Ryan and I normally get to meet a good majority of our couples before their wedding takes place. Sometimes it’s meeting for coffee or for their engagement session. Sometimes we don’t have the opportunity to meet our couples, so we’re always a bit nervous when we arrive on the wedding day. It feels almost like a first date – Are they going to like us? Will our personalities mesh? Etc.
When we arrived the morning of Michelle and Stephens wedding, we were welcomed with open arms. It felt like we were meeting old friends! From their fun personalities to their awesome bridal party and sweet family, its no wonder we had an amazing day!
And since we didn’t get to capture their engagement session and tell you a little about their love story, here it is, in Michelle’s words:
“Stephen and I met at work about 4 years ago almost 5. I remember going into the Kitchen on my first week of work and getting some coffee. When I walked in, I instantly thought he was so cute but he had a girlfriend at the time. Fast forward almost a year later he was single, and I was still single and he invited me out with his friends for drinks. I was supposed to invite my friends, which I did, but no one showed up. Just me and him. Ever since then we have literally been attached at the hip.
He proposed to me on Thanksgiving 2015. My parents and sister live in FL and I fly there every year to see them for the holidays. This year was no different – So I thought. Dinner is about to be served and he takes me behind my parents house where they have a lake. His excuse was “we have to call my parents it’s too loud in the house”. I said ok, and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was soo shocked! and when I turned around I saw my sister and my friends on the roof video taping the whole proposal. The best feeling in the world. He is the most amazing guy and I am so blessed to be marrying him. “
The center diamond is actually the same diamond that her dad gave her mom over 20 years ago! Goodness, I love when Brides have a First Look with their Dads! Its such a special moment to see their little girl for the first time as she prepares to marry the love of her life! Michelle had always dreamed of a beach wedding. So, even though the forecast wasn’t so great, she made the call to do the ceremony outside no matter what!! it may have been drizzling a little bit, but all that mattered is that her and Stephen said their I do’s and officially became husband and wife!
Laughter. There was SO much laughter and love and joy throughout Kristin and Jim’s wedding day! They got ready at The Windrift Hotel, where there were lots of jokes and just an uplifting feeling coming from everyone involved! We were so excited when Kristin and Jim decided to do a first look! It gave us so much more time for photos and to really capture the essence of the two of them together! The rest of the day went off without a hitch, alongside all of their closest friends and family! We really could not have asked for a more perfect day for two people who deserve it so much! Enjoy a peek into their day!
Vendors Involved:
Photography :: Tami & Ryan Photography, Venue :: The Windrift Hotel – Avalon, NJ, Hair :: Elaina Manfre, Makeup :: Christina Dellano, Bride’s Dress :: Allure Bridal, Bridesmaids Dresses :: Bill Levkoff, Florist :: Always Beautiful Floral, Cake :: Sweet T’s Bakeshop, Band :: Jellyroll Band
Most of the time, we get a chance to meet our couples before their wedding day. However, since Jenna and Jon live in Texas, it was a little hard! But since they are both originally from this area, it is what brought them back to the Jersey shore for their wedding!
Jon and Jenna first met one another in December of 2010. If you ask her, she’d say that they met through a mutual friend, if you ask him, he’d probably say they met through Craigslist. Long story short, the previous summer, Jenna and a few of her friends rented a shore house in Sea Isle City, and put up an ad on Craigslist for a few extra spots in the house. A group of guys from Drexel (not Jon) responded and they had a great summer! They decided to have a little reunion in the Poconos that winter, and when one of the Drexel guys sent a text to his friend from college, Jon, talking about the trip, he wound up sending it to this Jon instead of their summer roommate John. Obviously Jon was a little confused, but ended up getting an invite to the Poconos, and the rest is history! 🙂
Jon and Jenna started talking about moving south the following summer, and actively started looking for jobs. Jon moved to Texas in June of 2012, and Jenna was able to luckily find a job the first time she came to visit! Over the summer of 2014, they planned a trip to South Padre Island for the weekend after Jenna’s birthday, and although she suspected it, Jon didn’t seem nervous and was very cool and calm, so she thought maybe it wouldn’t be happening. But the one night, they headed down to the beach, where Jon found a secluded spot and popped the question!
So, what a better place to get married, than on the beach?! The chose the beautiful Windrift Hotel for their wedding day! From getting ready, to the ceremony to their celebration with family and friends afterwards, it was so much fun and absolutely perfect for the two of them! Enjoy their day! 🙂 xo Jenna’s view had a mind of its own, and kept flying out of her hair. But, her Maid of Honor was always to the rescue! All of the flowers were by A Garden Party, and they were absolutely STUNNING!!
Isn’t Michelle’s ring gorgeous?!
Goodness, I love when Brides have a First Look with their Dads! Its such a special moment to see their little girl for the first time as she prepares to marry the love of her life!
Michelle had always dreamed of a beach wedding. So, even though the forecast wasn’t so great, she made the call to do the ceremony outside no matter what!! it may have been drizzling a little bit, but all that mattered is that her and Stephen said their I do’s and officially became husband and wife!
