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