Real Brides Podcast E8 BEAR BROOK VALLEY

In this joy-filled episode of Real Brides, host Rosana sits down with Kara, a summer bride who tied the knot at the gorgeous Bear Brook Valley in July. Kara shares the intentional decisions behind every detail of her big day—from custom cufflinks for the groomsmen to lace sneakers for dancing the night away. As a teacher, Kara planned around her school schedule and leaned into flexibility, even when New Jersey’s unpredictable weather threatened to derail her outdoor ceremony. With her calm, go-with-the-flow attitude and a solid team of vendors (including her favorite photographer Anne and videographer Pil from Shotwell Productions), the day unfolded with beauty, emotion, and a little magic.

Kara dives into how Bear Brook’s unique features—like the silo bridal suite, vineyard views, and farm-style tables—created the perfect blend of elegance and personality. She reflects on the powerful, candid moments captured on camera, the importance of engagement photos to build comfort, and the value of letting go when things don’t go exactly to plan. Whether you're navigating weather worries, planning as a teacher, or searching for a venue that checks all the boxes, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and plenty of real talk.