Yearly Archives: 2018

Maria + Gregory

Maria and Greg met online and definitely hit it off right away!  Their first date actually lasted eleven hours and involved lots and lots of talking to get to know each other.  We're firm believers that when you know, you just know!

Greg's proposal came as a complete surprise to Maria.  He works most evenings, so Maria planned a nice evening out with the girls one night.  Well, about an hour into the evening, Greg called to tell her that he was coming home soon because he hurt his back at work.  He would need help from her with taking off his work boots.  So Maria, disheartened, left her friend's house and came home.  Inside her house, Greg had prepared rose petals on the floor in the shape of a heart, with tea candles outlining the petals.  In the middle stood Greg with a ring box in his hand.  Behind him were silver balloons that spelled out, 'MARRY ME?' and he had one of her favorite songs playing ('Holy' by Florida Georgia Line) as he asked Maria to be his wife.  A professional photographer was there to capture the moment for them forever as Maria said 'yes'!  She then changed because Greg told her they would meet her sister and brother-in-law out for a quiet dinner, but instead Greg had planned a huge engagement party at her sister's house and even flew her best friend in from out of state for the surprise!  As Maria noted for us, 'He did great!!'.

More celebratory silver balloons were present on their fabulous spring wedding day, as 'I Do' shaped balloons were tied to the lamp post at Maria's parents' home, the place where she would be getting ready for the big day.  La Bella Sposa expertly applied Maria's makeup while she remained in her pretty floral robe and the gorgeous, bright floral bouquets arrived for the large bridal party.  Afterwards, Maria took a few quiet moments to read a wonderful card filled with a beautiful, heartfelt message from Greg.  In it, Greg tells Maria that he is lucky and so blessed that they found each other and how excited he is for the day's events.  Meanwhile, Greg got dressed into his classic black tux with white tie at a nearby home and also took time aside to read a lovely love note from Maria.  We were so thrilled to be able to capture these sweets moments for the couple.

Then, with help from her mother and sister, Maria put on her gorgeous wedding gown.  Her sleeveless dress featured a head to toe, full lace overlay and had an elegant trumpet silhouette, flaring beautifully just above the knee.  She had a long veil fastened to the back of her updo for her ceremony and after accessorizing with jewelry, she was ready for her emotional first look with her father.

Then it was time to head to the church!  With a gorgeous white bouquet in hand, Maria arrived at St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson, NJ for their ceremony.  Father Dan delivered a very special, personal message for the couple and guests before they recited their traditional vows.  After being pronounced 'husband and wife', they sealed it with a kiss and exited the church to a fun bubble salute!

It was such a pleasure to work alongside Artistic Imagery, one of our favorites, as they photographed the day's events and the formal portraits for Maria and Greg's wedding.

Maria and Greg's wedding day also incorporated such beautiful, touching tributes to Maria's brother.  They released symbolic floating lanterns during the day and evening and laid a lovely flower bouquet at Lakeview Memorial Park in honor of his memory.  The remembrances were so beautiful and so moving.  It was so wonderful to have him included in this special day.

Afterwards, we traveled to the grand Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate in Bensalem, PA for their incredible reception!  This elegant venue overlooking the Delaware River features soaring ceilings, ornate iconic columns and sparkling chandeliers. Maria and Greg's arrival was announced, then they danced a beautifully tender first dance as husband and wife.  Maria's father welcomed everyone to the reception and gave such a touching toast to the couple, officially welcoming Greg into his family.  Maria's maid of honor and Greg's best man followed with both heartwarming and lighthearted toasts to the happy couple!  And Maria's dance with her father had those same qualities... they started slow and traditional but broke into a fun, choreographed dance routine that had everyone cheering them on!  Sean McCaffrey from Center Stage Entertainment kept the party going all evening long and the guests' hands in the air on that dance floor!  The evening concluded with a dazzling sparkler salute for the couple as everyone celebrated this joyous occasion and two very special people.

Congratulations and all our best wishes to Maria and Gregory!

 

Photographer:  Artistic Imagery - Fairless Hills, PA

Hair & Makeup Artist:  La Bella Sposa - Glen Mills, PA

Entertainment:  Center Stage Entertainment - DJ Sean McCaffrey - Lindenwold, NJ

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Rev. Daniel E. Kirk - Cinnaminson, NJ

Church:  St. Charles Borromeo - Cinnaminson, NJ

Venue:  Belle Voir Manor at Pen Ryn Estate - Bensalem, PA

 

Kaitlyn + Mitch

Kaitlyn and Mitch were high school sweethearts, but not in the way you're thinking... They're both teachers and coaches at the same high school!  With the many extra curricular activities that they support, they quickly became friends.  As time went on, that friendship turned into a 'best friendship' and then, love.  We love how each knew they had found 'the one': Mitch acknowledged that it was so easy to be around Kaitlyn and she said that life just made sense with him by her side.

Mitch actually had the revelation that Kaitlyn was 'the one' during a special dinner at Plumsteadville Inn, so that's where he decided to ask her to be his wife!  While Kaitlyn was perusing the menu, Mitch left the table (Kaitlyn didn't realize that he was making sure everything was all set with the staff).  When he returned, he got down on one knee and proposed!  Kaitlyn of course, said yes!  After the applause from the surrounding tables subsided, he let her know that both of their parents were there waiting to celebrate with them.

Let's fast forward now to their wonderful wedding day!  Kaitlyn got ready at her parents' home where her mother and matron of honor helped her put on her dress and accessories. Kaitlyn was such a beautiful bride!  She wore a fabulous strapless Anne Barge gown with a lovely fit and flare silhouette and a subtle corset bodice.  It featured delicate lace appliqués and just the right amount of sparkle.  Kaitlyn carried a striking bouquet overflowing with greenery and blooms in shades of magenta, violet and rose from Allium Floral Design.  She didn't have a first look before the wedding with Mitch, but did share that special moment with her father.  He was so overjoyed to see his beautiful daughter in her wedding gown, ready to head off to the church for the ceremony.

Kaitlyn and Mitch crossed the river into New Jersey for their ceremony at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in the town of Alpha.  Reverend Monsignor Lawler delivered a wonderful mass and led the couple to recite their traditional marriage vows.  They were pronounced 'husband and wife', then greeted their guests in a traditional receiving line. When it was time for additional photos, they exited the church while their friends and family cheered and waved celebratory flags made by Kaitlyn's cousin.

Littlewing Studio Photography took photos of the special day's events and it was truly wonderful to work with their team, Kristi, Scott and Ciara.  And their photos are fantastic!  Check them out on their website's journal!

The reception then kicked off at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.  The club's ballroom was decorated so beautifully with flowers that coordinated with the bridal party's bouquets.  The doors opened and Kaitlyn and Mitch entered the ballroom to cheers and very exciting lighting effects, then danced their first dance together, complete with a dip and many kisses!

We were treated to such witty and wonderful toasts that evening from Kaitlyn's father, Mitch's best man and Kaitlyn's matron of honor, whose sweet (pun intended!) toast was filled with candy references!  Soon, the dance floor opened to everyone and The Big House Band kept it packed!  They were amazing!

Kaitlyn and Mitch's wedding was so elegant and truly, so perfect!  We were so honored to be a part of capturing their special day and wish them a lifetime filled with love and happiness!

 

Photographer:  Littlewing Studio Photography - Pennsburg, PA

Floral Design:  Allium Floral Design - Bethlehem, PA

Hair Stylist:  Alisha Nycole & Co. - Easton, PA

Makeup Artist:  Alisha Nycole & Co. - Easton, PA

Wedding Dress:  Anne Barge at Elizabeth Johns - Morristown, NJ

Entertainment:  The Big House Band - Philadelphia, PA

Cake:  Easton Baking Co. - Easton, PA

Officiant:  Rev. Msgr. Terrance Lawler - Alpha, NJ

Church:  St. Mary Roman Catholic Church - Alpha, NJ

Venue:  Saucon Valley Country Club - Bethlehem, PA

Accommodations:  Courtyard Marriott Bethlehem-Lehigh Valley - Bethlehem, PA

 

Christine + Evan

Christine and Evan are such warm, good-natured people... just a super-sweet couple and such a pleasure with which to work on their wedding, from their first inquiry to their reception!  And their entire wedding day, filled with the love of family and friends, couldn't have been more fantastic!

Christine and Evan met at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children where Christine worked as a clinical pharmacist and Evan was completing his residency in Pediatrics.  A couple of Christine's friends had tried to get the two to meet while Evan was rotating through the NICU unit, but it just never happened.  Later, after he had moved onto another rotation, he was called back to the NICU unit for a consult.  Christine's two friends quickly seized the moment and called Evan over to meet her, despite Christine's initial objections (she thinks OR scrubs aren't the most flattering of outfits!).  They later met up as a group at Barcade in the city, where Christine and Evan had a chance to play games and talk.  After their first official date a week later at an ice skating rink (Evan's choice even though he didn't know how to skate!), the two really hit it off!  Their affection and love continued to grow through life's ups and downs, and even through the challenge of a long distance relationship.

This brings us up to their beautiful wedding day!  Christine and Evan began their special day at the hotel, The Hyatt Place Mt. Laurel, where they each got ready in separate rooms.  Evan and his groomsmen dressed into their traditional black tuxedos in their suite, and had a ton of fun in the process!  Before he was ready to go, Evan read aloud the card that Christine had written for him.  It was so beautiful to see the emotions that he simply couldn't contain.

Meanwhile, Christine also took time out during her preparations for the big day to read Evan's love note to her.  In it, he repeated his love and admiration for her and promised Christine that he would work everyday to make her proud.  We were so glad to be there to hear her read her note and capture it for their film.

Christine then put on her fabulous wedding gown with help from her mother.  Her fit and flare design wedding dress was covered in lovely lace appliqués and delicate sparkling beadwork and featured a beautiful v-neck bodice, also in lace.  For the ceremony, she wore a lovely waltz length, gauzy veil with a beaded edge which coordinated perfectly with her dazzling hairband.  She was such a stunning bride!  So beautiful!  Christine and her bridesmaids completed their look with gorgeous floral arrangements in burgundy, pink and white from Leigh Florist.

It was then time to head to St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill.  Their beautiful ceremony was filled with wonderful Greek traditions, including having Christian sponsors who were responsible for placing the rings on the bride and groom’s right hand and exchanging the crowns for the traditional Crowning ceremony.  The Crowning ritual is performed with blessings bestowed and represents the beginning of a marriage with the husband and wife as the king and queen of their family.  It also signifies that the couple receives the grace of the Holy Spirit who blesses their marriage, as the crowns, or Stefana, are swapped three times.  In addition, the ribbons attached also symbolize Christine and Evan's unity.

They participated in the Ceremonial Walk (Circling the Table) which symbolized their first steps as a married couple, their oath to honor their marriage commitment and their expression of joy for the blessings of God.  After they were officially pronounced 'husband and wife' and Evan was given permission to kiss his bride, they exited the church to a fantastic bubble salute!  Some family photos were taken there at the church before an additional photo shoot for the bridal party and family continued at their reception venue.  It was such a pleasure to work alongside Ashley Gerrity all throughout the day at this wonderful wedding!

Christine and Evan's reception was held at The Mansion on Main Street in Voorhees.  The couple was introduced and danced their first wonderfully choreographed first dance, complete with dips and all!   Wonderful speeches commenced from Christine's brother, Evan's parents, Christine's maid of honor and Evan's best man.  And we were also treated to very emotional toasts from Evan's brothers who said that they looked up to their older brother, Evan, more than anyone else.  It was simply an incredible night.  And the entire event went without a hitch thanks to the careful planning of Courtney Space Events.  Beautiful parent dances followed before the dance floor opened to everyone.  And Best of Both Worlds totally rocked the house that night!  Everyone had so much fun all night long!

We were so delighted to share in this special day.  Congratulations and best wishes to Christine and Evan!

 

Photographer:  Ashley Gerrity Photography - Conshohocken, PA

Floral Design:  Leigh Florist - Audubon, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Top Knots by Aimee - Philadelphia, PA

Makeup Artist:  Meghan Jester Makeup - Mt. Laurel, NJ

Wedding Dress:  Casablanca Bridal

Wedding Shoes:  Rachel Simpson

Entertainment:  Best of Both Worlds - Princeton, NJ

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA   

Wedding Coordinator:  Courtney Space Events - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Father Christoforos Oikonomidis - Cherry Hill, NJ

Church:  St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church - Cherry Hill, NJ

Venue:  The Mansion on Main Street - Voorhees, NJ

Accommodations:  The Hyatt Place Mt. Laurel - Mt. Laurel, NJ