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Lauren and Bruce met like so many do today, using an online dating app. It happened to be right before the pandemic began in 2020. The very next day, they met up in person and began dating right then and there.
Fast forward about a year and a half and the couple went to stay at the shore for a week for a change of scenery. Bruce took Lauren out to lunch at the quaint and rustic Beach Plum Farm in Cape May. There, he popped the question, and she said 'yes'!
Some forecasts called for the morning rain to continue for much of the day, but we were so blessed to have the poor weather end, leading to a perfect day at the beach for Lauren and Bruce's wedding day!
Lauren got ready that misty morning in a private residence of one of her bridesmaids in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. After hair and makeup was styled by Creations by Mia, and those fun photos were taken with her bridal party in their floral robes, Lauren dressed into her gorgeous Sareh Nouri gown. Her dress had a lovely fit and flare silhouette and a graceful jewel neckline. She looked so amazing, absolutely beautiful!
Bruce got ready in his family home in Avalon, New Jersey. We loved spending time with Bruce and his father, Bruce, Sr. as they dressed into their formal tuxedos for a very special occasion, indeed.
As soon as Lauren and Bruce finished their last touches, they ventured out for their first look at The Reeds at Shelter Haven, the venue where they will later hold their reception. You could just feel the excitement in the air!
After their first look, a photo shoot took place there along 96th Street in Stone Harbor. More photo shoots were to come later on the docks, too. Kaitlin Noel and her photography team were so fun and fantastic to work with... for us and for the wedding party! And it was so nice to be at the shore and to take in the beachy salt air on this beautiful spring day.
It was then time for their ceremony at Sacred Heart Church in Avalon, with the Mass given by Father Kelly. Their traditional Catholic ceremony was beautiful, as the two recited their sacred vows and exchanged rings. They were now officially husband and wife, and saved the traditional first kiss for the end of the ceremony.
The couple certainly traveled in style to their reception as Lauren and Bruce cruised over to The Reeds at Shelter Haven by boat! Everyone was anxiously waiting on the dock for their arrival and greeted them with cheers! We always love a grand entrance!
The calming coastal vibes of the Sweet Grass Ballroom was enhanced by lovely, tall floral centerpieces in blush and ivory by The Manic Botanic. The flickering taper candles in their tall hurricane vases and sparkling gold flatware added to the romance and elegance.
Lauren and Bruce entered the beautiful ballroom and kicked off the party by dancing their first dance together, followed by dances with their mothers. Everyone was invited to warm up the dance floor then with a few songs played before Bruce's father gave a wonderful speech, welcoming guests, sharing sweet stories (especially about Lauren!) and congratulating the couple.
This was followed by a marriage blessing from Bruce's mother, reciting in part, 'may the world forever be a better place since the two fell in love'. And after Lauren and Bruce's romantic bayside sunset photos, we heard lovely, heartfelt toasts prepared by Lauren's maid of honor and by Bruce's best man as well.
The Jack Faulkner Orchestra continued to keep the party going strong for the rest of the evening, with Lauren and Bruce taking a quick, private break to cut their elegant, gold-accented and monogrammed three-tiered wedding cake. And later, the wedding party saluted the couple of honor with exciting sparklers!
Crystal Hunt at Shore Thing Event Services helped the couple in creating and coordinating such a fabulous wedding day. And we were so honored to be chosen to film their event and to share in the celebration. Congratulations and best wishes always to Lauren and Bruce!
Photographer: Kaitlin Noel Photography - Kaitlin Noel - Cape May, NJ
Floral Design: The Manic Botanic - Corbin City, NJ
Hair Stylist: Creations by Mia - Waterford, NJ
Makeup Artist: Creations by Mia - Waterford, NJ
Wedding Dress: Sareh Nouri
Entertainment: The Jack Faulkner Orchestra - Philadelphia, PA
Cake: The Reeds at Shelter Haven - Stone Harbor, NJ
Wedding Planner: Shore Thing Event Services - Crystal Hunt - Cape May, NJ
Officiant: Father William J. Kelly - Avalon, NJ
Ceremony Music: The Elegance Quartet with Elizabeth de Trejo - Philadelphia, PA
Church: Sacred Heart Church - St. Brendan the Navigator Parish - Avalon, NJ
Venue: The Reeds at Shelter Haven - Stone Harbor, NJ