You're The Reason // Mikala + David

Kristi Chapman
Sep 23
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Mikala and David went to the same high school, but never actually met while there because they weren't in the same friend circles. The two met later when they were co-counselors during the summer at a day camp for young boys. In the fall, sadly the two went separate ways as David headed back to college. When Mikala's best friend ran into him randomly when he was home for a weekend, she gave David the hint that he should reach out to Mikala. He did, and the two never stopped talking after that!

Yes, it was a little rainy on Mikala and David's wedding day and so those contingency plans were definitely necessary at times. But with the fantastic venue they chose, Ocean Place Resort & Spa, there were no second-best spaces or compromises in sight!

Mikala and David got ready for their day in separate suites there at the resort. MMUAV completed hair and makeup, then with help from her mother and her bridal party, Mikala put on her beautiful gown and accessories. Mikala's Martina Liana dress had a very subtle corset bodice with a straight neckline, delicate beaded spaghetti straps, a fabulous illusion tulle scooped back and gorgeous sparkly strands of beading in the 3D floral patterned embellished overlay. It was incredible and she looked absolutely amazing!

And for this very special day, David wore a navy blue tuxedo with black lapels, while his groomsmen all wore matching dark suits with light blue neckties, coordinating wonderfully with Mikala's beautiful bridal party's light blue gowns. Didn't they all look so fabulous?

Mikala and David shared their first look inside their venue. It was so sweet when David turned around to see his beautiful bride. But then, we were so surprised and thrilled that the rain stopped so they could have their photo shoot outside! It was so wonderful to film while Alexandra Eveland and her second photographer took photos of the couple and their wedding party strolling around the beautiful oceanside resort.

bride and groom circling during ceremony

Then it was time to go back inside for the wedding ceremony. Carrying her positively gorgeous blue, lavender and white bouquet from Flowerful Events, Mikala walked down the aisle on the arms of her parents. A myriad of grand blue and white blooms adorned the chuppah where Mikala and David stood for their ceremony. Beautiful Jewish traditions were observed, such as the bride and groom circling each other, special family rings were exchanged and of course, the conclusion was the breaking of the glass!

Mikala and David's reception in the Atlantic Ballroom kicked off with wedding party introductions, then Mikala and David ran to the dance floor for their first dance. Their pure joy was so contagious! Everyone hushed for the couple's romantic slow dance together, and the dance of the Hora turned the energy back up for this fantastic celebration!

Guests continued dancing until salads were served and the Hamotzi Blessing was given. And absolutely wonderful, well-written and heartfelt welcome speeches and toasts were spoken by Mikala's parents, by David's father with his mother by his side and by David's best man and brother.

Heartwarming parent dances were next, then that dance floor opened back up to all guests. Cafe Wha rocked the house, and Mikala, David and all their friends and family had a ball dancing and jumping on that dance floor all evening long! And in a private moment, Mikala and David cut and shared a piece of their delicious white wedding cake from Chocolate Carousel. Kayla at The Wedding Plan and Company did an amazing job organizing this beautiful wedding day, perfect with the necessary weather-related plan pivots and all.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Mikala and David, and to echo the words of David's father in his lovely speech, we hope their wedding lived up to every dream they ever had. And may they be as happy every day as they were that day. Best wishes to the newlyweds in their life together.

Photographer: Alexandra Eveland Photography - NJ

Floral Design: Flowerful Events - Eatontown, NJ

Hair Stylist: MMUAV - Rutherford, NJ

Makeup Artist: MMUAV - Rutherford, NJ

Wedding Dress: Martina Liana

Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randall

Entertainment: Cafe Wha - New York, NY

Rentals/Chairs: Glam Party Rentals - Hackensack, NJ

Signage & Day-of Paper Details: Glow Paper Co. - Montclair, NJ

Linens: Twenty Four Seven Linens

Audio & Lighting: Panavid - Pompton Plains, NJ

Cake: Chocolate Carousel - Wall Township, NJ