairs, kids fidgeted in the front row, and the wind moved gently through the trees. The stillness of the space made every word feel sacred.

Without a planner, the logistics of the day required a little extra care—especially with so many children in the mix—but the effort was more than worth it. The couple’s love for each other and for their growing family shone through in every detail.

A handcrafted wooden arch adorned with white roses, baby's breath, and greenery sits in the forest clearing, capturing the natural, rustic elegance of this Lakeside at Medford Wedding.

With anticipation in his eyes, the groom stands beside his groomsmen beneath the forest canopy, waiting for his bride to arrive. The rustic wooden structure behind them and soft greenery around set the scene for this deeply emotional moment at their Lakeside at Medford wedding.
The bride walks down the aisle on the arm of her father, her off-the-shoulder gown billowing gently with each step. Pine needles line the path beneath them, adding texture and grounding this part of the Lakeside at Medford wedding in the natural beauty of the wooded surroundings.

A playful, candid shot of two young children—the flower girl in a white lace dress with a blue ribbon in her hair and the ring bearer in a tiny navy suit—sitting on the ground with wicker baskets, carefully examining fallen petals. These quiet in-between moments brought joy and spontaneity to the Lakeside at Medford wedding ceremony.
A close-up of the couple’s hands during the ring exchange. The bride, in a sheer off-the-shoulder sleeve, gently slides a wedding band onto the groom’s finger while the officiant holds an open Bible in the background. This emotional moment was one of many that made this Lakeside at Medford wedding feel deeply rooted in love and intention.

The couple kisses at the altar as their bridal party watches on with joy. Bridesmaids in soft blue gowns and groomsmen in navy suits form a semicircle around them. The rustic arbor, decorated with greenery and white flowers, frames them in a clearing surrounded by tall trees.

A Reception That Felt Like Home

The reception took place inside the venue’s warmly lit indoor hall, with soft string lights, natural wood tones, and family-style seating. During toasts, there were tears and roaring laughter; during the dances, there was a tenderness that didn’t need to be spoken aloud. From a heartfelt first dance to an emotional gender reveal, the night felt personal and unfiltered.

Though many elements were handled personally by the bride—including planning, florals, makeup, and more—you never would’ve known it. The entire day came together beautifully, a testament to Rachael’s dedication and vision.

The newlyweds raise their joined hands in the air, smiling wide as they are introduced to guests during their reception. The reception space has a warm, open layout with high ceilings, string lights, and natural wood beams. Guests seated at round tables clap and cheer from the background.
Close-up of a simple white two-tier cake sitting atop a tree-slice cake stand, surrounded by sprigs of pine, votive candles, and baby’s breath. Natural light floods the windows behind it, echoing the rustic charm of this Lakeside at Medford wedding celebration.
The couple shares a playful moment during their cake cutting. The groom, holding a plate and fork, feeds cake to the bride as she leans forward, laughing. Behind them, a large stone fireplace is decorated with greenery, adding rustic warmth to the indoor reception scene.

The couple stands indoors beside their wedding cake table. The bride bursts into laughter as she holds a long, narrow gift box with a pink flower inside- a gender reveal for all their guests, while the groom smiles at her side. The table is topped with a simple white cake, greenery, candles, and a framed photo of their family.
Wedding guests react with excitement and emotion during the reception. A woman in a metallic pink dress covers her mouth in surprise, while others cheer, laugh, and clap. The room is warmly lit with string lights and filled with energy and anticipation.

Honoring Their Tradition with an Adventurous Canoe Ride

Perhaps the most iconic images of the day came during twilight, as the day was turning to night, when they grabbed me and said “let’s go get those canoe pics!” They paddled out into the lake in a canoe—a tradition they’ve kept for years and now can add their wedding day canoe photo to the mix. They had waited until after the ceremony just in case one of them took a spill, but it all went off without a hitch. The golden light on the water, the reflection of trees, and their quiet joy made these portraits unforgettable.

The bride is assisted into a canoe by the groom and bridesmaid while another groomsman steadies the boat. They are at the edge of a wooded lake, with the calm water reflecting the trees around them. The moment is both cautious and exciting, filled with laughter and helping hands.
The couple paddles their canoe back to shore, with the bride in the front and the groom behind her. Children on the bank jump and run with excitement, and a man in a tie smiles while watching the canoe approach. The background is a dense forest with overhanging trees and calm lake water.

The bride and groom sit together in a dark green canoe, gliding peacefully across a still lake. She sits at the front of the boat, smiling back at the camera, while the groom sits at the rear. Their reflection is mirrored in the water, framed by the deep greens of the surrounding forest.

A Note on Lakeside at Medford—A Rustic Wedding Venue NJ Couples Will Love

Lakeside at Medford is a rustic wedding venue NJ couples will love if they’re seeking a natural, laid-back, and deeply personal space. It’s best suited for couples who value privacy and flexibility, but I strongly recommend hiring a planner since the venue lacks a full staff. There are a couple of side rooms available for getting ready, though they aren’t formal bridal suites. That said, the variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, peaceful lakefront setting, and rich natural beauty make it incredibly rewarding to photograph.

Standing on the dock with the lake behind them, the couple shares an intimate embrace, the bride’s hand on her belly and a single rose in a vase at their feet during this Medford, NJ wedding.

Congratulations, Rachael and Ian

To Rachael and Ian: thank you for trusting me with a day so rooted in love and meaning. Your gender reveal moment, your canoe tradition, and your wide-open hearts made this wedding feel like so much more than a celebration. Wishing you a lifetime of joy, barefoot adventures, and beautiful memories together.

In a quiet wooded path, the groom kneels and kisses the bride’s baby bump, a tender moment that celebrates their growing family at this Medford, NJ wedding.

Kind Words

Rachael shared afterward: “We absolutely loved working with you and have zero criticism from our experience—you were a dream to work with.”

Vendor Team

So many talented people came together to bring this day to life:

And a special shoutout to Rachael, who handled so many elements herself—from planning and florals to hair, makeup, and stationery—with incredible dedication and grace.

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