Heather & Greg Wedding @ Riverview Barn, Franklin NJ

Featured, Trusted Venue, Wedding Venues, Weddings

There are some wedding days that just have their own personality, and Heather & Greg’s wedding at Riverview Barn was absolutely one of them. From the relaxed rustic setting and outdoor ceremony to Xena the horse, Nacho the donkey, and one very memorable carriage entrance, their June wedding in Franklin, New Jersey, was filled with personality from beginning to end.

We were especially excited to be part of their day because Heather & Greg came to us through a previous Shotwell Productions couple. There’s always something extra special about photographing a wedding that came from a past client referral, and we loved getting to capture another celebration connected to the Shotwell family.

A Rustic Wedding at Riverview Barn in Franklin, NJ

If you love weddings that feel warm, outdoorsy, and just a little different, a wedding at Riverview Barn gives you plenty to work with. The property has that rustic New Jersey barn atmosphere while still feeling open, inviting, and full of beautiful places for photos.

Heather & Greg fully embraced the setting. Between the natural scenery, barn details, open spaces, and beloved animals around the property, their wedding photographs have a playful, country-inspired feel that fit them perfectly.

And yes, Xena and Nacho definitely earned their place in the wedding gallery.

Xena, the horse pulling the carriage, made Heather’s arrival feel especially magical. Nacho, the donkey who joined the reception, was just as popular with the guests. Both animals were clearly well loved, and their presence added even more warmth and personality to the celebration.

Some of our favorite wedding photographs are often the ones that could never be completely planned ahead of time. Animals have a way of adding that little bit of unpredictability, and those candid interactions became some of the most memorable moments from Heather & Greg’s wedding at Riverview Barn. One especially sweet moment came when Heather gave Nacho a kiss, creating a photograph that perfectly captured how much joy he brought to the day.

A Carriage Entrance to Remember

One detail that made this wedding especially unique was the carriage.

Heather arrived at the ceremony in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage pulled by Xena, creating an entrance that was romantic, unexpected, and completely unforgettable. Rather than a traditional walk or vehicle arrival, the carriage immediately set the tone for a ceremony that felt personal and full of character.

After their outdoor ceremony, the newlyweds climbed into the carriage together and rode away as husband and wife, with Xena leading the way.

It was one of those moments that felt almost like something out of a storybook — but with a relaxed, playful twist that made it completely their own. For us as photographers, it also created incredible opportunities to capture movement, laughter, and genuine reactions instead of simply posing the couple for the camera.

An Outdoor Ceremony Filled With Personality

The outdoor setting was another highlight of Heather & Greg’s wedding at Riverview Barn. Surrounded by the rustic landscape of Franklin, NJ, their ceremony felt intimate without being overly formal.

That balance carried throughout the entire day.

There were beautiful wedding details and romantic moments, but there was also plenty of laughter and fun. Those are the days we love photographing most — the weddings where couples feel comfortable enough to simply enjoy everything happening around them while we document it naturally.

From the ceremony to the carriage ride with Xena, portraits with the animals, Nacho’s appearance at the reception, and all the little moments in between, there was never a shortage of something worth photographing.

Nacho Steals the Show at the Reception

Nacho was one of the most memorable guests at Heather & Greg’s reception. The donkey was clearly adored by everyone, and guests were excited to spend time with him throughout the celebration.

His presence brought an extra sense of fun to the reception, while Heather’s sweet kiss for Nacho became one of those candid moments that says so much without needing any explanation. It was genuine, affectionate, and completely in keeping with the joyful spirit of the day.

Including Xena and Nacho in the wedding was more than a fun photo opportunity. They were part of what made the celebration feel personal and true to Heather & Greg.

Wedding Photography at Riverview Barn

One of the things we love about photographing a wedding at Riverview Barn is the variety the property offers in a single location. Rustic barn details, greenery, open outdoor areas, animals, and unique features around the venue give couples a wedding gallery that feels varied without having to travel between multiple locations.

Heather & Greg’s wedding was a perfect example.

Their photos move from sweet and romantic to funny and completely candid, while still telling the story of the same day. Instead of forcing every moment into a pose, we were able to let their personalities — and the personality of the venue — do a lot of the work.

Xena’s carriage entrance, Nacho’s reception appearance, and Heather’s kiss for the donkey all became part of a wedding story that felt wonderfully authentic.

Congratulations, Heather & Greg!

Heather & Greg, thank you for trusting Shotwell Productions to document such an unforgettable day.

Your wedding at Riverview Barn was rustic, joyful, a little whimsical, and filled with exactly the kind of moments we love capturing: the real ones.

And any wedding that includes a beautiful outdoor ceremony, Xena pulling a horse-drawn carriage, Nacho charming the reception guests, and a bride giving the donkey a kiss is one we definitely won’t forget anytime soon.

Scroll through the photos below to see some of our favorite moments from Heather & Greg’s Riverview Barn wedding in Franklin, New Jersey.