anya & george
Anya and George met in high school and have been together ever since. On August 21, 2026, we filmed their wedding at Bear Brook Valley, a vineyard tucked into the hills of Fredon, New Jersey, with a first look on the hill, vows by the pond, and a dance floor that filled the moment they walked in.
Bear Brook Valley is one of our favorite places to film, and we were thrilled to be back. The day was photographed by Courtney Simpson Photography. Watch their film below, then read on for their story and what to plan for at Bear Brook Valley.
The film
Their Bear Brook Valley wedding film
Planning a wedding at Bear Brook Valley? Check your date with us
Their story
Together since high school
Anya and George met in high school and never looked back. When Anya first reached out to us, she wrote that the past ten years together had been incredible. What they wanted most from their film was simple: tell their story as high school sweethearts, show how much they’ve grown since, and capture how much fun the day was going to be.
Before they saw each other on the wedding day, they each sat down and read a letter from the other. Then they met on the hill above the vineyard, just the two of them, with the whole valley spread out below. Press play and watch George’s face. It’s one of the sweetest first looks we’ve ever filmed.
The morning
Getting ready at Bear Brook Valley
They described their style as timeless, rustic and chic: lots of white, from the flowers to the signage to the candles, with pops of light blue. Anya got ready in a bright, window-lit suite with her bridesmaids in matching pale blue pajamas and her gown hanging in the window. Her first look was with her bridesmaids. The second was with her dad and brothers at the wooden footbridge, and it was every bit as emotional as you’d hope.
The setting
A vineyard in the hills
Bear Brook Valley sits on rolling hills in Sussex County, with rows of vines, a pond and a little wooden footbridge we never get tired of filming. Anya and George said their vows beneath the wooden pergola by the water, framed in white florals, with their childhood friend Katie officiating. Katie watched them start dating and grow up together, which made it all the more meaningful. Then they took their portraits across the open lawn, laughing the whole way.
For couples planning here
Planning a wedding at Bear Brook Valley
A few things to plan for if you’re considering the vineyard.
- The hill for a private first look. The hill above the vineyard gives you a quiet spot with the whole valley below, away from guests. Anya and George read letters first, then met there, and it became one of the sweetest moments in their film.
- Timing between the hill, the pond and the lawn. The day moves outdoors between the hilltop, the pergola by the pond and the open lawn. Build 10 to 15 minutes into your timeline for each move so nobody feels rushed.
- Light on the hills. Most of the day happens outside, so the sun shapes everything. Plan portraits for the hour before sunset when you can, and talk through a rain plan with the venue early.
Photographs
Moments from the day
From the vineyard to the dance floor, a few moments from Courtney Simpson of Courtney Simpson Photography.
What we loved
Two pairs of high school sweethearts
We were high school sweethearts too, and after the highlight film went out, Anya told us that having the two of us there made the day feel even more special. We felt it from our side as well. You don’t have to explain to us what it means to marry the person you’ve grown up with. They told us they were most excited for three things: marrying each other, cocktail hour, and dancing. They delivered on all three, with a packed dance floor, sparklers and a bridal party that brought the energy all night.
A note for planning couples
Leave room in your timeline for first looks with family, not just with each other. Anya’s few minutes with her dad and brothers at the footbridge became one of the most moving scenes in her film, and it only happened because they planned for it.
Creative partners
The Bear Brook Valley wedding team
- VenueBear Brook Valley
- PhotographyCourtney Simpson Photography
- FloralsPink Dahlia Floral Design
- DJDJ Demand
- HairHair by Corinne
- MakeupMakeup by Carly G
- Content creationContent by Gabby
- VideographyTonemedia
Another film to fall in love with
Alyssa & John · Crossed Keys Estate
One of Anya and George’s favorite films from our portfolio, and another North Jersey wedding with a garden-party softness.
Watch their filmYour wedding, on film
Let’s tell your story.
If a vineyard wedding like Anya and George’s is what you’re picturing, we’d love to hear about your day. Tell us about your venue, your people, and the moments you never want to forget.
