Thinking About an October Wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor? Here’s the Inside Scoop from a Preferred Photographer

If you’re imagining what your own October wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor might look like — the light, the setting, the backdrops — you’re in the right place. 

We love working at The Mill Lakeside Manor for many reasons: the stunning lakeside views, the beautiful secret garden, the balcony overlooking the mill, the elegant ballroom, and most of all, the incredible team behind the scenes. As a preferred vendor for The Mill Lakeside Manor, we’ve had the privilege of photographing and providing entertainment here at countless events over the years, and each wedding feels as special as the last.

Deanna and Tim’s October wedding was no exception. Keep scrolling to see how their day came to life — and to gather inspiration for your own New Jersey wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor.

Deanna & Timothy: From Engagement Session to Wedding Day

Before we get to the wedding day details, we can’t tell Deanna + Tim’s story without telling you where it all started. We first met the couple for their engagement session at Allaire State Park. Booking an engagement session with Limelight gave them a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and gave us a chance to connect with them before the big day. 

By the time their wedding arrived, we had built a natural rhythm together, making it easy for them to relax and trust the process. It also gave us a chance to meet their fur baby, Miso! It’s always a treat when we get to meet our clients’ pups.

When we found out Deanna + Tim chose The Mill Lakeside Manor for their October wedding, we were thrilled. It’s practically a second home to us at this point — we know the best places for portraits, how the light shifts throughout the day, and how to work alongside the staff to keep the day running smoothly.

Let’s get into where Deanna + Tim’s New Jersey wedding day began: getting ready at the Hilton!

Getting Ready at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

The day started at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tinton Falls, a go-to getting-ready spot for many New Jersey wedding couples. It’s about a 17-minute drive to The Mill Lakeside Manor, so if you’re getting ready here, we recommend arranging plenty of transportation to avoid timeline delays.

Deanna and her bridesmaids shared laughs in matching emerald silk robes as hair and makeup wrapped up, while Tim and his groomsmen got ready just a few rooms away. These early hours were filled with simple, meaningful moments — exchanging letters, popping champagne, and capturing details like the couple’s rings and invites.

We always build a little space in your timeline for these detail shots because they tell such an important part of your story. Deanna’s details were especially beautiful because they featured a gorgeous watercolor portrait of The Mill Lakeside Manor — complete with the famous swans on the lake. 

Final Touches in The Bridal Suite 

Before her first look, we captured a few quiet moments of Deanna getting ready in the bridal suite — being buttoned into her dress, fastening her earrings, and slipping on her shoes. These simple rituals often become some of the most emotionally rich images in a gallery — calm and reflective, yet full of anticipation.

The Mill Lakeside Manor has always offered a peaceful, elegant setting to begin the day, which is why we encourage couples to get ready on-site whenever possible. But with the addition of a dedicated getting ready space on the horizon, future couples will have even more convenience built right into the venue experience.

Dockside First Look

The dock at The Mill Lakeside Manor has always been one of our favorite spots to photograph — calm water, open space, and a quiet pause before the celebration begins. When Deanna picked that spot for her first look with Tim, we were all about it.

Recently, The Mill made updates to the dock to improve safety and enhance the overall flow of the property. While it’s now shorter and no longer ideal for first look photos, we see this kind of change often — venues evolve to better serve their couples and create a smoother guest experience.

If you had your heart set on the dock, we totally get it. But rest assured, there are so many beautiful alternatives just steps away. From tree-lined paths to private corners near the lake, we know this venue well and can help you choose a first look location that feels just as special — and photographs beautifully.

We’re here to guide you through these shifts and make sure your wedding day feels intentional, even when the setting looks a little different than you imagined.

Wedding Party Shots

After we captured the first look and a few portraits of the bride and groom, we moved on to capturing the wedding party. The couple chose an iconic spot for these images: The Mill’s Lakeside Manor’s wooden double doors. 

Because we’ve worked here so often, we’re able to guide couples through this part of the day confidently, making sure we capture what matters without adding stress or rush. There’s also usually some time to get creative, as you can see below with some of these fun shots we were able to capture for Deanna + Tim. 

A Lakeside Ceremony and Sunset Glow

The lakeside ceremony was heartfelt and personal, ending with the couple’s signature dip at the end of the aisle — something they’d been excited to share. As cocktail hour began, we stepped away for golden hour portraits on the deck and by the water. October light at The Mill Lakeside Manor is especially soft and golden, so we always recommend couples build time for it into their timeline.

Loving this real wedding? Let’s talk about how we can bring your own wedding vision to life at The Mill or beyond — reach out here.

Reception Moments to Remember

Inside the ballroom, emerald greens, soft neutrals, and gold finishes tied the decor together. Deanna and Tim shared a choreographed first dance, cut their cake privately, and spent the rest of the evening surrounded by family, friends, and a packed dance floor. They also booked our open air photo booth, a fun add-on to any Limelight event!

Why We Love Photographing Weddings at The Mill Lakeside Manor

We love working at The Mill Lakeside Manor because we know how to navigate the space efficiently, keep the timeline smooth, and help couples feel at ease. 

But what makes this stunning venue stand out the most? It’s the people. Couples like Deanna and Tim, and the dedicated venue team — especially Susan! — create an atmosphere where we can fully focus on capturing authentic, meaningful moments. When your vendors work in sync like this, you feel it on the day and see it in your final wedding gallery.

Ready for Limelight to Capture Your Wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor?

If you’re planning your own wedding at The Mill Lakeside Manor, we’d love to help you document it. We bring years of experience, a calm presence, and an approach built on trust — guiding you through the day so you can focus on what matters.