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Jessica + Joshua

Many of us will never forget the first words ever exchanged between ourselves and our true love, right?  Well, for Jessica and Josh, it's "Wow, you have soft hair!"!  See, the two met when they were at Resident Assistant training at Towson University.  They were involved in an outdoor group building exercise where everyone had to find someone close to them and interact with them in directed ways.  The first task was to find someone and touch his or her head, and that's when Jessica found Josh and spoke those memorable words! A friendly rapport turned into romance and then a serious relationship, and of course, a proposal was next...

When Jessica and Josh had conversations about a marriage proposal, they both agreed that either both sets of parents would be there to witness it, or neither would be there.  Josh was determined though to make his proposal a total surprise to Jessica and a planned trip to visit with Jessica's parents at their apartment in Florida would be perfect... Jessica wouldn't suspect a proposal with only one set of parents around.  But Josh arranged for his parents to fly down too and when the moment was right, they would be there at the apartment window with Jessica's parents, ready for their part!  Jessica's mother told her to meet them at 11:00am on the dock outside their apartment for a nice lunch out (so she would be dressed up a bit!).  With her brother, sister and her sister's boyfriend all there as well (and to film!), Josh turned and got down on one knee next to Jessica, the signal to their parents that this was it!  They went out on their balcony and hung a banner that read, 'Jessica, will you marry me?'.  So many of the apartment's residents are friends and family, and they  knew to watch out at 11:00am to see it all unfold!  The plan worked perfectly!  Jessica never saw it coming... and of course, she said, 'yes'!

Jessica and Josh's beautiful wedding day arrived in early June.  Both Jessica and her bridesmaids and Josh and his groomsmen got ready for the day in separate suites at Hotel Monaco in Philadelphia.  During those morning preparations, the two exchanged love notes to each other and we were so happy that they read them for us.  We especially loved Josh's words expressing how excited he was for what the future holds for the two of them.

Jessica then dressed into her amazing off-the-shoulder wedding gown.  It had a beautiful fit and flare silhouette, a strapless sweetheart neckline and a gorgeous lace and beaded overlay.  She was such a beautiful bride!  Josh put on his classic black tuxedo, looking ever so handsome, and soon, both were all ready for this exciting day!

It was time then for the couple to share in a first look across the street by the Second Bank of the United States and Independence Hall.  It was so sweet to see and be able to film their excitement and joy when Josh turned around and saw Jessica for the first time!  The team at Studio K Photography was there to take photos of their family and bridal party in this lovely outdoor setting, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them on this special day.

Jessica and Josh's ceremony and reception were both held at one of our favorites, Cescaphe's glamorous Down Town Club.  Before the ceremony was set to begin, the couple's family joined them as the Ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract, was signed.  Afterwards, their beautiful, traditional marriage ceremony was held under a gorgeous chuppah draped in gauzy fabric and surrounded by lush, pink and white florals from Carl Alan Floral Designs.  Before long, Josh was breaking the glass to shouts of "Mazel Tov!"

Jessica and Josh were introduced at the beginning of their reception as the newest 'Mr. & Mrs.' and danced a wonderful first dance together as flower petals rained from the ceiling.  Then, guests danced and celebrated the Horah before the dance floor opened to everyone! Afterwards, Jessica's grandfather gave a beautiful blessing, followed by thoughtful and touching speeches given by each of their parents, thanking guests for attending and welcoming Jessica and Josh into their families.

Beautifully written, personalized toasts by Jessica's maid of honor (her twin sister) and Josh's best man (and brother) followed, then those sweet parent dances.  And an open dance floor was announced once again by EBE Talent's Dreamtime.  Their professionalism, talent and energetic sound had everyone dancing their hearts out all night long!  Before the end of the evening, their friends and family were all surrounding Jessica and Josh in a dance to celebrate their love and their wonderful wedding day.

We always love filming at Cescaphe's venues, Down Town Club being one of our most favorites, but it's always extra special when we have wonderful couples with which to work and such beautiful celebrations to share.  Congratulations and all our best wishes to Jessica and Josh!

 

Photographer:  Studio K Photography - Cherry Hill, NJ

Floral Design:  Carl Alan Floral Designs - Philadelphia, PA

Hair Stylist:  Brides by Valerie Clarke - Mullica Hill, NJ

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

Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero

Bridal Shoes:  Blue by Betsey Johnson

Entertainment:   EBE Talent - Dreamtime - Philadelphia, PA  

Cake:  Cescaphe Cakes - Cescaphe Event Group - Philadelphia, PA

Officiant:  Rabbi Aaron Krupnick -  Voorhees, NJ  

Cantor:  Hazzan Alisa Pomerantz-Boro - Voorhees, NJ   

Venue: Down Town Club - Philadelphia, PA

Accommodations:  Kimpton Hotel Monaco Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA

 

 

Marybeth + Ryan

Marybeth and Ryan's families had known each other and were good friends for many years before Ryan's sister and mother playfully convinced Marybeth that she should go on a date with him.  Marybeth agreed and said their first date was "amazing'!  The two instantly clicked and she knew right away that Ryan was the one for her.  After that first date, the two were always together.

Ryan's proposal couldn't have been any more amazing too!  They both had talked about marriage for a while and had already shopped for the ring together.  But Ryan chose to surprise Marybeth with the time and place, popping the question in front of a crowd at a Dual Sport Motorcycle Race!  He had coordinated earlier with the president of the motorcycle club to use the microphone and propose with Marybeth on stage and in front of their family and friends (and a bunch of strangers!).  Marybeth was so happy that her loved ones were all included and there to witness this special moment.

The weather was absolutely divine on their picture-perfect, late spring wedding day.  Marybeth got ready and had her hair and makeup done wearing a bright and beautiful white floral and avian patterned robe at her family's home, which is just minutes from their ceremony and reception location.  She and her bridal party made sure to take time out to celebrate with confetti and champagne during their early afternoon preparations!

After her bridesmaids dressed out of their matching deep blue floral robes and into their pretty, glittery champagne and rose colored gowns, Marybeth slipped into her gorgeous wedding dress.  Her gown featured an off-the-shoulder design and an amazing lace overlay with delicate beadwork. She wore her long blond hair down in lovely waves and with pearl accents, fastened a mid-length veil, trimmed with a few tiny, sparkly sequins to the back of her hair.  So stunning!  We couldn't wait for Ryan to be seeing his beautiful bride very soon!

The groomsmen got dressed, accessorizing with Max-4 Camo neckties, and Ryan put on his matching camouflage vest.  Then, they all took their spots in anticipation at the ceremony location.  The ladies grabbed their wonderfully romantic bouquets filled with blush and ivory blooms (and a hint of blue in Marybeth's!) surrounded by delicate Baby's Breath, and met them there!

Marybeth and Ryan's ceremony was held outdoors right on a lake at a beautiful private residence in Port Elizabeth, NJ.  With the cabin in the background, all the perfect rustic details and the woodsy, lakeside setting, we don't think there was ever a more romantic, country wedding out there!

The guests all rose, some from their fantastic haystack seats, to watch Marybeth walk down the aisle as Ryan, all smiles, caught his first sight of her from under the lovely arch overflowing with luscious pink, blue and ivory flower arrangements.  As the sun began to set, Millville's mayor, the Honorable Michael Santiago, officiated their ceremony and led the two in reciting their vows to each other, vows even filled with occasional bursts of laughter, before pronouncing them as 'husband and wife'!

We were there to follow along all day with Amanda Erickson Design + Photography's wonderful photo sessions capturing the bridal party, family and the couple of honor, and especially loved the sweet photos of Marybeth and Ryan on the dock.  Be sure to visit Amanda's Facebook page and scroll down to see her post featuring a ton of fantastic photos from the day!

After the ceremony, everyone remained onsite for the gorgeous tented reception.  Marybeth and Ryan danced a terrific first dance together, then shared a sweetheart table while the most down-to-earth, heartfelt toasts were given by Marybeth's matron of honor and Ryan's best man.  Everyone smiled and laughed along to the wonderful stories, and were touched as well, especially as Ryan's best man reassured Marybeth's parents that she was in great hands with Ryan.

After dinner and beautiful parent dances, the party amped-up as DJ Rick Perez from BME Event Group played the hits that kept all their guests on the dance floor!  Everyone had a ton of fun dancing (some literally 'getting down' on the dance floor!) and laughing the night away!

Marybeth and Ryan's wedding day was definitely filled with romance and love, but most of all this wedding was fun, fun, fun!  We were so happy that we were able to share in the celebration too on this absolutely perfect wedding day.  Congratulations to Marybeth and Ryan and best wishes in your new life together!

 

Photographer:  Amanda Erickson Design + Photography - Southern NJ

Floral Design:  Shelly Hall Scarpa

Hair Stylist:  Jessica DeVita

Makeup Artist: Airbrush Makeup by Felicia - Vineland, NJ      

Wedding Dress:  Allure Couture

Entertainment:  BME Event Group - DJ Rick Perez - Vineland, NJ    

Cake:  Century Bakery - Bridgeton, NJ   

Caterer:  Verna's Flight Line Restaurant - Millville, NJ

Officiant:  The Honorable Michael Santiago, Mayor of Millville - Millville, NJ     

Venue:  Private Residence

 

 

Danielle + Bob

Danielle and Bob met at a country club through their sisters who happen to be neighbors.  Their relationship continued to develop and before too long, each knew they had found the one!  Bob decided to propose right after Christmas at one of their all-time favorite restaurants, Dock's Oyster House.  When the time was right, he got down on one knee at the restaurant and everyone there clapped and cheered for them!

Let's fast forward to their wonderful wedding day!  Danielle got ready at her parents' home as Bob prepared for the day at their house.  Her bridesmaids and adorable flower girls were all there with Danielle to get ready and to celebrate with her.  And we loved the matching robes they wore for their photo shoot!  The bridesmaids then dressed into their champagne gowns in mismatched styles, their colors coordinating perfectly with Danielle and Bob's blush, tan and green color scheme.

Before Danielle put on her beautiful gown, she took a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the day to read a love note from Bob.  Then her mother and her bridesmaids all helped her into her gown and fastened her amazing bridal shoes.

Danielle wore a gorgeous lace covered gown with an off the shoulder, sweetheart neckline and a dramatic fit and flare skirt.  Her hair was pulled up but loosely in back with a mid-length veil fastened for the ceremony.  What a beautiful bride!  Her bouquet from Betina's at Parkview, overflowing with blooms in blush and white in between lush greenery, was breathtaking.

The couple did not have a first look before the ceremony, instead choosing to see each other for the first time as Danielle walked through the doors at Sacred Heart Church.  It was so touching to see Bob's anticipation as he waited for Danielle to reach him and stand by his side at the altar.  Their officiant, Reverend Edward Namiotka delivered a beautiful Mass and led the couple in reciting their traditional vows.

Before the reception, professional photos were taken by Intrigue Photography on the lake at Bob's grandmother's house.  And what a beautiful setting this was!  It was a true pleasure also to work alongside Intrigue Photography for this wonderful wedding event.

Then, it was off to their reception at Lucien's Manor!  As always, Lucien's looked so beautiful and elegant and the amazing floral arrangements and candles in votive and hurricane vases added to the romance.

Danielle and Bob descended the staircase, entering the ballroom at Lucien's and after their guests warmed up the dance floor, the newlyweds took center stage for their beautiful first dance.  Then, Danielle's two matrons of honor and Bob's best man delivered perfect, heartfelt toasts to the couple before the blessing and sweet parent dances.

That whole evening, everyone had so much fun dancing to the fantastic music of Central Park!  It truly was a perfect day, and we'd like to echo the words of Danielle's matron of honor in wishing the couple a lifetime of sweet memories.  Congratulations to Danielle and Bob!

 

Photographer:   Intrigue Photography - Sewell, NJ 

Floral Design:  Betina's at Parkview - Galloway, NJ

Hair Stylist:  hair by DeLash - Kelli DeLash - Hammonton, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Kiss n' Makeup Artistry - Geysha Tomassone - Southern NJ

Ceremony:  Sacred Heart Church - Christ the Good Shepherd Parish - Vineland, NJ

Officiant:  Reverend Edward Namiotka - Woodbury, NJ  

Entertainment:  Central Park - Lindenwold, NJ

Venue:  Lucien's Manor - Berlin, NJ

 

Stephanie + Jason

Stephanie and Jason's wedding was our first for this year and we couldn't have been more excited to capture their big day and kick off the new (early!) wedding season!  They're such a sweet couple and were such a joy to film!

The two met through mutual friends in Washington, DC.  Steph's best friend from college invited her to play on a kickball team there, and Jason just so happened to be on that team.  They met that very first day of games, a day that marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship!

Jason's thoughtful proposal plan years later was sure to incorporate the place and people that drew them together in the beginning.  On one of the warmer November days, they went down to Washington, DC for a day trip to see the sites. After visiting the National Monument and on their way to the Capitol Building, Steph noticed that Jason had fallen behind her.  She turned to see that he was on one knee, asking for her hand in marriage!  She said yes!  Friends and family were notified first, of course, then they visited Arlington National Cemetery (where Stephanie's grandmother is laid to rest) and had lunch with the same friend from Steph's college who set them up at that eventful kickball game!

Let's fast forward a bit to their beautiful wedding day!  Jason and his groomsmen prepared for the day at a hotel while the team at Anthony J Hair Studio professionally styled the bridal party's hair and applied their makeup for the big day! Then, it was off to Steph's parents' home so she and her bridal party could get dressed.  Steph's bridesmaids wore such lovely matching deep navy blue gowns, only her maid of honor's featuring a different neckline, in keeping with the couple's navy and silver color scheme.  Their bouquets from Fleurdlin in pink and white looked delightful against the navy blues.

With some help from her sister, her maid of honor, Steph put on her gorgeous trumpet silhouetted dress, all covered in lovely lace.  It featured a sleeveless design with an amazing halter neckline and delicate buttons down the back.  In her long hair, she had a mid-length veil and a dazzling hair clip.  Steph looked so beautiful!

We were thrilled that the two exchanged love notes on their wedding day and were there to capture Steph reading hers aloud during a quiet pause in morning preparations.  We always love to listen to and film these card readings because it's one of the most emotional, personal parts of the day.  And it's a perfect way for the couple to communicate for the first time on this important day.

The two decided to keep with longstanding tradition and skip the first look before the ceremony.  So Steph and Jason saw each other for the first time as she entered through the doors on her father's arm at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sewell, NJ.  Jason's expression at seeing Stephanie for the first time in her gown was wonderful...he just couldn't stop smiling and couldn't stop looking over at her as he walked her those last few steps to the altar.  They had a beautiful, traditional wedding Mass and recited their marriage vows to each other.

Then, Philadelphia Trolley Works whisked the wedding party away to the reception venue.  Steph and Jason chose Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia for their fantastic reception, and before joining their friends and family in the clubhouse ballroom, enjoyed another fun photo shoot, even taking a walk together in the bright sun outside! We always love working with Ray Hennessy and his assistant at Crushed Box Photography (formerly KGM Expressions) and this day was no exception!  The whole bridal party had a terrific time posing for formal and candid photos, ignoring the slightly chilly weather, and looked simply great together!

Steph and Jason then entered the ornate ballroom to the cheers of their friends and family!  The two danced a rollicking, perfectly choreographed intro dance which led right into their slower, beautiful first dance on the grand ballroom floor.  The couple seemed to be dancing on a cloud.  After the first and second courses of dinner, Steph danced with her father and Jason with his mother.  Following that, we were treated to wonderful toasts from Steph's maid of honor (her sister) and from Jason's best man (his brother), an outpouring of love for the couple.  Then, guests danced the night away as DJ Jason Roy played the music that kept the whole place rockin'!

Steph noted afterwards that the day went by so fast, which honestly is something we hear so often from the couples we film.  We're so glad we were there to capture their day so they can watch all the highlights and relive the memories for years to come!  Congratulations and best wishes to Stephanie and Jason!

 

Photographer:  Crushed Box Photography - Clementon, NJ

Floral Design:  Fleurdlin - Washington Township, NJ

Hair Stylist:  Anthony J Hair Studio - Sicklerville, NJ

Makeup Artist:  Anthony J Hair Studio - Sicklerville, NJ

Ceremony:  Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church - Sewell, NJ

Officiant:  Rev. Msgr. Roger E. McGrath - Sewell, NJ

Transportation:  Philadelphia Trolley Works - Philadelphia, PA     

Entertainment:  DJ Jason Roy - Philadelphia, PA

Cake:  DiBartolo Bakery - Collingswood, NJ

Venue:  Trump National Golf Club Philadelphia - Pine Hill, NJ