Yearly Archives: 2018

Elizabeth + Ray

Like we've found with so many couples we've had the pleasure of filming over the years, Liz and Ray met each other through mutual friends.  The two hit it off immediately, locking eyes when they were introduced, and talked with each other all evening long.  Before they parted ways for the night, they exchanged phone numbers, promising to reach out again right away.  They were surprised at how much they had in common, so much so that Ray even jokingly proposed to Liz that first evening!

The real proposal came one evening after Liz came home from work.  Little did she know that Ray had been practicing his proposal speech with her father all day!  They went for a walk in the park across the street from them and Ray began to reminisce about how they met and about his fake proposal.  Then, Ray told Liz, "If I were to do it again, I would do it like this..." as he got down on one knee and asked Liz to be his wife!  And this time she said 'yes'!

Liz got ready for the day with her bridal party at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mt. Laurel, NJ.  Salon Muse styled the party's gorgeous hair, then their makeup was perfected by Make Me Sparkle.  As her bridesmaids dressed into their beautiful long, red gowns, Ray and his groomsmen and groomsmaids were also getting ready at the hotel, dressing into their modern black suits with red neckties and long, black gowns.

Later at her venue, Liz put on her amazing Maggie Sottero wedding gown.  It featured three-quarter length sleeves and a gorgeous lace illusion bateau neckline.  The beautiful lace overlay covered the entire gown from top to train.  And she accessorized her short hair with a mid-length veil attached with a sparkling headband that coordinated perfectly with her dress.  Liz was such a stunning bride! The couple chose the timeless and very formal color scheme of red, black, gold and ivory for their event, and we loved how that vivid red on Liz's shoes really popped against her white dress!

Liz and Ray decided to have an exciting first look before their ceremony was set to begin.  So there in the chapel at Lucien's Manor in Berlin, NJ where their ceremony would soon take place, the two saw each other for the first time on this special day.  Their ear-to-ear smiles were so sweet!

After the first look, the couple and their bridal party enjoyed a fun and creative photo shoot outside at Lucien's Manor, where the couple even practiced their first dance!  We were so happy that Liz and Ray's photographer was none other than Serena Star Photography!  We filmed Serena's own wedding with our sister company, Cord 3 Films and then later filmed another wedding where she and her husband, Dave, were also guests!  It was so fantastic to be working with Serena, Dave and her team!

Beautiful music by Party of Three announced the start of Liz and Ray's marriage ceremony at Lucien's Manor.  It was a wonderful ceremony, filled with such special, personal touches, which included their lovely, custom-made vows to each other.  Before long, they were pronounced 'husband and wife' and shared that momentous first kiss!

Always glamorous, Lucien's Manor was decorated so beautifully for this wedding event and included masks and other décor for a masquerade party theme.  Rosebud Floral Art provided such amazing floral centerpieces overflowing in luscious shades of red.  Their fabulous wedding cake from Lucien's was a masterpiece and Liz and Ray's cake topper featuring characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas was so unique and so much fun! This entire wedding was planned and executed perfectly with the professional help of Alissa at Kiss of Bliss!

After the newest Mr. and Mrs. were introduced at the top of the staircase, Liz and Ray danced their first dance together on Lucien's dance floor.  Then, we heard some truly fantastic toasts from their family and wedding party.  We especially loved how their wedding day was described as the beginning of their new story, with this day marked as "page one, chapter one".

DJ services from East Coast Event Group brought the music that kept the party rockin' all night long!  And the packed dance floor proved everyone was having a ball!

Congratulations to Elizabeth and Ray!  We wish you all the best as you begin this new chapter in your life together!

 

Photographer:  Serena Star Photography - Pittsgrove Township, NJ  

Floral Design:  Rosebud Floral Art - Pitman, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Salon Muse - Mt. Holly, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Make Me Sparkle - Lumberton, NJ

Wedding Coordinator:  Kiss of Bliss - Alissa - Marlton, NJ   

Wedding Dress:  Maggie Sottero

Entertainment:  East Coast Event Group - Langhorne, PA   

Ceremony Music:  Party of Three - Williamstown, NJ

Cake:  Lucien's Manor - Berlin, NJ

Venue:  Lucien's Manor - Berlin, NJ

Accomodations:   Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Mt. Laurel, NJ  

Danielle + Deric

Danielle and Deric met when Danielle was in high school and her best friend (and bridesmaid), Krista, moved to another town.  Krista had become good friends with Deric at her new school.  Because of their friendship, Danielle saw a lot of Deric... when Danielle would see Krista and her group of friends, Deric would usually be there too!  A few years younger than Deric, Danielle initially didn't want to date him seriously, but rather wanted to continue to just have fun in high school! But after a few years, she finally decided to go on a real date with Deric in April of 2014, and they've been together as a couple ever since!

We were so happy when Danielle called us one day after her photographer gave her our contact information.  Her photographer happened to be Alisha LeDonne, a fantastic professional photographer whose beautiful wedding we had filmed about a month earlier with our sister company, Cord 3 Films.  We were available for Danielle and Deric's wedding and excited to be filming their day... and to be working alongside Alisha too!

Danielle got ready on the morning and early afternoon of her wedding day at her home.  During this time, she made sure to take a moment aside from the hustle and bustle of the day to read the beautiful letter that Deric wrote for her.  In it, Deric told her that "when asked what he loves about her, it's easier to say what's not to love".  His love note was so thoughtful and well written... we were so touched by his entire letter.

Then, Danielle dressed into her amazing strapless wedding gown from KittyChen Couture.  It had a subtle fit and flare silhouette, a beautiful sweetheart neckline and was covered in gorgeous, glittery beadwork.  Danielle was so stunning! In her arms, she carried a lovely, romantic bouquet in watercolors of pink and white designed by Anastasia Rivera.

In their matching pink robes, her bridesmaids got to see Danielle in her gown and helped her with her accessories before dressing into their beautiful plum colored gowns.  It was now almost time for Danielle and Deric to make it official!

The two decided to forgo a first look before the ceremony and instead, saw each other for the very first time that day as Danielle entered through the church doors at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Turnersville, NJ.  As she walked down the aisle on the arm of her father, you could see the joy written on Deric's face as he watched his love approaching.  And it was equally touching to see how emotional Danielle's father was as he was 'giving his daughter away'.  The two had a traditional wedding ceremony and were soon pronounced 'husband and wife'!

After their ceremony, we traveled to their glamorous reception venue, Brigalias in Sicklerville.  Before joining the party though, we had such a great time filming the couple and wedding party during their photo shoot with Alisha LeDonne!

The couple entered the stately Victorian Ballroom at Brigalias by descending the grand staircase to the cheers of their friends and family!  When they reached the dance floor, Danielle and Deric shared a wonderfully choreographed first dance together as husband and wife, where Deric effortlessly picked her up in the air!

When everyone was seated, Danielle's father welcomed guests and toasted the couple with a warm and heartfelt speech.  Following his message, Danielle's maid of honor and Deric's best man gave such phenomenal toasts as well.  We love it when the toasts and speeches are delivered so naturally and are full of both funny and sweet sentiments.

After dinner and those super-sweet parent dances, it was really time to party!  DJ Joe Albano from SEK Productions set the tone for an amazing evening and provided the music that kept everyone dancing all night!  And definitely, a great time was had by all!

Thank you so much, Danielle and Deric, for allowing us to share in your wonderful wedding day.  You're such a sweet couple and we can see you were truly made for each other too!  As Deric wrote in his letter to Danielle, "This is just the start..." as you have "many more adventures to go on."  We all wish you a lifetime filled with love and happiness together!

 

Photographer:  Alisha LeDonne Photography - Turnersville, NJ    

Floral Design:  Anastasia Rivera  

Hair Stylist:  Leah Silberman 

Makeup Artist:  Beyond the Brush - Allison Martz - Runnemede, NJ  

Wedding Dress:  KittyChen Couture

Entertainment:  SEK Productions - DJ Joe Albano - Cherry Hill, NJ 

Cake:  Country Sweets Bake Shoppe - Woodbury, NJ 

Officiant:  Monsignor Roger McGrath - Turnersville, NJ  

Church:  Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church - Turnersville, NJ   

Venue:  Brigalias - Sicklerville, NJ   

 

Gianna + Zack

Gianna and Zack met at the very beginning of their freshman year at West Chester University.  During the first couple weeks of school, one of Zack's friends was placed into the same dorm room as Gianna, and she was introduced to Zack through her during their orientation weekend.  After that, their relationship continued to grow as they got to know... and then fall in love with each other.

Zack's proposal to Gianna was so touching!  At the last minute one day in late September, the two decided to drive to Ocean City, NJ instead of their planned apple picking date.  As they got closer to town, Zack asked Gianna if she wanted to drive past her grandparents' former shore home.  Afterwards, as that sentimental feeling was still in the air, they parked and walked to the ocean's edge.  Zack told Gianna to walk over and put her hand in the water and when she walked back to him, he grabbed her hand and told her, through tears, how much he loved her.  Then, he got down on one knee and asked Gianna to be his wife.  She of course, said 'yes'!  Now let's fast forward to their beautiful wedding...

Yes, it did rain on this wedding day, but the rain certainly didn't put a damper on anything!  The one thing we remember most from this fabulous wedding was how genuinely happy and excited this couple was for their wedding day to be here.  There was not one thing that was going to take away the smiles on their faces or the excitement in their hearts!

On the big day, Gianna got ready for the wedding at her home while Zack relaxed and readied with his groomsmen at The Westin Mount Laurel.  Gianna's beautiful bridal party wore long white gowns and carried such lovely bouquets in ivory, with just a hint of blush, from Addie Rose Floral Events.  Zack dressed into his classic black tux with a necktie and looked ever so sharp! And check out those sports-themed argyle socks the guys all wore!

And wow, Gianna was such a stunning bride!  She wore a gorgeous Martina Liana gown with a subtle fit and flare silhouette.  It had a dramatic sweetheart neckline and was covered in lovely sequin lace.  She accessorized with her mother's delicate tennis bracelet and a beautiful, lush bouquet with its handle wrapped in part of Gianna's mother's wedding gown.  Such wonderful tributes to her mom and to her parents' wedding day.

The two decided not to have a first look, but instead to save that special moment for the altar at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Marlton, NJ.  We loved seeing how overwhelmed with emotion Zack was at the sight of his bride walking down the aisle on the arm of her father.  It was such a moving moment and one we know they'll both treasure.  Their ceremony was so beautiful, with Reverend Jorge Bedoya leading the couple in reciting their traditional vows.  At the end, they were pronounced 'husband and wife' and shared in a kiss and laughter!

Before their cocktail hour began, the couple traveled to Lakeview Memorial Park for another terrific photo shoot with All My Love Photography.  It was so wonderful to work with the team at All My Love and the couple had a blast while their photos were taken... despite the rain that continued to fall!  They were such troopers, and had so much fun the whole time! Be sure to check out some of the photos from the day on All My Love's facebook page!

Gianna and Zack then continued on to The Merion in Cinnaminson for their reception.  We absolutely love filming at The Merion and couldn't have been happier to be there celebrating with such a wonderful couple!  And the ballroom looked so glamorous, with tables overflowing with tall floral centerpieces highlighted by flickering tea lights.  We were touched again to see the cards at the place settings letting guests know that a donation to the Cathdral Kitchen was made in lieu of favors (in their grandparents’ honor as they were very involved with helping this organization).   

The new Mrs. & Mrs. were introduced, then danced their sweet first dance together.  After heartfelt toasts from Gianna's father, her matron and maid of honor and from Zack's best man, the newlyweds shared dances with their parents.  They cut their beautiful (and so delicious) all-white cake from Isgro Pasticceria and Gianna tossed her bouquet, all in between high-energy dance sets brought to life by Center Stage Entertainment! All their friends and family had so much fun as they celebrated the enduring love and life that Gianna and Zack will share together.

As Gianna remarked later, this wedding was such a dream!  It was for Gianna, Zack and their families, but also it was a dream for us. It was so wonderful to work with such a sweet, thoughtful, easy-going and simply happy couple!  We wish them love, success and all the happiness in the world!

 

Photographer:  All My Love Photography -  Riverside, NJ    

Floral Design:  Addie Rose Floral Events - Berlin, NJ     

Hair Stylist:  Moxie Blue - Marlton, NJ   

Makeup Artist: Kiss n' Makeup Artistry- Southern NJ    

Wedding Dress:  Martina Liana

Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mischka    

Entertainment:  Center Stage Entertainment - Lindenwold, NJ   

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA  

Transportation:  Albert's Transportation - Mt. Laurel, NJ

Officiant:  Reverend Jorge Bedoya - Marlton, NJ   

Church:  St. Joan of Arc Parish - Marlton, NJ     

Venue:  The Merion - Cinnaminson, NJ     

Accommodations:  The Westin Mount Laurel - Mt. Laurel, NJ    

 

Katie + Aaron

Katie and Aaron met through a dating site and since they didn't live very close to each other, they talked on the phone (every day!) for two weeks before their first date.  Aaron knew right away on their first date that he had found 'the one' meant for him.  Love at first sight!  When Aaron began recording and sending daily Bible passages to Katie, she knew that she had found the man she was looking for!  His love for God, his family and others and his patience and kindness were all things Katie knew she didn't want to live without.  Then, on a trip to India to spend time with Aaron's family, have Katie finally meet them and celebrate his sister's wedding, Aaron proposed to Katie on her birthday!  She was so excited... and so was Aaron's family, who rushed in to celebrate after pretending to be asleep!

Fast forward to their beautiful wedding day as summer's official start was just around the corner.  Katie and Aaron each got ready for the day at Hotel du Pont in Wilmington, DE and we were so happy to film Katie and her bridesmaids as they enjoyed getting ready and spending time together before the big day's events.  It was also so fabulous to work with the team from Kerry Harrison Photography on this special day.  Be sure to check out their blog to see many of the fantastic photos from this event!

Aaron and his groomsmen dressed into their matching black tuxedos, his groomsmen in traditional neckties while Aaron stood apart in his classic his bow tie.  Katie's beautiful bridesmaids wore matching long 'serenity blue' gowns and carried bouquets in lovely watercolor shades of pink and white, smaller versions of Katie's gorgeous bouquet from Forget Me Not Florist.

After final touches of hair and makeup, it was time for Katie to put on her wedding gown.  She wore an amazing lace covered a-line silhouetted gown, belted with a glittery belt and featuring delicate spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline.  In her long hair, she wore a long flowing veil for the ceremony.  She was so beautiful!  It was so wonderful to have them read their love notes from each other too!

Once they were all dressed and ready, Katie and Aaron had a touching first look in a pretty courtyard across the street from the Hotel du Pont.  They were so excited to see each other and overjoyed for this day to finally be here! There was plenty of time to travel to their reception venue for a photo shoot by Kerry Harrison and some video footage before we needed to get to the church so they could participate in additional photos, relaxation time, prayer and of course, the ceremony!

Off to Katie and Aaron's ceremony at Bible Fellowship Church in Newark, DE!  Their beautiful, traditional ceremony included the lighting of the unity candles and a wonderful sermon by Pastor Alex Chang.  The couple's friends also participated in beautiful musical performances and readings before their personalized vows were recited and the rings were exchanged.  It was so enjoyable to see that so many of Aaron's family traveled from overseas to be able to participate in this very important day.  Katie and Aaron were soon pronounced 'husband and wife' and shared in that first kiss!

The couple's reception was held nearby at the stately Deerfield Country Club.  The elegant venue was decorated beautifully with tall centerpieces filled with bright white and pink florals and the lush grounds, absolutely enchanting. And check out that delicious, five-tiered wedding cake, a true work of art! The wedding party was introduced, ending with the new Mr. and Mrs. who danced a terrific, choreographed first dance together.

Afterwards, we were treated to lovely toasts from Katie's matrons of honor (her sisters) who were overjoyed to welcome Aaron into their family and from Aaron's best man who reminisced about the day Aaron told him he had found 'the one'.  Katie's father also gave a special welcome speech to all their family and friends there to celebrate and a prayer.  Touching parent dances followed, then the dance floor opened to all!  DJ Dana McDonald emceed and provided the fantastic music that kept everyone on that dance floor all evening!  What a beautiful and fun evening this was, a perfect celebration of the love shared by Katie and Aaron, of their faith in God and of the love and support of their families.

Congratulations to Katie and Aaron!

 

Photographer:  Kerry Harrison Photography - Wilmington, DE        

Floral Design:  Forget Me Not Florist - Middletown, DE   

Hair Stylist:  Town and Country Salon - Newark, DE    

Makeup Artist:  Town and Country Salon - Newark, DE 

Entertainment:  Dana McDonald DJ - Townsend, DE    

Cake:  Desserts by Dana - Newark, DE  

Officiant:  Pastor Alex Chang  

Church:  Bible Fellowship Church - Newark, DE 

Venue:  Deerfield Country Club - Newark, DE   

Accommodations:  Hotel du Pont - Wilmington, DE