Ashley and Matt met and got to know each other like so many of us do, through working together at the same company. Their proposal however, was not so usual! Ashley and Matt went on vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her extended family, a twenty year tradition for her family. When everyone was gathered at the house, Matt asked his cousin to send everyone out to the balcony while the two went for a walk to a gazebo overlooking the beach. At that moment, a small plane few overhead with the message, "Will you marry me Ashley?"! Of course, she said yes!
Fast forward to their gorgeous wedding day in May. Ashley and Matt chose the phenomenal Laurita Winery in New Egypt, NJ for their ceremony and reception. We love this wedding location and couldn't wait to film their wedding here. But first, the bridal party had a great time getting ready for the day with assistance from Rebecca Ryan Makeup and Ariel Katrina Hair at the Courtyard Marriott Burlington. The ladies all wore matching t-shirts with "Bride Tribe" printed on them and joked and paused for photos. They guys dressed in matching light gray suits with peachy-orange ties while the bridesmaids wore lovely long, mismatched chiffon gowns in charcoal gray. The gray-peach color combination was so spring-like and charming. And we'd certainly be remiss if we didn't mention how cute the flower girls and ring bearer were all dressed up for the day!
Then there was Ashley! She wore a strapless gown that was covered to the floor in beautiful lace appliqués with a subtle beading detail. Glamorous pearl and rhinestone brooches were placed into the back of her hair, keeping her lovely long locks swept to one side. What a beautiful bride! Ashley's flower bouquet from Wild Stems was also beautiful in soft peaches, rose and white. Her bridesmaids' bouquets were similar but with bright pops of orange. Before leaving for their first look, Ashley and Matt were delighted to read love notes that they wrote ahead of time for each other.
Then, we were off to Laurita Winery! Ashley and Matt had a first look there in the vineyards of the winery. First looks are always so exciting! They were both so anxious to see each other all dressed up for the big day and ready to tie the knot!
After the touching first look, there were plenty of scenic locations for photos and video. Ashley and Matt paused for photos in front of the rustic barn and all throughout the rows and rows of grapevines in the vineyards while Susan Hennessey and her assistant took such marvelous photos of the couple, the bridal party and family in the pastoral location. Take a look at some of her photos on her blog!
Ashley and Matt had a wonderful outdoor ceremony at Laurita. We loved the "choose a seat not a side" sign letting guests know that they should mix up the seating for the ceremony and sit on either side of the aisle. The couple stood in front of a impressive wood pergola adorned with the most gorgeous spray of flowers in deep oranges, rose and gold. Ashley and Matt spoke beautiful, personal vows written from the heart as their ceremony was officiated by a friend of the two.
The wedding reception was held inside the winery, with rustic chic elements found all around. In the "marketplace", white market string lights draped from the rough hewn beams and the winery's market awnings in burgundy and green complimented the red brick walls and iron chandeliers. The reception tables had such amazing centerpieces... beautiful flower arrangements in oranges, peaches and white surrounding eye catching wine bottles with white string lights inside. They were very unique and certainly gave a nod to the winery setting.
Ashely and Matt kicked off the reception with a beautifully choreographed first dance and truly looked like professional dancers on the dance floor! We were treated to wonderful toasts just before dinner, then the dance floor was opened up! SCE Event Group's Jason Jani's DJ services were spectacular and everyone had a blast dancing the evening away!
The reception ended with a spectacular fireworks display and a sparkler salute to honor the bride and groom upon Ashley and Matt's exit from the event.
This was such a wonderful wedding... superb location, perfect weather and awesome couple! Congratulations to Ashley and Matt! To echo the words of your sisters and maids of honor, may you have a beautiful marriage filled with years of happiness.
Photographer: Susan Hennessey Photography - Moorestown, NJ
Floral Design: Wild Stems - Philadelphia, PA
Hair Stylist: Ariel Katrina Hair - Cherry Hill, NJ
Makeup Artist: Rebecca Ryan - Warminster, PA
Entertainment: SCE Event Group - Jason Jani - West Long Branch, NJ
Cake: Chocolate Carousel - Wall Township, NJ
Officiant: Mike Jovanis
Venue: Laurita Winery - New Egypt, NJ
Accommodations: Courtyard Marriott Burlington Mt. Holly /Westhampton - Westhampton, NJ