Cape May is for lovers! It’s also the best location for a Sunny Cape May Surprise Proposal! I was so excited when I was contact by their friend who was planning this surprise proposal!
It was an absolutely gorgeous day! The birds were actively nesting in the dunes, the Johnathan Livingston Seagulls were soaring along the horizon, and the sea creatures were even washing up on the shore! (Of course we MAY have helped one special horse shoe crab get back to the water!) They must have all wanted to see the big event! (Sorry, that’s my fairy tale side coming out just knowing it would be a day to remember!)
Their friends set up this beautiful setting on the Cove in Cape May. Complete with a picnic basket, champagne, and even some bug spray… just in case those little buggers came out to bite! It was all planned out and even had the most beautiful blue Hydrangea flowers and blanket to match. It was perfect! There is no better place than Cape May to confess your love for that special person in your life. From the moment I saw them walking up the beach, I just KNEW she would say yes! And she did, and it was a beautiful moment! I always feel so warm inside when I get to witness and be a part of something so magical.
Congratulations to the both of you!
May your lives be long, happy and healthy today and all of the tomorrows in your years to come as husband and wife! Until then, HAPPY WEDDING PLANNING! CHEERS!
If you are preparing to propose to that special someone, think about planning a Sunny Cape May Surprise Proposal! You will not be disappointed with the beautiful sandy beaches, view of the historic Cape May lighthouse at the Cove, and the animals all around you! It’s as if the world stops for just one moment to focus on you. After all, you deserve a happy ending and a little magic!
Check out some more surprise proposals in Cape May:
Congress Hall Marriage Proposal
Cape May Winery Proposal
September 3, 2020
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Congratulations! You are planning your wedding and you are at the stage to book your photographer! This is such a fun and exciting time. You have made the decision to marry that one person that completes you. So, when selecting your wedding photographer there are certainly things to consider.
What is their style and does it match who you are as a couple?
What do I mean by this? I don’t necessarily mean light and airy or rich and romantic. While, yes those are styles of photography, I am more so asking the question of does the photographers style of shooting align with your vision. Allow me explain that deeper. Does your photographer give you and your new partner the space you need to feel each other love, emotions and all of the things that happen on wedding day? Do they get up close and personal, and does that sit well with you? Does your photographer give you instructions, or do they allow you to be organic? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself, your partner and your potential photographer.
Does the photographer use lighting, and do you need lighting?
Lighting is such an important aspect to consider when Selecting your wedding photographer. It is a good idea to ask any potential photographer if they have a lighting kit, and what is in it. You don’t really need the specifics of brands and all of those things, but it’s good to know if they have more than one flash, and if they have any creative gel colors in case you want something creative in the evening. A photographers lighting kit is not uplighting for your reception. That is an extra that your DJ should cover, but it is not always included. Definitely discuss this with your DJ, I recommend purple. It always looks gorgeous! Getting back to photographer lighting, let’s say for example it is a rainy day and you cannot venture outside for your portraits. In this instance, your photographer should be able to set up lighting indoors and be able to continue your day smoothly without any hiccups!
Is an album included, can you purchase one after, and will they help with designing it?
Your wedding album is what you are going to remember your day with. These printed memories are an heirloom that will get passed down to your children, they are your legacy. You are not just printing pictures, but you are showing your family what love is, and how they too can have what you have. Loving someone is the best tradition you can pass down to your children. Love, after all, will conquer everything else. Having a photographer that can sit with you and help with the design process is very important. The last thing you want is designing your album to be a hassle. Also, having the versatility of being able to buy one after is always a great option, but don’t wait too long!
Does the photographer care about your wedding?
This sounds like a silly thing to wonder about doesn’t it? I will tell you, there are photographers who just care about booking another wedding. Selecting your wedding photographer is hard, but asking certain questions will point you into the direction of the photographer who really cares. So, what questions should you ask? You could start with, ‘How long have you been a photographer, and is this your passion?’ A photographer that is passionate about photography will answer this question as if they’re talking about their very own baby. I know, for me, photography is like breathing – I can not go a day with out it. So on wedding day, I know I will share the emotions that you are feeling, because I am so happy that I am able to document this special time in your life.
Selecting your wedding photographer, the final decision!
If you think you’ve come to a point in your wedding planning that you are truly vibe with a photographer and you want to make it official, don’t wait! Chances are if you love them, someone else does too. Dates get booked faster than you can say “I’LL TELL YOU WHAT I WANT WHAT I REALLY REALLY WANT!” (yes, that was a Spice Girls reference, don’t judge me). But really, when you find your photographer, book them, don’t wait. Photographers will save your wedding date for roughly 1 week from you contacting them, so when you’re ready, make haste!
*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
June 9, 2020
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Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! I have compiled my favorite wedding planning books for you to take a look at. They go over things like wedding etiquette, timelines on when to send out invitations, book your vendors, and more! Check it out below!
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- Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette – Emily Post was a phenomenal woman, who knew about all things etiquette. If you’re going to learn about it, she is the one to learn from! This is an amazing book that will go over everything you need to do or plan from your engagement up until your wedding day. It goes over engagement announcements, how to word invitations, what to wear and when to wear it, traditions, parties, your ceremony, reception and even the thank you’s and so much more.**Also, if you’re interested in history, Emily Post is the 19th cousin 2 times removed to Charles William Post, Founder of Post Cereals, and also, the person who my college was named after – C. W. Post University, now known as Long Island University!
- Erin Condren Wedding Planner – I adore Erin Condren. Her agenda’s are LIFE and her wedding planning books are so much more than than just a planner! It comes with custom stickers that say “I DO” “CELEBRATE” “IMPORTANT” and “REMINDER”. Throughout the planner, you will also see quotes that will light you up! I save these and frame them on my walls! It also had both the calendar view and the weekly view, and enough space for you to write notes, mark dates, make note of your rehearsal meal AND reception meals, the types of alcohol you will be having, a wedding planning timeline to follow etc.
- OH, SH*T JUST GOT REAL – Okay, sometimes wedding’s are so stressful that you just need to open up and let that humor fly in. This planner does an amazing job at having making you giggle, but the inside is all business! A ton of spreadsheets at your fingertips to fill in like mad libs! Because let’s be real, who doesn’t love filling in mad libs? You can write your ideas for theme, venue, colors, music, reception, etc. You can also fill in categories with budget, actual cost, and balance owed. It even has a wedding contact list for your vendors (Only thing I dislike is they don’t have Photographer written in… so you’ll have to write photographer in yourself. I recommend a pink sparkly gel pen so I stand out, because of course you’re booking me, right? :::wink wink::: ) But seriously, this is a cute planner and does the job if you’re too busy to make your own spreadsheets. it even has a ton of pages for your guest list, and blank lined pages for you to write all the notes your heart desires!
- Essentials Wedding Planner Stickers – Yes, I added stickers to the list haha. The reason why, is because sometimes you just want to play with stickers. You’re planning a wedding, and these are wedding themed! So yes, buy them, and have fun, because you’re allowed to have fun and these little things make us smile and ALSO, really do help stay organized!
- Storied Weddings – This book is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to be swept away with emotions, and what kind of images you could have on your wedding day, then this is the book for you. Actually, if your child is getting married, if you aren’t getting married, or if you know someone who is getting married and just love weddings, then this is also the book for you. It looks nice on the coffee table, and had the content to blow anyone away between great typography and dreamy images, ya know and fabulous tips to help you on your way to planning your big day!
- Wedding Planner & Journal Organizer – I know I have quite a few planners on here, but I am hoping you find one that meets your needs. This one is really special. It is not only beautiful, but it comes with 20 labels to propose to your wedding party, two wedding day cards for you and your fiance to write each other love notes (complete with envelopes), and even a guestbook section. It works as a nice gift and a keepsake of your wedding day. There is even a page about dresses and the cut of each neckline (sweetheart, scoop, illusion, off shoulder) and the skirt style as well (trumpet, a-line, tea-length, mermaid).
- Equally Wed – There are so many books out there for planning weddings that are centered around the “bride and groom”. This book, of course has the to-do lists that every engaged couple needs, in addition to very important resources on how to handle certain challenges that an LGBTQ+- couple may face, like how to deal with less than supportive family members.
- His & Her Vow Book – This is a very simple his & her vow book for your wedding day. These photograph so nicely, and it’s a lot better than holding a folded piece of paper. They are wonderful memories to look back on, and will easily slip right into your nightstand to re-read over and over again the words your husband/wife read to your on wedding day.
- 3 Pc Rose Gold Diamond Pens – With so many things to write down, you should probably enjoy writing with this fancy diamond pen! Yes, there is a huge diamond on the end of the pen! I actually own these, and I’ve been married since 2013. No shame here, I love them!
- A Great Party – One of the wedding planning books that you need to read, is this one right here! Bryan Rafanelli has been voted one of the best wedding planners in the world, by Vogue. He’s planned tons of events and weddings for high profile clients and is known for throwing parties that you will never forget! (Including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and many events for President Obama!) Even if you don’t was a huge party, you will definitely pick up one or two things (or 10 or 20) from this book!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Wedding Planning Books’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!
*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
March 24, 2020
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Happy Late St. Patricks Day to everyone! My family definitely celebrates St. Paddy’s Day full force. We are Irish but ALSO, my oldest daughter is an Irish Dancer! This past weekend she was supposed be dancing in the Philadelphia Irish Parade, but due to what is going on in the world right now, it was cancelled, much like other events and gatherings. So, to back it up a few days, and continue the Paddy’s Day celebration (even though we ARE a few days late…) let’s check out this weeks Top 10 Tuesday!! Whether you are getting married here in the United States or in Ireland (God willing), there are a few Irish Wedding Traditions that you may want to follow. Take a look at my top 10 favorite wedding traditions from Ireland below!
- Shrove Tuesday – Irish weddings were commonly held on a weekday, during “Shrovetide”, or the days preceding Lent. No weddings are allowed during the 40 days of lent! The most popular day is the day before Ash Wednesday, called “Shrove Tuesday”.
Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, And Saturday no luck at all.
- Claddagh Rings – These rings feature two hands clasping a crowned heart. They symbolizes love and loyalty and are worn as engagement rings and wedding bands. Take a look at this gorgeous white gold engagement ring here that features a diamond. You can learn all about these rings here: Claddagh Meanings. You can wear the Claddagh many different ways to convey your relationship status.
- Wearing a Blue Dress – Would you wear a blue wedding dress? Blue dresses are stunning! The color blue was once seen as the symbol in virginity, even though white is seen as the color for purity; Irish brides were often seen wearing blue dresses. Photographing a blue dress on wedding day, would be absolutely beautiful.
Who will be wearing a blue gown in 2020?
- Proposing on Leap Year – According to legend, a young woman was upset that the men she liked were too shy to ask for her hand in marriage. Because of this, St. Patrick gave her his blessing so that women could propose on ONLY the leap day of the leap year.
So, we just had a leap year, did anyone propose to a man?
I’d love to shoot your wedding! Let’s chat!
- Wildflowers In Braided Hair – Keeping with tradition, you will often find Irish brides wearing wildflowers woven through their long braided wedding day hair. Not only does it look darling, but it also stands for as a symbol of feminine power! Additionally, bridesmaids or flower girls could wear flower crowns, but the bride herself cannot wear a flower crown because it would be considered very bad luck!
I couldn’t love this anymore!
- To Tie the Knot – This saying actually has a Celtic origin, during ancient Irish wedding ceremonies where both the bride and the groom’s hands are bound together with a ribbon. This is called a ‘handfasting’ ritual, signifying their union and strength of their love. This is a tradition that I love to photograph. It slows things down a bit, as a result we can really enjoy the couples bond.
- Sixpence in the Shoe – The sixpence was meant to act as a good luck charm and a way to ward off evil spirits. I have definitely seen brides do this, and it’s a very lovely detail to photograph.
I hope I see more traditions like this come back!
- Ringing the Wedding Bells – Like the sixpence in the shoe, the ringing of the wedding bells was seen as a way to get rid of evil spirits on the wedding day.
They’re also very beautiful to listen to and photograph rather nicely. They’re also a very sweet favor for your guests.
- Irish Lace – In Ireland, dresses look like dresses everywhere else in the world. However, one distinctly Irish touch is Irish lace. Very often it is used on the dress itself, or as a handkerchief or in the veil.
I have seen this given to the bride as a gift by her parents, or to the parents from the bride.
- Irish Dancing – What’s a wedding without some Irish Dance! I know when my daughter grows up, she will be dancing at her wedding, and you better believe she will need some custom bridal ghillies!
Do you have a favorite Irish Tradition? I’d love to hear about it!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Irish Wedding Traditions’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!
*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
March 17, 2020
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David contacted me earlier in the week to chat about documenting his Congress Hall Marriage Proposal to his girlfriend, Amy. (Spoiler alert, she’s a fiance now!) David had a few really amazing ideas on how he would propose. At first it was going to be on the beach by the lighthouse, but the wind was a bit much. He decided to propose on the lawn at their hotel, Congress Hall. Which by the way, is one of the most amazing Hotel’s in Cape May! (Good choice, David!) He planned out their entire proposal, down to the champagne, ice bucket and flutes (even the chairs that faced the beach for a gorgeous sunset!) I heard it was a very nice bottle of champagne, but you should know that David is one of the world’s leading wine writers and just recently wrote a book titled, “But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine”. (Seriously, what a lucky lady to have a fiance that knows all about champagne and wine!)
As I waited for them to arrive, getting text updates from David, I did my best to hide in the bushes by the parking lot. Hotel guests were staring at me, as I am sure I looked… well… pretty shady standing in a parking lot, hiding behind bushes with a hoodie up and holding a giant piece of black metal (yep, it’s my “stalker lens” as I like to call it. Perfect for documenting proposals from far away and not being noticed!) (Although Amy told me later on, that she saw someone in the bushes with a camera… I think she knew all along this would be the day for a marriage proposal!)
Congress Hall was phenomenal, I met with Casika who unfortunately couldn’t wait to watch the proposal, but she was so excited that this was happening at their hotel! If you are even THINKING about it, stop thinking and do it, have a Congress Hall Marriage Proposal! They were so fantastic and helpful! Ask for Casika!
So, When it came time to pop the question, it was magical. David and Amy hugged and kissed, and all the love was there! I was secretly crying in the bushes because well, who wouldn’t!? When I told the hotel guests, I wasn’t some crazy person, I was documenting a proposal that would go down at approximately 6pm… of course they stayed to watch! Everyone loves a happy ending! After that, we went down to the beach to take some beautiful portraits to capture their happiness! It could not have been a better evening for a Congress Hall Marriage Proposal!
David and Amy, Congratulations on your engagement! I wish you both nothing but success in love and your future together! Thank you SO much for trusting me to capture such an intimate moment between the two of you!
October 21, 2016