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Brittany + Kevin

Brittany and Kevin first met as teens at a "college day" event where the students from the local all-girls and all-boys high schools visit a prep school to learn about the different college opportunities.  The two ended up in a lot of classrooms together and discovered that they had a mutual friend in common.  Kevin knew right from their first encounter that he was in love with Brittany, and even told his friend he would marry her someday!  They continued to see each other at different events and locations, with Kevin usually initiating the conversations.  But one evening when they saw each other at a bar, Brittany called Kevin over to talk.  She noticed the ring he was wearing was an Irish Claddaugh ring, and she was wearing the same one!  After finding out if he was already taken as the ring can often signify (he wasn't), they hit it off, enjoying the rest of the evening together.  By the following week, they were officially dating and sharing their first magical kiss!

The special place Kevin chose to propose to Brittany has a huge significance in their lives for several reasons.  He asked her to marry him in Disney's World's Epcot park, on the bridge right across from the Italy pavilion.  Brittany loves that scenic bridge, and the couple have a fantastic photo of the two of them on it that they treasure from a previous trip.  But also, Brittany and Kevin have always planned a special honeymoon in Italy that they'll be taking soon!

Brittany and Kevin were actually officially married before this very special day.  But this was the day to wear the beautiful white dress and to dress up in the fine suit.  It was the day to hold their wedding ceremony at their church.  And of course, it was the day to celebrate their wonderful marriage with all their family and friends!

On the morning of their wedding, Brittany and Kevin each got ready at their parents' homes, not very far from the church where their ceremony would soon take place.  The team from Nancy Caroline Beauty finished their artistry with hair and makeup and Brittany's bridal party dressed into their lovely long pink gowns.

Kevin and his groomsmen had fun hanging out together before it was time for them to get into their dark blue suits with coordinating pink neckties.  And we loved his fun aqua puppy dog socks!  A fabulous tribute to their little pup who would be joining in the day's celebrations, too!

Then it was time for Brittany to put on her beautiful wedding dress.  She wore an amazing plunging v-neckline gown from Eddy K with gorgeous glittering embroidery.  She accessorized with pearl earrings and necklace and a long, flowing veil for the ceremony.  And her beautiful ivory and pink bouquet from London Flower & Variety included a pin with photos of Brittany's beloved grandmothers.

Before the ceremony was to start, Brittany and Kevin read beautifully written love notes that they exchanged that morning.  This is always such a meaningful, sweet moment to capture and we know they'll both treasure having the first time they read their cards to re-watch and relive forever.

Brittany and Kevin's ceremony was held at St. Ephrem Parish in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.  And their marriage ceremony was made even more wonderful because Kevin's uncle, Father Vincent Guest, officiated their traditional Catholic ceremony.  We really enjoyed his personal message to Brittany and Kevin as they continue in this new chapter in their lives together.  The couple said their 'I do's', exchanged rings and were soon pronounced 'still husband and wife'!

We all had so much fun during Brittany and Kevin's photo shoots with Emily Kirsten Photography!  The formal and candid photos were taken after the ceremony at nearby Holy Ghost Preparatory School, the place where Brittany and Kevin first met, and at their reception venue.  You could see how much fun they and their wedding party all had during their shoots.  And of course, their cute pup got in on the action, too!  Check out some of the photos on her website!

Then it was time for the party to celebrate the happy couple!  Brittany and Kevin's reception kicked off at Pen Ryn Estate's newest venue, River's Edge.  This beautiful tented garden pavilion has an impressive arched ceiling, patio paver flooring and boasts amazing views of the Delaware River.   The venue was filled with floral centerpieces and décor that reflected the shades of pink in wedding theme colors.  Absolutely gorgeous!

Brittany and Kevin skipped into the room to the cheers of everyone and danced their first, very fun, dance together!  This was followed by a beautiful, very moving welcome speech and toast from Brittany's father and the blessing.  We also fell in love with the toasts given by Brittany's maid of honor and Kevin's best man and especially the recitation of the traditional Irish Blessing.  Then those touching parent dances followed.

Brittany and Kevin cut their five-tiered cake adorned with lovely pink roses from Isgro Pasticceria and the dance floor was opened to everyone.  The Exceptions were truly exceptional and kept the party rocking and everyone out on that dance floor and having fun all night!

Brittany and Kevin's wedding day was incredible and we were so happy to be able to share in their day and to celebrate with them!  Through delays and several changes in plans, the two always stayed positive, determined to make their dream wedding day come true and they succeeded without a doubt.  Their beautiful wedding event was absolutely perfect!  Congratulations to such a sweet couple, Brittany and Kevin.  We wish them all the best!

 

Photographer:  Emily Kirsten Photography - Philadelphia, PA  

Floral Design:  London Flower & Variety, Inc. - Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist:  Nancy Caroline Beauty - Yardley, PA

Makeup Artist:  Nancy Caroline Beauty - Yardley, PA

Wedding Gown:  Eddy K

Bridal Shoes:  Lilly Pulitzer (sneakers)

Entertainment:  The Exceptions - Philadelphia, PA

Photo Booth:  Old City Photo Booth - Philadelphia, PA

Transportation:  Philadelphia Trolley Works - Philadelphia, PA

Cake:  Isgro Pasticceria - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Father Vincent Guest - Camden, NJ

Church:  St. Ephrem Parish - Bensalem, PA

Venue:  River's Edge at Pen Ryn Estate - Bensalem, PA

 

Erica + Kris

In mid-November, we filmed a beautiful wedding at one of our favorite venues, the Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, and with one of our favorite photographers, Drew Noel.  But the best part for us was getting to work with this fantastic couple and their sweet family.

Erica and Kris met each other after being set up by mutual friends. And they had a very fun first date, roller skating!  It wasn't too long before Kris knew he had found 'the one' and was excited to propose to Erica.

Kris's proposal to Erica was a total surprise to her!  While they were enjoying a date, walking through a sunflower maze one afternoon, Kris had sprouted plants set up in window boxes on the ground to read, “Will you marry me?”  He chose the little sprouts because a seed is a symbol of new life growing, and those sprouts were a poetic symbol of their lives sprouting and growing together.  What a creative and thoughtful way to recognize the new life they're forming together and to ask the most important question to the love of his life.

Erica and Kris each got ready in separate cottages on the grounds of the Ryland Inn.  Kris dressed into his classic black tuxedo, looking so very handsome with his dapper groomsmen by his side.  After they were all primped and polished, they joyously toasted the groom outside!  Meanwhile Erica had fun with her mother and bridal party in their matching or coordinating blue shirts, enjoying a drink and having photos taken as they readied for the day.  Erica's mother made a beautiful shawl for her to wear over her gown for when the temperature was cool at her reception.  And her gown was absolutely gorgeous too!  Erica wore a strapless ball gown from Provonias that featured a sweetheart neckline and a beautiful lace overlay.  She was such a stunning bride!  And we were touched to see her father as he was treated to his first look at his beautiful daughter on her wedding day.

After they were all dressed, Erica and Kris met for their first look outside.  It was so sweet to see their excitement and joy!  Following their first sight, first kisses, first slow dance and first hugs on their wedding day, the couple enjoyed their wonderful photo shoot with the team at Drew Noel Photography.  We're sure the entire wedding party had such a ball posing for those iconic formal photos and for all the fun and artistic candid shots too.

It was on to Erica and Kris's Catholic ceremony at Saint Luke Parish in Long Valley.  Kris's sister played the violin beautifully, and during their traditional ceremony, Erica and Kris participated in the lighting of a unity candle and presented flowers to Mary.  The couple recited their sacred vows, their promises to each other for their lifetime, and after being pronounced as 'husband and wife', they kissed to the applause of their family and friends.

Erica and Kris's reception at the Ryland Inn was absolutely perfect.  Laura Clare Design layered the venue with gorgeous floral arrangements in deep burgundy, blue and green.  And a live event painter, Amanda Hawthorne from Live Well Paint Often, created a portrait of the evening's events as they happened.  Sweet and heartfelt toasts were given that evening from Erica's father, from Kris's best man and from Erica's matron of honor as the couple sat in front of the roaring and romantic fire.  Then, RPM Entertainment got the party started with music to keep everyone out on that dance floor!

In the words of their officiant, Father Michael Drury, we were all there to celebrate an amazing moment in the lives of Erica and Kris, a moment that will never be the same because it's all moving forward wonderfully in a positive direction.  Congratulations and best wishes to Erica and Kris!

 

Photographer:  Drew Noel Photography - Ewing, NJ 

Floral Design:  Laura Clare Design - Bernardsville, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Jessica Chapman - Morristown, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Bloom Salon & Spa Morristown - Aline Rizzo - Morristown, NJ 

Wedding Gown:  Provonias

Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Entertainment:  RPM Entertainment - Union, NJ

Live Event Painter:  Live Well Paint Often - Amanda Hawthorne - New York, NY

Cake:  La Bon Bake Shoppes - Edison, NJ

Officiants:  Father Michael Drury - Clifton, NJ; Deacon Thomas Healy 

Church:  Saint Luke Parish - Long Valley, NJ

Venue:   Ryland Inn - Whitehouse Station, NJ

 

Nicole + Christopher

Nicole and Chris were married on a lovely fall day at the Park Savoy Estate in Florham Park, New Jersey.  Everything took place at this gorgeous historic venue, from the early morning preparations to the very last dance at their reception.  And we were so overjoyed to be able to share in their celebration and film their wonderful wedding event! 

Nicole and Chris’s wedding at the Park Savoy was just as special as Chris’s proposal.  He decided to pop the question to Nicole on a grand trip to Italy!  One evening, after a romantic dinner on the rooftop of their hotel, they walked out onto the private balcony which overlooked a bustling city square in Rome.  And with that magical piazza serving as their beautiful backdrop, Chris asked Nicole to be his wife.  She said “yes”!  And they continued their tour of Italy, visiting Florence and ending their excursion in a gorgeous villa in Tuscany.  That will certainly be a trip that both will remember and treasure forever.

We return now to their beautiful wedding day… In the early morning hours, Nicole, Chris and their families and wedding party got ready for the exciting day’s events in the suites at the Park Savoy.  Nicole’s bridesmaids wore long burgundy gowns in keeping with the burgundy and gold wedding theme colors, while Chris and his groomsmen dressed into their matching, classic black tuxedos.  

Nicole then put on her amazing wedding gown.  Her dress had a beautiful lace illusion bodice and a full skirt with an equally lovely overlay.  She wore her long hair down in full, loose waves fastened with a dazzling brooch that perfectly matched her earrings and a dramatic, long veil for the ceremony.  She was such a breathtakingly beautiful bride!

Nicole and Chris shared an exciting first look in the courtyard that morning before their ceremony was set to begin.  We always love capturing this moment for our couples for their wedding films!  There’s so much energy in the air, sweet anticipation for the events ahead and pure and simple joy!  

Then, their photo shoot took place outside on the always perfectly manicured grounds at the Park Savoy.  And we couldn’t have been happier to film Nicole, Chris and their wedding party as an amazing photographer and our good friend, Paul, and his talented team at Paul Francis Photography took professional photos!  

After the photo shoot had wrapped up, we gathered our things and got ready for the big moment, as their wedding ceremony was about to begin.  The Park Savoy recently unveiled their new onsite chapel, and it was everything we expect from this venue: beautiful, romantic and simply perfect.  And the gorgeous white floral arrangements from Flowers by Connie Riemer were the icing on the cake.  A very talented violin quartet played for the processional and Nicole entered the chapel on the arm of her father.  Nicole’s brother was their officiant as they recited their vows and said their “I do’s”, making it official!  Then, the newest ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ kissed for the first time!

Nicole and Chris’s reception kicked off in early afternoon, as the happy couple entered the grand ballroom and danced a wonderfully choreographed first dance together.  We also heard such wonderful, heartfelt toasts from Nicole’s brother and man of honor and from Chris’s brothers.  And the rest of their reception was filled with music and dancing!  They even had an Elvis impersonator, Jim Barone, entertain guests with "the King’s" biggest rock n’ roll hits!  And PAE Event Group provided DJ services and music, a fantastic saxophonist, and a ton of energy, to keep everyone enjoying themselves all afternoon long!

This special wedding day was so unique and personalized, and truly, so much fun!  We'd love to thank Nicole and Chris once again for allowing us to capture their wedding day on film so they can relive their wonderful memories for years to come.  And congratulations again to Nicole and Chris!

 

Photographer:  Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ  

Floral Design:  Flowers by Connie Riemer - West Orange, NJ 

Hair Stylist:  the Bride

Makeup Artist:  Amanda Sarracino; Lindsay Jenkins

Entertainment:  PAE Event Group - Paul Anthony Centamore - Flemington, NJ; Consonance Music Ensembles - Violin Quartet - Palisades Park, NJ; Jim Barone - Elvis Impersonator   

Cake:  Calandra's Bakery - Caldwell, NJ 

Officiant:  Michael Spagnolo 

Venue:  The Park Savoy Estate - Florham Park, NJ 

 

Shannon + Nick

Even though Shannon and Nick grew up only a few miles from each other, they didn't meet until just a few years ago.  The two were set up by one of Shannon's co-worker's daughter one day, and met for the first time on a blind date.  They ended up clicking... talking, laughing and sharing stories all evening long.  On their second date, Nick took Shannon four-wheeling and Shannon knew right away, in her words, that "this was something to hold on to (Literally, you don't want to fly off the back of a four-wheeler)"!

A year into their relationship, Nick was ready and excited to propose to the love of his life.  And what better place than at Shannon's favorite place of all, the charming beach town of Sea Isle City, New Jersey?  With a friend of Shannon's (and future bridesmaid) hiding in the dunes, ready to capture the perfect moment on film, Nick asked Shannon to be his wife and presented her with her dear late grandmother's engagement ring.  And of course, she said 'yes'!  Shannon's family and a best friend were back at the beach house waiting to celebrate with the couple!

Everything on this wedding day took place at the beautiful Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania.  The resort is so picturesque with its tree lined drive, lush green fields and lovely stream views.  What a rustic and romantic setting for a wonderful wedding.

Shannon and her bridal party got ready in the stone mansion at their venue.  As they dressed and prepared for the day, the girls all enjoyed a bottle of champagne to celebrate this special occasion!  And we saw for the first time, Shannon's enchanting floral bouquet with its fantastic burgundy flowers and deep green eucalyptus from Sarah's Floral Designs.

Then, Shannon's mother helped her dress into her gown.  Her beautiful wedding dress featured cap sleeves, a glittering beaded lace bodice and a full and flowing A-line skirt.  Shannon's updo featured romantic braids and was fastened in a loose and wispy bun with lovely flowers.  And her amazing Badgley Mischka shoes provided that 'something blue' for the day.  She looked absolutely gorgeous!

Nick looked so handsome wearing a wonderful navy blue suit and a contrasting burgundy tie, coordinating beautifully with Shannon's bouquet and with her bridal party in their long, mismatched burgundy gowns.

After they were all dressed and ready, Shannon and Nick met for a first look outside along the garden path at Allenberry Resort.  Nick's laughter was so contagious as he saw his bride for the first time that day!  They held hands and kissed before taking a stroll together by the stream.

All of their photos took place on the grounds of the resort and we were so delighted to film alongside Earthmark Photography on this beautiful day.  Be sure check out a few of their wonderful photos from Shannon and Nick's day on their Facebook page!

Shannon and Nick were married in a Catholic ceremony earlier, so during their outdoor ceremony at Allenberry, the two reaffirmed their vows to one another, reading vows they personally wrote.  During their ceremony, they also participated in the ancient Celtic tradition of hand-fasting, where strands of fabric or "chords" are wrapped around the couple's hands and tied into a knot.

The reception that followed was held under an enormous white tent on property.  Shannon and Nick kicked off the celebration with a touching first dance, followed by Shannon's father's welcome speech to all the guests.  Then, we were all treated to fantastic toasts from Shannon's two maid/matrons of honor and from the two best men, Nick's brothers.  We loved how Shannon's matron of honor, Caitlin, reminded the two to be sure to periodically  take time to look around, acknowledge and be proud of the life they're building together... excellent advice for newlyweds.

Shannon and Nick cut and enjoyed their lovely homemade cake, then shared beautiful dances with their parents.  Afterwards, lively dancing continued all night as DJ Chris Garrett from Mixed Up Productions rocked the house!  We understand that before the evening was over, Shannon even took a turn behind the DJ booth!

What a wonderful wedding this was at such a gorgeous, romantic venue.  Congratulations to Shannon and Nick and thank you for letting us share in your special day!  We're wishing you both all the best!

 

Photographer:  Earthmark Photography - Gettysburg, PA

Floral Design:  Sarah's Floral Designs - Sarah Klunk - Carlisle, PA

Hair Stylist:  Steele Salon - Hershey, PA

Makeup Artist:  Steele Salon - Hershey, PA          

Wedding Dress:  Essense of Australia

Bridal Shoes:  Badgley Mischka

Entertainment:  Mixed Up Productions - DJ Chris Garrett - Harrisburg, PA        

Wedding Coordinator:  The JDK Group - Kelsey Ivan - Camp Hill, PA

Rentals:  Swoon Vintage Rentals - Hummelstown, PA

Officiant:  Andrew Weigel    

Venue:  Allenberry Resort - Boiling Springs, PA