Hand in hand, Karie and Shane embrace the beauty of their Running Deer wedding. This Philadelphia wedding photographer captured the perfect mix of romance and natural elegance

A Festive and Romantic Running Deer Wedding | Karie & Shane

Filed in Wedding Days — February 5, 2025

Karie and Shane’s Running Deer Golf Club wedding in Pittsgrove, NJ combined timeless romance with the magic of the holiday season, to create a stunning Christmas wedding celebration. With twinkling lights, deep green and gold details, and a cozy winter atmosphere, their wedding was the perfect December celebration.

Underneath the open sky, the bride and groom steal a moment together, sharing a laugh as golden hour light wraps around them. Their effortless connection is clear in the way they hold onto each other, framed by the rustic charm of Running Deer Golf Club’s outdoor spaces. Their wedding photography captures the perfect mix of elegance and fun, preserving the joy of their day

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Running Deer Weddings: A Versatile Venue For Any Vision

Running Deer Golf Club is a dream setting for weddings year-round, but during the holiday season, it truly transforms. The warm glow of candlelight, grand Christmas trees, and elegant holiday decor created a festive and inviting atmosphere. Nestled among the woods of Pittsgrove, Running Deer Weddings offer a secluded, intimate setting that feels like an escape while still being conveniently located.

Suspended in front of grand windows, Karie’s wedding dress glows in the soft natural light, framed by holiday wreaths and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The golden ornaments and wrapped gifts beneath add a touch of seasonal magic to this breathtaking scene

A perfectly curated collection of wedding details—personalized vow books, elegant invitations, and sentimental keepsakes—sits arranged on a rustic wooden box. The shimmer of holiday decor in the background adds a festive touch to this meaningful display of the couple’s love story

Karie and Shane’s ceremony took place inside the Timbers Ballroom, where floor-to-ceiling windows let in the soft winter light. Behind them, a stunning floral arch adorned with white roses, evergreen garlands, and golden ribbon accents framed their vows beautifully. The towering Christmas tree in the corner, twinkling with gold and silver ornaments, added to the seasonal magic.

Holiday Elegance Meets Modern Style

The morning started with laughter, excitement, and a few happy tears as Karie and her bridal party got ready in the elegant bridal suite. Karie wore a breathtaking strapless mermaid-style gown with lace appliqués and a layered tulle train, creating a regal yet modern silhouette. Her soft curls, sparkling hairpiece, and sheer beaded veil completed the look, making her the perfect winter bride. Her bridesmaids wore deep emerald green gowns, perfectly complementing the holiday theme.

Meanwhile, Shane and his groomsmen had a relaxed start to the day, sharing stories and getting dressed in the men’s locker room. Shane made a bold and stylish statement in a dark green suit with a black shirt and tie, setting the perfect tone for a sophisticated yet festive wedding look. His groomsmen followed suit with black tuxes, letting the groom’s unique look shine.

Karie and Shane knew that flowers would set the tone for their day, so they didn’t hold back when it came to their florist—and it was so worth it. From lush, cascading bouquets to breathtaking ceremony arrangements, every bloom felt intentional, transforming their venue into something straight out of a dream.

With a relaxed smile and a quiet moment to himself, the groom holds his deep green tie, preparing for one of the biggest days of his life. The soft, candid nature of this shot captures the excitement and emotion behind the getting-ready process.

In a quiet getting-ready suite, the bride stands poised as her mother and a bridesmaid gently adjust the layers of her dress. The soft lighting, delicate lace details, and the warmth of their presence capture the anticipation of the moments leading up to the ceremony.

Surrounded by her closest friends and family, the bride sits in the center of her bridal party, wrapped in laughter and quiet anticipation. The rich emerald tones of their robes contrast beautifully with the bride’s soft white ensemble, creating a scene full of love and excitement before the big moment.

An Intimate First Look, Private Vows & Gift Giving

Karie and Shane’s first look at Running Deer Golf Club was more than just a moment—it was a heartfelt exchange that set the tone for their day. Tucked away in spot set behind the main building they saw each other for the first time, emotions spilling over as Shane turned to see Karie standing before him. But beyond the initial awe and happy tears, this moment held even more meaning.

They took the time to share private vows, speaking words meant only for each other, grounding themselves in the promises they were about to make. As if that wasn’t enough to bring on the waterworks, they also exchanged gifts—thoughtful tokens of their love that made them laugh, cry, and hold each other a little tighter. In the quiet of that space, away from the whirlwind of the day, Karie and Shane weren’t just preparing for their wedding—they were celebrating the depth of their connection in a way that was beautifully, undeniably them.

With her veil trailing behind her, the bride walks toward the groom, her bouquet in hand and her heart pounding in anticipation. Every step brings her closer to the moment they’ve both been waiting for—their first look. The backdrop for this Running Deer wedding adds to the romance, with lush greenery and elegant architecture framing this unforgettable moment in their love story

A moment of pure anticipation unfolds as the groom turns around to see the bride for the first time on their wedding day. His expression shifts from nerves to pure awe, taking in every detail of the bride standing before him. In the quiet seclusion of Running Deer Golf Club’s outdoor space, they share this intimate moment away from the buzz of the day, making it one of the most emotional highlights of their wedding

The bride and groom steal a quiet moment outside, standing in front of the grand windows of their venue. The groom wraps his arm around the bride as she tilts her head toward him, their laughter reflecting the easy joy of the day. The soft winter sky and the Running Deer Golf Club's classic architecture create a picture-perfect setting for this unforgettable moment

A Ceremony Full of Meaning and Tradition

Karie and Shane’s ceremony was as heartfelt as it was visually stunning. One of the most memorable moments was their handfasting ritual, where they wrapped a deep green ribbon around their hands as a symbol of their unity and everlasting bond. The emotional exchange of vows, paired with the warm ambiance of candlelit aisle decor and hanging holiday wreaths, created an intimate and meaningful atmosphere.

As the couple exchanged rings, guests were fully immersed in the love and joy radiating from them. When the officiant announced them as husband and wife, the room erupted into cheers, marking the beginning of their new adventure together.

Dressed in an emerald green suit with a crisp black shirt and matching tie, the groom stands at the altar, his expression a mix of excitement and emotion as he waits for his bride to walk down the aisle. A white boutonniere pinned to his lapel adds a classic touch to his wedding day look. Behind him, his groomsmen, dressed in sleek black suits with coordinating green ties and pocket squares, smile as they witness this unforgettable moment. The venue is adorned with festive holiday decor, including elegant wreaths tied with gold ribbons hanging in the large sunlit windows, adding a warm and intimate glow to the space. With soft natural light filtering through, the scene captures the groom’s anticipation, the camaraderie of his closest friends, and the joy of a wedding day filled with love and celebration

With her father by her side, Karie walks down the aisle, holding onto his arm and the bouquet she carefully chose for this moment. The love and anticipation in her eyes say it all as she approaches Shane, who waits for her at the end of the aisle. The ceremony space at Running Deer Golf Club is adorned with elegant greenery, flickering candles, and gold-accented chairs, making for a classic and timeless wedding setting

During the ceremony, the groom stands at the altar, dressed in a deep green suit, his face lighting up as the bride takes his hand. A bridesmaid, also in green, wraps a matching fabric around their joined hands in a handfasting ritual, symbolizing their unity. The officiant, with a warm expression, looks on as this meaningful moment unfolds under a floral arch adorned with white roses

As the ceremony reaches its most anticipated moment, the bride and groom share their first kiss as newlyweds beneath an arch overflowing with white florals. Guests break into applause, the candlelit aisle casting a warm glow over the heartfelt scene. The bride’s lace train pools around her, and the groom holds her close, soaking in the joy of this perfect moment.

Hand in hand, the bride and groom make their way down the aisle, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. The joy on their faces is undeniable as they take in the applause and smiles, fully embracing the first moments of their marriage. The soft glow of candlelight lining the aisle and the towering windows behind them create a breathtaking setting for their Running Deer wedding, beautifully captured by a Philadelphia wedding photographer.

A Reception with Cozy Holiday Vibes

The reception was a seamless transition into a night of celebration, laughter, and holiday magic. The grand ballroom at Running Deer Golf Club was adorned with elegant winter-themed centerpieces, featuring white roses, pinecones, and evergreen sprigs in golden vases. Twinkling lights and candles illuminated the space, creating a warm, romantic glow.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was Karie and Shane’s grand entrance. As they walked into the reception, guests waved green napkins in celebration, a fun and unique way to kick off the party. Their first dance was nothing short of magical, set against the backdrop of soft, glowing Christmas lights.

Under the soft glow of chandeliers, Karie and Shane sway together for their first dance, eyes locked as if no one else is in the room. With family and friends watching from candlelit tables, this moment was intimate, tender, and filled with the quiet magic of their new beginning

Guests enjoyed an incredible meal prepared by Running Deer’s talented culinary team, followed by heartfelt toasts from the couple’s loved ones. Finally they newlyweds cut their cake, Karie said later that this was one of her favorite moments: “it felt like one of the most real and most comfortable moments for Shane and I, we aren’t super outgoing so it’s hard to be in the spot light for us.”

Seated at their sweetheart table, Karie and Shane burst into laughter as a loved one delivers a heartfelt and hilarious toast. Surrounded by glowing candles, festive wreaths, and a breathtaking floral arch, this moment radiates warmth, joy, and the kind of love that makes wedding nights unforgettable

Karie and Shane share a sweet kiss after cutting into their wedding cake, a simple yet elegant white tiered design with a custom monogrammed heart. With a fork in hand and smiles all around, this moment felt effortlessly natural, a quiet celebration of their love before heading back into the party

A Dance Party to Remember

The dance floor quickly filled up, with a mix of classic holiday tunes and wedding party favorites keeping the energy high throughout the night. With the perfect mix of throwbacks, crowd favorites, and high-energy beats, they kept everyone on their feet—whether it was grandparents grooving to classics or friends letting loose to the latest hits. Karie and Shane, who aren’t usually the center-of-attention type, found themselves completely caught up in the energy, dancing together without a care. It wasn’t just music; it was the perfect soundtrack to a night they’ll never forget.

The bride, radiant in her wedding gown, shares a special moment on the dance floor with her father. His face beams with joy as he holds onto his daughter, surrounded by bridesmaids in emerald green dresses and guests celebrating nearby. The warmth of the dance floor lights and the lively atmosphere capture the deep bond between them—a moment of love and pride that will be treasured forever

The bride and groom hold each other close on the dance floor, lost in the moment as they sway under the soft glow of twinkling Christmas lights. The Running Deer Golf Club is bathed in a romantic purple hue, with warm candlelight flickering around them. A towering Christmas tree glows in the background, adding to the dreamy atmosphere. Their eyes meet, and their smiles reflect pure joy as they soak in their first dance as a married couple.

A heartfelt embrace between two loved ones captures the essence of Karie and Shane’s celebration—a wedding filled with connection, emotion, and unforgettable moments. The soft flicker of candlelight and the twinkling Christmas tree in the background add a warm, intimate feel to this candid shot from their Running Deer wedding reception

The energy on the dance floor is contagious as guests of all ages celebrate late into the night. From joyful twirls to light-hearted laughter, this moment embodies the fun and love shared at Karie and Shane’s wedding. The reception at Running Deer Golf Club was a perfect mix of elegance and a lively celebration, where every guest felt part of something special

With the energy high and the music pumping, Shane belts out lyrics with a beer in hand, completely lost in the joy of the moment. The vibrant pink uplighting casts a fun and celebratory glow over the reception space, capturing the heart of the party

Bathed in swirling pink and purple light, Karie moves across the dance floor, the motion blur capturing the pure, electric energy of the night. With a joyful expression and a flowing wedding gown, this shot perfectly encapsulates the excitement of celebrating with loved ones

The Perfect Ending to a Winter Wedding

As the evening wound down, Karie and Shane took a few quiet moments together outside, surrounded by the peaceful winter landscape of Running Deer Golf Club. With a blanket of twinkling lights around them and the crisp December air, it was the perfect way to soak in the final moments of their wedding day.

Their Running Deer Golf Club Wedding was a stunning combination of classic elegance and cozy holiday charm, creating a truly unforgettable experience for them and their guests. Karie and Shane’s love story is one for the books, and their wedding day was a reflection of everything that makes them such an incredible couple.

Congratulations, Karie and Shane! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and holiday-season anniversaries filled with just as much magic as your wedding day.

As the bride and groom make their grand exit, they are met with a tunnel of glowing sparklers held high by their guests. Their faces light up as they take in the love surrounding them, walking toward their next adventure as husband and wife. The night air is crisp, the excitement is electric, and this magical send-off is the perfect way to end their Running Deer wedding celebration

Interested in a Running Deer Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that combines elegance with an intimate woodland setting, Running Deer Golf Club is the perfect place. Their dedicated team ensures every detail is executed flawlessly, making it a stress-free and truly magical experience.

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