“The moment you have in your heart this extraordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstasy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed.”
– Jiddu Krishnamurti
Oh my goodness gracious, WHERE do I even begin. This day was one for the books. Starting with our lovely bride. Vicki is type A to the tee (shout-out to all my type A’s), so she was aware of every detail. This day was meticulously planned and thought about, but while this bride had such an eye for detail she also has the biggest heart and with that comes the concern for everyone around her. I wanna say right off that bat, this bride and her groom planned the most perfect day, from start to finish.
I met Vicki at a Starbucks in Center City Philadelphia what feels like eons ago. But I can remember feeling like we should probably just be BFFS. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, there is nothing like walking through this process with our couples. I love beginning as strangers and then truly feeling like we have gained friends. Cheesy, maybe…but so freakin’ wonderful. So to say that I was excited for this day was an understatement.
Haley and I arrived in Wildwood the night before, which allowed us plenty of time to scout the area when we awoke (after plenty of coffee of course). It was a brisk morning, but this couple LUCKED OUT for a November wedding. Dealing with off-season at the beach is tricky…but the sun decided to shine and grace us with a beautiful morning. Haley and I were even more excited when scouting the deserted boardwalk. Nothing like an epic backdrop to work with paired with no humans to interrupt. I’m pretty sure we were oohing and aahhing from start to finish.
I met the girls at a rented beach home, where the final touches of hair and makeup were placed. Vicki slipped into her gown with her mothers help. Holding back tears as she gifted her a hand-stitched handkerchief. Her dad saw her for the first time and the three held hands. Their daughter, thanking them for all they had done over the years to lead her to this day. Cue tears by 11 am from this photographer.
The groom was dapper in his Military dress, joined with a group of gentleman, his awesome groomsmen. They allowed Haley to boss them around a little to make sure all of their handsomeness was well documented.
A quick Mass at Assumption Church made it all official, these two became Mr. & Mrs. Howell. We hopped on the trolly and trekked all over the beaches of Jersey. From the iconic Wildwood sign with this adventurous bridal party, then sneaking away to the boardwalk with the bride and groom, followed by a quick trip to Cape May Zoo, where the leaves were just right and the couple in a state of bliss. Naturally, a beer run was needed on our way and our last stop was where the party awaited, the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City…and what a party it was. The celebration began with dances from the bride and groom, followed by toasts and dances shared with the parents. The DJ brought it from start to finish, and let me tell you, I have never been so entertained by a groom before. He left it all out on the dance floor. Friends and family joined in on the party, singing out lyrics and possibly taking part in a few dance battles.
What a FUN day, what an unbelievable couple. THANK-YOU for allowing us to be a part of it. We could not have loved it more! Same time and place next year?
– T
Second Photographer: Haley Adair
Ceremony Venue: Assumption Church
Reception Venue: Yacht Club of Sea Isle City
VENDORS:
Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero “Greer” from Wedding Belles in Northfield, NJ
Bridesmaids: Azaie
Grooms & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse (Groom in Military Dress)
DJ/Entertainment Services: Ultimate Sounds Entertainment
Cake & Cupcakes: Stocks Bakery & A Spoonful of Sugar
Catering: Yacht Club of Sea Isle City
Hair: I Do Hair (Katie Bryan)
Makeup: Makeup by Kacey (Kacey Rosenberger)
