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Caitlin and Dylan met as freshmen, right at the beginning of their college experience in Philadelphia. During 'welcome week', Dylan approached Caitlin while on a tour and asked "Do I know you from somewhere?" Those words were just the beginning of what would become a beautiful relationship.
Caitlin describes the day Dylan proposed as simply, "an awesome day!" Dylan 'popped the question' at the Assembly Rooftop Lounge, overlooking the bustling Ben Franklin Parkway and historic Philadelphia Museum of Art in the city. After Caitlin said “yes!” all of their closest friends and family arrived on cue for the engagement party. And it was a fantastic celebration!
Speaking of fantastic celebrations, we were so excited to be filming Caitlin and Dylan's wedding day 'down the shore'! The two prepared for their day at Congress Hall, their chosen reception venue in Cape May, New Jersey.
Caitlin spent time together with her bridal party as they had their hair and makeup done, took selfies and enjoyed their first photo shoot of the day together in their satin robes. Her bridesmaids and maid of honor then dressed into their mismatched, long champagne-colored gowns, all looking so beautiful.
The guys all looked fantastic, too! Dylan sported wonderful custom cuff links, a perfect accessory for his classic black tux. He and his best man and groomsmen helped each other with their jackets and ties and were soon all ready for the big event!
And Caitlin dressed into her beautiful Netta BenShabu gown. It had such a gorgeous bodice with a sweetheart neckline and very delicate spaghetti straps, the corset and subtle ballroom skirt all covered in lovely little 3D floral embellishments. She was truly stunning!
The couple decided to skip a first look and headed straight to the church. Their traditional ceremony was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, where Father Perry delivered the Mass. He led the two in reciting their traditional vows and exchanging symbolic rings. As Caitlin and Dylan left the church, their wedding party and guests cheered, and their tiny fur baby was there to celebrate, too!
The team at Haley Richter Photography took photos of the couple and their party at the church, then on the beach in Cape May and at their venue. You could see just how much fun the couple and their party had as their photos were taken to commemorate this very special day. Caitlin and Dylan also recited heartfelt personal vows that they wrote for each other while spending some quiet time away in the sand.
And Caitlin and Dylan's fabulous reception was held at the stately and historic Congress Hall in Cape May. White roses and warm candlelight from Petal + Paper filled the Grand Ballroom reception tables, the white flowers and linens a beautiful compliment to the iconic black and white dance floor.
Caitlin and Dylan arrived and danced their first dance together, followed by a speech from Caitlin's father (who lovingly described the first time he met Dylan and how he later became his biggest defender!), a prayer and blessing, a toast from her maid of honor and then one from Dylan's best man. All the toasts were so heartfelt and filled with memories from school and beyond. This was followed by those sweet parent dances.
Then, the couple and their guests danced the night away, thanks to the music provided by DJ Jacob Brittan! Caitlin and Dylan took a break to cut their delectable cake, then were back on that dance floor!
What a beautiful wedding on the most perfect spring day at the shore! Congratulations and best wishes to Caitlin and Dylan!
Photographer: Haley Richter Photography - Keristin & John - Philadelphia, PA
Photo Booth: Central Jersey Photo Booths - Toms River, NJ
Floral Design: Petal + Paper - Brigantine, NJ
Hair Stylist: Hair by Natalie - Maria Katko
Makeup Artist: Makeup by Jenielle - Jenielle Jensen - Bridgewater, NJ
Wedding Dress: Netta BenShabu - Reef - Mari Mi Bridal - Philadelphia, PA
Bridal Shoes: Pearl Flower Bridal Shoes - Forever Soles
Entertainment: Strings By The Sea - Vera Bojko - Ocean City, NJ; DJ Jacob Brittan
Ceremony Music: Conor Ancharski (piano) - NJ; Susan Davenport (violin) - NJ
Cake: The Bake Works - Northfield, NJ
Officiant: Rev. Perry Cherubini - Sea Isle City, NJ
Church: St. Joseph's Catholic Church - Sea Isle City, NJ
Venue: Congress Hall - Cape May, NJ