Sep 15, 2021

Valentine’s // Janine + Ben

Janine says Ben’s proposal was magical and we definitely agree! The two have always celebrated Valentine’s Day at Long Beach Island, New Jersey, and they went down to enjoy the weekend together for the holiday. On the day after Valentine’s, Janine and Ben spent some time shopping and driving around the island and ended up on the bay at Janine’s mother’s beach home. As they pulled up, she saw all of their family members there waiting on the bay for them! Ben got down on one knee with the ring, and with their loved ones watching, asked Janine to be his wife. And of course, without hesitation she said ‘yes’!

We were so thrilled to be there to film and to celebrate with them on their beautiful and perfectly unique wedding day. Janine and Ben both got ready at the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens, the gorgeous venue where their reception would later be held. We loved being there to see the two exchange wedding gifts and love notes and read those for us and for their film.

With assistance from her mother, sisters and bridesmaids, Janine then dressed into her gorgeous, strapless Kenneth Winston gown! It had a lovely sweetheart neckline, a fit and flare silhouette and beautiful embroidered lace adorning the satin bodice and skirt. Her updo was fastened with a sparkling hair clip and had a very romantic crown braid detail. And she had a lovely, long lace-edged veil secured for the ceremony. Janine’s beautiful, lush ivory bouquet from Bird of Paradise Flowers had just a hint of seafoam green, the handle displaying charms with photos of Janine’s beloved father.

Ben and his groomsmen got ready in a separate suite, dressing into their very formal black tuxedos with white vests and ties. Didn’t Ben and his party look so handsome?! We loved those fun aqua socks, too! And Janine’s bridal party looked so beautiful in their long, matching seafoam green gowns. Such a summery look for this perfect wedding day!

Janine and Ben knew they wanted to have a first look, but they did something a little different than most couples. They decided not to actually see each other, but to hold hands inside the cathedral at the Park Chateau, keeping their backs to each other. As they stood back to back, they recited personal vows they wrote just for each other for this special day. It was so thoughtful and such a wonderfully reflective and emotional moment.

Then, we traveled to St. Ignatius of Antioch Church in Yardley, Pennsylvania for the ceremony, which was officiated by Father Andrew Brownholtz and by Pastor Dave Wolf. A very personal, moving homily was given, then Janine and Ben recited traditional vows, exchanged rings and said their ‘I do’s’!

It was then time to go back to the Park Chateau to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs.! Before the reception events kicked off, we really enjoyed filming their photo shoot outside with our friends at Capone Photography. And the flawlessly manicured grounds of the Park Chateau are always the perfect backdrop. The couple and their wedding party posed for traditional and candid shots. And Janine and Ben’s constant companion, their sweet pup, was sure to be included, too!

Their reception began with introductions and led right into the newlywed’s first dance, where Ben effortlessly lifted Janine at the end! They looked just like professional dancers! Ben then danced with his mother and Janine shared a beautiful speech she wrote to celebrate and honor her father’s life. After the blessing from Pastor Wolf, we enjoyed such heartfelt toasts from Janine’s sisters, her two maids of honor, and from Ben’s best man and cousin.

And the party that followed at the Park Chateau that night was totally rockin’! The couple and their guests danced to the hits provided by Rockin’ Ramaley all evening long! Their team was so fantastic and so much fun!

Janine and Ben’s wedding was a beautiful day that we’ll remember for a very long time! It was so wonderful to work with this super sweet couple, from our very first phone call until the end of the reception and beyond. May all their years ahead be filled with the same love, joy and happiness that filled their wedding day!