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