Beach Romance // Avery + John

Avery and John met in college and discovered some really interesting family history when their relationship was brand new. While growing up, they lived only about 30 minutes away from each other. And all of their parents went to the same college, all at the same time! The connection was already there.

Their relationship grew over time and when John decided to propose, he picked one of the most beautiful times and locations in Philadelphia to do it. Addison Street is gorgeously illuminated year-round, but feels extra festive in December with those bright white lights wrapped around every tree down the street. And two weeks before Christmas, John took Avery there, to the "prettiest street", to ask for her hand in marriage. It was the perfect setting for what was perhaps their most romantic moment together so far. Afterwards, they went to dinner and Avery was surprised with a party and all their friends there to celebrate with them!

There was no chance that Avery and John weren't going to hold their wedding in the lovely, historic beach town of Cape May, a place very familiar and very special to them. And they made a great choice in selecting Kristin Barse and her team from Bel Momento Weddings to help make their wedding dreams a reality! Blue and yellow were the perfect theme colors for this seashore wedding event, and their tented reception was simply tailor-made for an early September Cape May wedding day.

Avery had two maids of honor, both good friends from medical school, and seven bridesmaids all getting ready with her at the Cape May Ohana Beach Club on Beach Avenue. And after they were all dressed and ready, they saw the dazzling bride for the first time in her dress.

But before that moment, we filmed as Avery prepared to put on her wedding gown with her mother and maids of honor by her side. The dress she chose was a gorgeous, silk ball gown from Sarah Seven, with generous straps and a lovely square scoop neck. It simply radiated timeless sophistication and looked absolutely amazing on her!

And John looked awesome, too! His party, made up of family and friends from childhood, high school and his college days, also dressed and prepared for the day there at the beach club. They wore classic black tuxedos, all looking fantastic and flawlessly right on trend with those ankle-showing loafers!

When morning preparations were done, the two had a sweet first look outside the Ohana Beach Club. Then, their photo sessions together began nearby. They had awesome photos taken in their minty-green jeep, as well as along the boardwalk in downtown Cape May and later, among the vineyards at their venue. It's always fabulous to work alongside Rachel Pearlman Photography, and extra fun on such a beautiful day, too! See some of Rachel's incredible photos of this wonderful day on her instagram!

A trolley then transported the wedding party to Isaac Smith Vineyard, the idyllic location chosen for Avery and John's ceremony and reception. The two asked Avery's cousin to officiate their completely custom ceremony in the lovely outdoors, and had Avery's brother and John's sister share delightful readings. In front of an amazing circular floral arch filled with bright and beautiful blooms, the two recited their personalized vows, exchanged rings and made it official.

And the décor for this outdoor wedding event was so spectacular! Bright and light, luscious floral arrangements from Mark Kintzel Design were everywhere, and fun, beachy touches were found throughout as well. One of our favorites included that summery beach bicycle, its basket filled with beautiful pink blooms!

After their arrival for the reception was announced, Avery and John danced their first romantic dance together. It really is such a wonderful wedding tradition and a perfect way to kick off the reception events. Avery's father welcomed guests with a wonderful speech afterwards as he shared fun stories about his daughter, voiced how proud he and her mother are of her and welcomed John into their family.

Parent dances were the next formality of the evening, as all eyes were on Avery and her father, then John and his mother, as they danced those sentimental dances in the spotlight. And four more great speeches were to come! Avery's two maids of honor and John's best man shared their fantastic toasts, and as dinner concluded, Avery and John together thanked everyone for being there to celebrate this amazing day with them.

Then, EBE Talent's Paris turned the music up and got everyone out on the dance floor! Avery changed into her party dress to dance the night away with John and all their friends and family. They paused only to cut and share that delectable three-tiered cake from New June Bakery. Then everyone had such a blast the entire rest of the night!

It was such a pleasure for us to meet this sweet couple and to capture their wonderful wedding day for them. A gorgeous beach town wedding filled to the brim with love and joy. Congratulations to Avery and John!

Photographer: Rachel Pearlman Photography - Philadelphia, PA

Floral Design: Mark Kintzel Design - Allentown, PA

Hair Stylist: Taffeta Salon & Spa - Hammonton, NJ

Makeup Artist: Taffeta Salon & Spa - Hammonton, NJ

Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven

Bridal Shoes: Reformation

Entertainment: EBE Talent - Paris - Philadelphia, PA

Cake: New June - Philadelphia, PA

Wedding Planner: Bel Momento Weddings - Kristin Barse - Ocean City, NJ

Venue: Isaac Smith Vineyard - Cape May, NJ

Accommodations: Cape May Ohana Beach Club - Cape May, NJ

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