Weddings & Special Events
Photo by Perfect Day Photography
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Wedding & Special Event Guide
C E L E B R AT I O N S B Y M O R E Y ’ S
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PIERS
An event as unique as you are with packages your whole party can enjoy. For more information call Stephanie Berge at (609)846-1077 or email Memoreys@MoreysPiers.com. WWW.MOREYPIERS.COM/MEMOREYS
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A Memorable Wedding Weekend From Our Cover... What we’ll remember Cristina Tumasz married Francis Houston on Oct. 5, 2012 at Maris Stella Church in Avalon. The reception was held at The Penthouse Ballroom at The Grand Hotel in Cape May. Cristina recalls… It all started with our fabulous rehearsal dinner at the Whitebriar Inn in Avalon the night before. If I have to choose one memory, it would have to be having both my parents proudly walking me down the aisle at Maris Stella Church. I was beaming with happiness and joy as I waited to see the smile on Frank’s face at the front of the church. When the ceremony was over, the entire bridal party went to all my favorite locations in Avalon and Sea Isle for pictures.
We started at the Park on 70th street in Avalon where I went and played as a child. We then went to the boardwalk and fishing pier for pictures on the beach. We capped it off by ending up in Sea Isle for pictures at the Promenade. The Great American Trolley Company made it all so easy. Our signature drink, a Mahalotini, was a huge hit with our guests. The light teal color of the Mahalotini was a perfect match to the color of my bridesmaid dresses and helped prepare us for our Hawaiian Honeymoon. Our cake was provided by The Victory Baking Company. We opened the dance floor to Keith Urban’s, “Only You Can Love Me This Way.” Everybody brought their dancing shoes as we danced the night away. Afterwards, we continued dancing and celebrating at Hemingway’s Bar in The Grand. The next day we all met
As a little girl I always dreamed of getting married in Avalon. It all started on the beach. He actually proposed to me for brunch followed by spending the day on the beach on the 8th Street jetty in Avalon reminiscing and laughing on Labor Day weekend 2011. As a little girl I always over the celebration the night before. The wedding finale was dreamed of getting married a sendoff barbecue with family in Avalon. Since both Frank’s and friends at one of the local family and mine have a long Victorian houses we rented for history and fond memories of going to the shore, there was no the weekend. Frank and I are lifelong other place in the world, other Jersey shore lovers. We have than the Jersey shore and Cape been going to Avalon and Sea May County we considered to Isle since we were babies. Frank have our special day. and I first met and fell in love while we were both working at —Photo by Perfect Day Pirate Island in Avalon during Photography the summer of 2005.
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Wedding & Special Event Guide
Save-the-Date Cards Require Etiquette More and more couples planning to walk down the aisle are embracing save-thedate cards to give guests adequate notice that there is a party on the horizon. Save-the-date cards do more than let guests know when you’re getting hitched. The cards are a preliminary way to keep guests informed and let them know they are,
in fact, on the guest list. These cards haven’t always been so popular, but have risen in popularity due to longer engagement periods, a growing number of destination weddings and the growing number of couples with guests from all over the country, if not the world. Considering people often plan business trips, vacations
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and other excursions several months in advance, save-thedate cards help secure a greater number of attendees at your wedding. Save-the-date announcements can vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door. If you desire a cohesive theme to your wedding stationery, select the save-the-date cards at the same time you choose your wedding invitations. This way you can ensure that either the patterns, fonts, colors, or style of the cards will match. It will also help convey the tone of the wedding. Guests often take their cues regarding the level of formality of the wedding from the type of stationery couples choose. When to send out the save-the-date announcements is important as well. As a general rule of thumb, it is wise to mail out the cards six months in advance for a standard wedding. If the wedding requires travel or extended overnight accommodations, you may want to mail them out eight months to a year in advance to give guests the time to investigate flight costs and hotel arrangements. A wedding also may necessitate planning a vacation or personal time off from work. Therefore, ample advanced notice is advisable. Be sure to make your guest list in advance of sending out save-the-date cards. Everyone who receives a card should
Save the Date
Herald Newspapers 2013 also be sent an invitation prior to the wedding. Remember to include any members of your planned wedding party in the list of recipients. Just because a person has verbally confirmed attendance at your wedding doesn’t mean they should be excluded from subsequent announcements. Guests may talk to one another and it is best to avoid hurt feelings and any added drama before the wedding by treating everyone equally. Be sure to include the wedding date, your names and the location of the wedding on the save-the-date cards. You do not need to offer RSVP information or detailed specifics at this time. You may want to include a Web site URL on the card so guests can check it frequently for updates on wedding information. Be sure to also include that a formal invitation will follow at a later date. You do not want to cause confusion by having guests think that the save-the-date card is the actual invitation. Also, make sure you address the save-the-date cards correctly to show your intentions with respect to guest invites. For example, be clear about whether children will be invited and whether a boyfriend/girlfriend or another guest can tag along. Although save-the-date cards are not a necessity, they have become a popular part of wedding planning to eliminate confusion about invitations as well as help guests plan time off for your wedding.
Save-the-date announcements can vary in many ways. They may be postcards or magnets that can be attached to a refrigerator door.
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Today is The Beginning The Best is yet to be..... Lowest Prices • Local Delivery • Open 7 Days Huge Selection of Fine Wines, Liquors, Champagnes and Much More For Your Special Occasion We will match all advertised prices permitted by law.
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More Memories at Memoreys
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It’s been predicted that in 2013 brides-to-be are seeking a different route than the normal venues. Destination weddings are becoming more and more popular, and couples are seeking ways to spend more time with their family and friends, versus the standard four-five hour reception. Memoreys by Morey’s Piers has put a whole new meaning behind destination weddings, where your guests can now enjoy an entire weekend to help you celebrate your special day without having to worry about airfare or travel expenses. Take a look at their three most popular venues: Ocean Oasis — Indulge in a romantic reception at Ocean Oasis Waterpark, your own tropical paradise. Our professional chefs will prepare an island themed menu to compliment the tropical setting, or create a personalized menu that suits
Memoreys by Morey’s Piers has put a whole new meaning behind destination weddings...
your unique personality. Accommodates up to 125 guests. Rendezvous Beach — For a casual beach party atmosphere, Rendezvous Beach is the perfect spot for ocean front dining featuring a traditional seashore clam bake or any menu that compliments your taste. With the amusement piers and waterpark as a backdrop, Rendezvous Beach offers a delightfully private locale with wonderful ocean views just footsteps from the beach. Accommodates up to 250 guests. Joe’s Fish Co. Rooftop Dining — Delight in our executive chef’s delectable creations and delicious seafood and American fare while taking in the festive sights and sounds of Wildwood’s iconic boardwalk. Rooftop dining at Joe’s is the perfect spot for a fanciful and unique reception sure to be a hit with friends and family. Accommodates up to 90 guests. Memoreys can hold an event as unique as you are with packages your whole party can enjoy. For more information call Stephanie Berge at (609) 8461077 Or email Memoreys@ MoreysPiers.com. Visit us online at www. moreypiers.com/memoreys.
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The Beach Has Always Been Lucky What we’ll remember Brigid Iacono and Ryan Albany were married Oct. 13, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Church in Sea Isle City. The reception was held at the Avalon Yacht Club. Brigid recalls… The Great American Trolley Company transported our party to the reception. Right before we were introduced as husband and wife, we looked down and saw all of our family and friends standing and waiting for us to come in. We felt so grateful that all of the people we love could
help us celebrate such a special day. I was raised in Sea Isle City and attended St. Joseph’s Regional School in Sea Isle and Ocean City High School. Ryan is from Philadelphia but has spent his summers in Sea Isle his entire life. We first met at the Sea Isle City basketball courts in 1997. Since we are both school teachers, we have been lucky enough to spend our summers in Sea Isle ever since! We got engaged on 43rd street beach in July 2011. It is our favorite place to be! —Photo by Jonathan McBride, Vantage Pictures
Since we are both school teachers, we have been lucky enough to spend our summers in Sea Isle ever since!
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Weddingg & Special Event Guide
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Seat Your Wedding Guests Comfortably Weddings W ddi are fill filled d with ih many emotions: happiness, excitement, and anticipation, to name a few. With all of the positive emotions a wedding may drum up, in the mix there may be a few negative ones, including feelings of being overwhelmed at all the details that need to be completed on a deadline. One aspect of wedding planning that tends to send people into panic is wedding reception seating arrangements. The thought of having 200 friends and family members together under one roof — and then attempting to seat them next to an acceptable group of people — can cause some couples to hyperventilate. Every family has its ups and downs, and there are certain people who get along well and a few who clash. Ensuring that a wedding is memorable for all the right reasons (and not for the brawl at table three) is why seating arrangements are so important. Many couples can use a
The thought of having 200 friends and family members together under one roof can cause some couples to hyperventilate. little advice when seating guests, while others would love another person to handle the seating arrangements for them. Here are some guidelines for setting up reception seating arrangements. • Place yourselves, as well as the bridal party, at a separate table that is in a prime location in the room. Be sure to allow the spouses or dates of bridal party members at the same table so couples
remain together. • Some couples choose to seat both sets of parents at one table together — the parents’ table. Grandparents may also be seated at this table, depending on the number of people each table can accommodate. • If children under the age of 7 are invited, they should be seated with their parents. Children between ages 7 and 14 can be seated at a separate kids’ table.
• Be mindful of guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Seat them close to the door, bathrooms or food station. • Instead of separating the bride and the groom’s family to separate sides, intermingle the tables to promote conversation. • Consider arranging guests by common interests at each table, seating business associates or parents’ friends together. • Take into consideration people who have relationship rifts and try to seat them separately. But don’t stress about this too much because it won’t be possible to accommodate everyone. You’ll have to hope that at your wedding a certain level of decorum will preside. • It’s not unheard of to let guests seat themselves. This takes the pressure of finding a seat for everyone off of you as a couple and enables you to think about the other tasks at hand. This can take place at a buffet wedding or a smaller affair.
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Many b M brides-to-be id t b llook k forward to the day when they visit a bridal salon and are able to try on gowns for the first time. There are certain tips that can make the day go much more smoothly and potentially reduce the amount of time it may take to find the perfect gown. • Wear a supportive, wellconstructed strapless bra or corset in your correct size. If you will be wearing a petticoat, also have the right size available. • Go without face makeup when trying on gowns so they remain clean. • Try to wear your hair similar to the style you have in mind for your wedding. • Note that the size of the wedding gown you will wear is typically one to two sizes larger than your day-to-day clothes. Proper measurements can be matched to designers’ size charts. • It’s best to limit the number of people with whom
h to one or two trusted you shop friends or family members. An entourage can be confusing. • It’s always better to order a slightly larger gown and leave room for alterations if you are between sizes.
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Never Far from a Wedding By JIM VANORE My wife, Barbara and I lived in Cape May County for 15 years. (Fifteen wonderful years.) It seemed as though we could never visit Cape May, Wildwood or Seven Mile Island without a bridal party coming by in a horse-drawn carriage, limo, tram car, or open trolley. We were never far from a wedding. It was so refreshing to see how happy these young people were. We used to always remark that we hoped their marriage would turn out as well as ours. This spring, we’ll celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary (Thirty-five wonderful years.) We weren’t destined to be married in Cape May County. We were married By Father William Kirk at St. Matthew Church in Philadelphia. It was a quiet, simple, sparselyattended (10 people including the bride and groom) wedding on a Friday evening. Then the entire party: Bride and groom, matron of honor
and bestt man and d husband, h b d b d spouse, along with Barbara’s four children (I forgot to mention that I married a widow with four children — four wonderful children.) went to dinner. It was the second marriage for both of us and our first dinner together as husband and wife. We’ve been having dinner together ever since. It’s funny, but I can’t recall ever noticing a wedding party in Cape May County when I was a single man. Wonder why that is? How could I have missed all those happy, formally-dressed groups clip-clopping down the street, or tramming along the boardwalk? Perhaps I was too absorbed in getting to the beach…or a pub. I certainly wasn’t thinking about getting to the altar — again! Then Barbara came along. A widow with children. Not what a single, childless, divorced man fantasizes about! I won’t dwell on how I had that “South Pacific” moment. You know what I mean: “Some enchanted evening, you may
to be sure, last fall I see a stranger, across proposed to Barbara a crowded room…” again. I asked her to Well, I did — renew our wedding have that moment. vows for our 35th. I can still recall vivI’m happy to say, idly the first time I she accepted my noticed her through proposal. that crowd. Having lived in And here we are, Cape May County, more than 37 (wonwe naturally thought derful) years later, and I still get that It was one first about being married this time at the same feeling whenof those Jersey shore. But ever I notice her “South something fortuitous across a crowded We found room. Even if it’s our Pacifi c” happened. Father Kirk, not one own living room. In fact, the room moments… hour from our home! It will still be a doesn’t have to be crowded at small ceremony. Oh, we’ll have all. I can’t (I won’t) say if she a few more guests. There are feels the same way. Unlike Bar- now seven grandchildren (sevbara, the years have not been en wonderful grandchildren), kind to me. I no longer have and some friends and relatives that shock of black hair and that were never told about our stygian moustache like Omar nuptials 35 years ago. So, if you’re giving thought Sharif. Now I have to apply sunscreen to my pate in sum- to being married (or renewmer, because my upper lip has ing your vows) in Cape May County, realize how fortunate more gray hair than my head. I think this may be some of you are. Both I and my fiancée that “worse” part of the “bet- (my wonderful fiancée) can ter-or-worse” clause we had in tell you that you’re never far the marriage contract. But just from a wedding in Cape May County.
Contemporary Floral Design for the Hip & Modern Bride
By Appointment Only
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March Bridal Fair Scheduled
If you’re getting ready to say “I do,” head to the 5th Annual Wildwoods Spring Bridal Fair in the spacious Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Sunday, March 24 from noon5 p.m. The Wildwoods Spring Bridal Fair will feature a fashion show highlighting the latest bridal, bridesmaid’s and mother-of-the-bride gowns, tuxedos, plus special occasion and honeymoon fashions as well as accessories.
Over 100 vendors will also be on-hand at the Bridal Fair – including florists, bakeries, caterers, salons, spas, limo and trolley companies, honeymoon destinations, DJs, wedding announcement printers, photographers, videographers and many more. In addition, the Bridal Fair will provide menu samplings as well as elegant wedding table top displays. Brides-to-be can register to win a fabulous, free five-day, four-night dream honeymoon
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at the luxurious Royal allinclusive adults-only five star resort in Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico, courtesy of Berman Travel (airfare not included.) free door prize drawings will also take place throughout the day. Couples can participate in fun contests and win great prizes courtesy of Memoreys, “Creating timeless traditions and unforgettable occasions with Morey’s Piers.” Admission to the Bridal Fair is free, and free registration gifts will be given to all brides courtesy of TheKnot. com. To register or for additional information, visit www. WildwoodsNJ.com and click on the 2013 Bridal Fair icon or call (609) 465-7181. To be a vendor at the show, please contact Sara
Freeman at (609) 465-7181 or visit www.CapeMayCountyChamber.com. The 5th Annual Spring Bridal Fair is sponsored by the Wildwoods Convention Center, the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, Berman Travel, TheKnot.com, WeddingChannel.com, 98.7 The Coast, Atlantic City Weekly, the Cape May County Herald, .Alliance Video Productions and Memoreys, For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call (800) 992-9732.
Couples can participate in fun contests and win great prizes courtesy of Memoreys.
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Corelebrate your wedding special event at one of Cape May County’s most beautiful wineries.
The Inn at Jessie Creek was built in 1846 and has 4 spacious suites with private baths.
1 North Route 47 Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 609.536.2092 www.JessieCreekWinery.com
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2013
Bridal Fair Sunday, March 24, 2013 Noon – 5 pm
The Oceanfront Arena at the Wildwoods Convention Center Burk Bu rk A Ave. ve.. & Boardwalk, ve Boar Boar Bo ad dw wal a lk l k, k , Wildwood, Wildw illdw dwoo woo ood od, d, N NJJ
The 2013 Grand Prize Honeymoon 4 Nights and 5 Days at all-inclusive, The Royal, in Playa del Carmen located in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Certified Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialists www.BermanTravel.com
FREE F REE admission! d F FREE REE registration gift f for f all ll brides! b d FREE Honeymoon and door prize drawings!
Fashion Show Featuring the latest styles in Bridal, Bridesmaid, Mother’s and Special Occasions gowns, Sportswear, Tuxedos and accessories galore.
Meet face to face with wedding vendors Wedding planners, menu samplings, photographers and videographers, florists, salons and spas, honeymoon destinations, wedding announcements, wedding venues, bakeries, limo and trolley companies, DJs and musical entertainment, and more!
Participate in fun contests... Win great prizes! Courtesy of Memoreys, “Creating timeless traditions and unforgettable occasions with Morey’s Piers.”
Pre-register online at www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 609-465-7181. To become a vendor, please call 609-465-7181 or visit CapeMayCountyChamber.com or WildwoodsNJ.com.
W EDDINGS ON A W HIM Sometimes sooner is better—even when it comes to celebrating the Big Day. That’s where Weddings On A Whim comes in. We specialize in providing the type of expert catering services your guests deserve in a timely and affordable manner for Brides looking to have their weddings sooner rather than later. With all-inclusive catering packages starting at just $67 per person, Weddings On A Whim is the perfect solution to your short-turn reception needs.
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Picture Perfect Beach Wedding What we’ll remember Lauren Levin and John Kirk were married Sept. 21, 2012 on the 57th Street Beach in Ocean City. The reception was held at Greate Bay Country Club. Lauren recalls… We loved having our wedding ceremony on the beach with the waves crashing in the background. I remember standing there during the ceremony feeling the light sea breeze across my face and hearing the calming sound of the waves coming onto shore. It was a beautiful September day and we had picture-perfect weather for a beach wedding, hence our perfect pictures by David Humphrey’s Photography.
A hometown beach becomes more than a vacation spot. When we thought of where fitting to get married where to get married, the beach was we are from. the first place that came to We were very fortunate to our minds. have our hometown near the We are so happy that we beach, which is a vacation decided to get married in spot to many others. Cape May County on the We both grew up in Cape May During the summertime Ocean City beach. enjoyed going to the Court House, and it seemed fitting to we —Photo by David beach, and over the years it Humphreys Photography became our favorite place to get married where we are from. relax. We chose to get married in Cape May County because we both grew up in Cape May Court House, and it seemed
A Quaint Place for Private Parties Catering Available Off Premises Call Carol Herforth: 609-408-0612
Cool island setting in a red tin-roofed Victorian. A little slice of the Caribbean with a colorful decor and exciting food. 311 Mansion St. ~ Behind Collier’s ~ Cape May, NJ SERVING DINNER ~ RESERVATIONS: 884-0200 ~ CASH ONLY
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Easy Decision To Marry at Home What we’ll remember Christi and Kerry Higgs were married Oct. 6, 2012 at Alosi’s Bistro in The Pan American Hotel. The reception was also held at Alosi’s Bistro. Christi recalls… My all-time favorite memory from our wedding was getting our pictures taken up in the penthouse suite and outside on the deck overlooking the beautiful ocean. It was so romantic and secluded. I truly felt like a princess who had found her prince. Some of our photos from VIOLETBROWN Photogra-
phy show the ‘proof.’ We chose to marry in Cape May County because we are both locals of the area. We both graduated from Wildwood High School and it just seemed to be a no-brainer since it’s so beautiful here. We also purposely chose all local vendors to keep everything within Cape May County. Keeping everything local aides and/or may enhance the wealth of our community by working with local businesses, which may in turn make our area more pleasant to live in. Photo by VIOLETBROWN Photography
I truly felt like a princess who had found her prince. The princess found her prince.
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Make Your Reception
Unique
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Baking Service 701 Route 9 South Cape May Court House, NJ 609-465-4421 Clas sical European Bakery
“The cake was beautiful and delicious. Could not have asked for a more perfect wedding cake to go along with our perfect wedding day. Thank you so much!!!!!!!!” Jennifer Marra
Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas. Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out. Here are several ideas you can introduce into your wedding to add something special to the reception. • Skip the big entrance. Those who were kind enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted happy couple. Instead of spending the cocktail hour in the isolation of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that big entrance from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together. • Dance to an upbeat number. Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick
Herald Newspapers 2013 step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other. • Encourage couples to dance together. It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids. Instead, don’t have assigned partners. Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose. • Swap the garter/bouquet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration — ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someone. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the guest list who has served as a mentor or source of inspiration. • Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding. Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambé presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favorite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth. • Hire a live performer. Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement (Page W15 Please)
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—Photo by David Humphreys Photography
that a disk jockey may not be able to provide. Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests. • Let them eat…cookies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seventiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that
classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cerealcake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” Styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire. • Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it; dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.
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El Coronado Resort Provides Perfect Setting The El Coronado Resort, known for being Wildwood Crest’s premier oceanfront family hotel, has recently added “The Fiesta Room� to their extensive list of amenities last summer. The Fiesta Room is a beau-
tiful 24’ by 40’ conference room that can be used for any of your small and intimate social get-togethers including but not limited to: family reunions, church gatherings, wedding receptions, company meetings, birthday or gradua-
tion parties, and anniversary celebrations. This meeting space is both comfortable and intimate, accommodating 80 guests dining at tables or up to 170 people cocktail-style. Simply send out the invitations and book the catering, and El Coronado will be ready for you! So, why choose The El Coronado? This resort is located on the beach right in the heart of Wildwood Crest, only minutes from the Wildwood Boardwalk and just a short drive from Cape May or Atlantic City. As a guest, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean right from your balcony, and you can relax in the beau-
tiful summer breeze on their beachfront sundeck. In the summer season, guests can expect activities from poolside movies and live outdoor entertainment to hot dog parties and guest bingo. Mom and Dad can unwind in the saunas or hot tub, while their kids have a blast in the game room. Be sure to visit their delicious restaurant as well, that whips up all of your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Call El Coronado Resort today to book your next party at 800-227-5302, or visit their Web site: http://www.elcoronado.com for additional details.
Rienzi Bridal Salon
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Life’s a Beach for this Couple What we’ll remember Heather Slowakiewicz Cooper and Timothy Patrick Cooper were married on June 9, 2012 on the Wildwood Crest Beach. The reception was held at Hotel Alcott in Cape May. Heather recalls… Choosing to get married in Cape May County was only natural for the two of us. We have both spent most of our lives visiting the Wildwoods and Cape May areas. Tim grew up visiting his grandparents who lived in Cape May, while I spent years in Wildwood Crest in my family’s condo. From the beginning of our relationship, Wildwood has been a special part of our lives. Three years ago, shortly after we first met, my family purchased a house in Wildwood Crest where we have spent almost every weekend since enjoying all that Cape May County has to offer. It was only fitting that after
spending so much time on the beach in Wildwood Crest, one night Tim proposed on the lifeguard stand at Hollywood Avenue beach. One year later, our wedding ceremony took place in the exact same location. We can’t say that we have just one favorite memory from our wedding day, but rather a collection of memories from the beach ceremony to the congratulatory plane banner to a spontaneous karaoke session on our trolley ride via The Great American Trolley Company from the Wildwoods sign to Cape May. The culmination of our special day was an extraordinary reception and a cake by Victory Baking. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfeåct day to celebrate with our family and friends. The brilliant blue sky and the glistening ocean of the Wildwood Crest beach was simply icing on our wedding cake. —Photo by Michael Martin Photography
The Difference is in the Details
The Plaza • 1205 Tilton Road • Northfield, NJ 609-241-0134 • www.weddingbellesboutique.com
Tim proposed on the lifeguard stand at Hollywood Avenue beach. After spending so much time on the beach, a beach wedding seemed appropriate.
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From Grade School to the Altar What we’ll remember Gabrielle Lugas married James “Bobby” Mulholland on Oct. 13, 2012 at the Church of the Assumption in Wildwood Crest. The reception was held at Stockton Seaview in Galloway. Gabrielle recalls… After being together for over nine years, to finally hear the words husband and wife and be introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Mulholland was surreal and very special for the both of us. However, we both had a great and memorable time dancing through the whole night with family and friends! Our day was a complete fairytale. As I held my flowers from Mum’s The Word, I wished I could do it all over, every day, but we both knew that any attempt to recreate will never be the same.
Getting married in Cape May County was probably one of the easiest decisions we made throughout the wedding planning process, which is saying a lot with everything that needs to be completed for one day. Bobby and I were both raised in this area, attending local schools, St. Ann’s, where we first met and at one point shared a grade school puppy love, as well as Wildwood Catholic and Wildwood High where our love rekindled. Also we had more than 10 family members — including both sets of parents — married at the Assumption Church. So we had to keep with tradition, and it made our day even more special. —Photo Photography
by
We wish we could do it all over, every day, but we know that any attempt to recreate will never be the same.
Element
Joining the family tradition — at Church of the Assumption.
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A Wedding Should Be Breathtaking What we’ll remember Alison and Kenny Woolfort were married June 9, 2012 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Cape May. The reception was held at Sand Barrens Golf Club in Swainton. Alison recalls… Our wedding was amazing; it was truly the best day of my life. There were so many wonderful memories, it was hard to pick a favorite. A special moment for me was walking into the church with my dad and seeing my husband for the first time as I walked down the aisle...it was
breathtaking. I felt so proud to be by his side at the altar. My flowers were provided by The Manic Botanic. Next to that, our favorite memory was our grand exit from the church as husband and wife. We stepped outside into a cascade of bubbles, where our family, friends, and visitors patiently waited for us. It felt like the world has stopped, we were overwhelmed with emotion. I could not stop smiling. It was such a beautiful day, however we were missing a very important person. My husband’s mother passed away a few months before
I couldn’t imagine being married anywhere else.
A bride, a groom, the Cape May beach. the wedding after a short battle with cancer. Even though she couldn’t be with us physically, we know she was watching over us making sure everything was perfect. We chose to get married in Cape May County because this is where we grew up and currently reside.
I am proud to be the fourth generation of my family to be married at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. I couldn’t imagine being married anywhere else. —Photo by James Photography & Imaging
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And we’re keeping the same beautiful sunsets, a professional staff, outstanding cuisine and reasonable pricing. Will accommodate up to 250 guests.
Now accepting 2013 Fall wedding dates
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A Bride in the Tuna Tower What we’ll remember Angela Zippi and Brett Barratt were married September 29, 2012 at Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, Church of the Assumption in Wildwood Crest. The reception was held at Lighthouse Pointe, Shawcrest. Angela recalls… We have two favorite memories. The first was seeing each other for the first time when the church doors opened and Brett was at the alter waiting for me to walk up the aisle with my dad by my side. It was truly a magical and unforgettable moment. The second memory is after the ceremony, and pictures at Crest Pier, we went to our family friend’s house (Bobby Campbell) on Lake Road, where my Uncle Steve Zippi, (in my Grandfather’s captain hat) was waiting to take us in a 1972 Bertram to the reception which was across the waterway at Lighthouse Pointe. Brett challenged me (in my wedding dress) to climb to the top, past the fly bridge, all the way to the tuna tower. Of course I said yes (again!). So he climbed up one side and I climbed up the other. The bridal party boarded the Tiny Little Cruise Line boat from Cape
May and started over. Uncle Steve took us on a romantic cruise to Sunset Lake, and then headed to Lighthouse Pointe. On the way over, people on Lake Road through Schooner Island Marina yelled to congratulate us and sounding their horns. As we got closer to the reception, all our guests who had been enjoying cocktail hour, were lined up on Lighthouse Pointe’s dock waiting for our arrival. It was truly a grand entrance. (Yes, I got down from the tuna tower!) We will never forget the feeling of the overwhelming love and support from all those around us, to witness the first day of the rest of our lives. We chose to get married in Wildwood Crest because my family has history there from as far back as my great grandparents. Brett had a similar story, growing up in Maine. So in the beginning of our relationship, I had to share it with him. As soon as we got there and I showed him around, he could see and feel why it was such a great place. I remember the summer before he proposed, we were walking on the beach, and he told me he would love to get married to me there. We never considered anywhere
RIO GRANDE FIRE HALL
So he climbed up one side and I climbed up the other.
And she still managed to hold on to her bouquet from Marie’s Flower Shoppe. together, forever. else. Wildwood Crest as had a special —Photo by Raymond Holman Jr. place in my heart for as long as I can Photography remember and now for the both of us
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Research Before Writing Your Own Wedding Vows A wedding is a once-ina-lifetime event for many couples, so brides and grooms wish for the event to be momentous and memorable. As such, couples are increasingly integrating personal nuances into their ceremonies and receptions to tailor weddings to their unique visions. The desire to include personalized wedding vows continues to be a popular trend. If you are considering personalized wedding vows, first realize that it may not be a simple task. That’s because you want the message conveyed to be dear to your heart, and that can be challenging when faced with the pressures and planning of the rest of the wedding. That isn’t to say that writing your own vows is impossible. Here are some guidelines for personalizing your ceremony with your own sentiments. • Schedule time for writing. Amid the bustle of dress fittings and interviews with photographers, it can be easy to put off the important task of writing vows for another day. But as any great writer can attest, it takes writing — and rewriting — to achieve a finished product you can be proud of. Give the task of writing your vows your undivided attention. Mark it in on your calendar or set a reminder on your computer just as you would any other appointment. • Be aware of ceremony guidelines. It is best to check with your officiant and confirm that personalized wedding vows are allowed. During civil ceremonies it’s often acceptable to customize vows as you see fit. However, during religious
ceremonies there may be lines of scripture that need to be read or certain passages required. Before you spend hours working on the task, be sure that it is allowed and that your spouse and you are on the same page. • Jot down your feelings. Answer some questions about what marriage means to you and how you feel about your spouse. Try to avoid trite sayings and think from your heart and personal experiences. Think about what is the most important thing you want to promise to your future partner. These notes can serve as the starting points for the actual vows. • Read inspirational writings. Perhaps there is an author or a poet who inspires you? You can quote certain writers in your vows or let the tone of their works help shape the words of your vows. There also are suggested wedding readings and other quotes about marriage readily available at the library or with a quick search online. • Decide on a tone. Although the day is based on love and affection, you may not feel comfortable spouting words of adoration in front of friends and family. Feel free to tap into your unique personality. Humor can be used if it aligns with the way you normally express your affections. Be sure to weave this tone into more traditional passages to create a cohesive expression of your feelings. • Establish an outline. Put together all of the words and phrases you’ve jotted down into an outline to help you organize the flow of the vows, using these words as a blueprint for the vows and build(Page W28 Please)
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Wedding Venue Well-Worth the Trip What we’ll remember Annika Herr and Ronny Faulenbach were married July 1, 2012 at the beach house of the Yunghans Family, Cape May Point. The reception was held on the beach at the Cape May Point State Park near the Lighthouse. Annika recalls… I’m from Goldbach, Germany, and I got to know Cape May Point and the surrounding area during my exchange year as a high school student from 1999 to 2000. My host family, the Yunghans family, owns a beach house in Cape May Point. For me, it was important to find a connection between my German and American part of the family, especially because the Yunghans family and I are still in contact after more than 13 years. It was a really relaxing and simple wedding. The weather was perfect — a wonderful hot and sunny day with a nice breeze from the ocean. The reception at the beach was gorgeous. Our favorite memory is the wedding present of Suzanne and David Yunghans, and his parents, Roland and Dorothy Yunghans.
They organized a carriage ride from the beach house to the CMP State Park and after the reception, back from the CMP State Park, touring through Cape May Point and back to the beach house, enjoying the perfect weather and the waving hands and congratulations of the people we were passing by while we enjoyed our carriage ride with glasses of prosecco. We decided to have our civil registration of the wedding in the United States. We both love the atmosphere, the beaches, the local food and the locations of Cape May. The church wedding took place back in Germany on September 1, 2012. My host parents Suzanne and David were also our guests!
—Photo by Aleksey Photography
We decided to have our civil registration of the wedding in the United States.
Annika and Ronny Herr both love the atmosphere, beaches, local food, and the locations of Cape May enough to make the trip across the Atlantic to take their wedding vows.
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Wedding Portraits
Brigid and Ryan Albany —Photo by Jonathan McBride, Vantage Pictures
Becky and Brian Hemphill —Photo byy RHM Photography g
Melanie and Joshua Bedor —Photo by Nicolella Photography
Angela and Brett Barrat —Photo by Raymond Holman Jr. Photography
Dawn and Jeffrey Dolan —Photo by Carlyvous Photography
Annika and Ronny Herr —Photo by Aleksey Photography (Page W27 Please)
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2012
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Wedding Portraits
Christi and Kerry Higgs —Photo by VIOLETBROWN photography Michele and Laurence Alexander Jenney —Photo by Stephanie Eidt Alison and Kenny Woolfort —Photo by James Photography & Imaging g g
Cristina Houston Tumasz) and ancis Houston —Photo by Perfect Day Photography
Heather Slowakiewicz Cooper and Timothy Patrick Cooper —Photo by Michael Martin Photography
Lauren and John Kirk —Photo by David Humphreys Photography (Page W41Please)
201 Tilton Road London Square Mall Northfield, NJ 609-646-9900 www.tesibridal.com
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Special Event?
Sand Barrens Is the Place
guests will remember for years. Let the talented culinary staff know your vision for the event, and they will create a customized menu to suit your desires. Crab cakes, filet, chicken Marsala, flounder and scallop wraps, and other seafood dishes, are just some of the Sand Barrensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; popular party entrees. But we can also do more informal cuisine, including barbecues and picnics. Whether you are interested
Herald Newspapers 2013 in hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres receptions, lunches or dinners, sit-down service or buffets, Sand Barrens Golf Club offers it. Contact Director of Catering Miranda Duca at Miranda@SandBarrensGolf. com, or call her at 609-4653555 ex. 23 for details. Be sure to ask about special privileges available with their Royal Oaks Club membership. Sand Barrens Golf Club is located on Route 9 between Avalon and Sea Isle City.
Research (From page W23) Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, holiday parties, or special reunions, Sand Barrens Golf Club on the Jersey Shore makes a superb and scenic setting for your special event. Whatever the occasion, their dining rooms â&#x20AC;&#x201D; plus outdoor patio â&#x20AC;&#x201D; offer breathtaking views of the golf course and a sparkling lake which
provides the kind of special place your guests will enjoy. Your wedding ceremony can be hosted on a manicured lawn overlooking beautiful vistas, which lend the perfect backdrop for your photographs. Sand Barrens can accommodate from 10 to 250 guests in the clubhouse, with space for music and dancing as well. The Sand Barrens staff will help you create a party your
ing upon them. Make sure the vows will be concise. Aim for your entire speech to be around 1 minute in length to keep everyone engaged and the ceremony moving along. â&#x20AC;˘ Put everything together. Draft your vows and then practice them by reading out loud. You want to avoid long sentences or anything that trips you up. Although large words may sound impressive, they could make the vows seem too aca-
demic and not necessarily heartfelt. Enlist the help of a friend or two to act as your audience to see if the vows sound good and are easily understandable. Writing your own vows can be a way to include personal expressions of love into a coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding day. Public speaking is seldom easy, nor is finding the perfect words to convey feelings about a future spouse. However, with some practice and inspiration, anyone can draft personalized vows.
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Learn Roles of Best Man and Maid of Honor Being chosen as a best man or a maid of honor is a significant and meaningful honor. Those roles have evolved over the years, but these special participants must still perform some of the traditional duties of the past, including serving as the official witnesses to the ceremony. The following is a rundown of the various duties maids of honor and best men are now expected to handle once they’re chosen for these distinguished honors. Prior to the wedding Before the wedding takes place, the maid of honor will closely assist the bride-to-be with many of the important decisions related to the look and the feel of the wedding. She typically accompanies the bride to dress shops to select gowns for the bride and bridesmaids. Much in the same manner, the best man will assist the groom-to-
be with choosing tuxedoes or suits and also with coordinating with the ushers to ensure they know when to go for fittings. Although the best man will serve as a sounding board for the groom, traditionally the bride and her bridesmaids have taken on the majority of the wedding planning, so the maid of honor can expect to play a larger role than the best man. The maid of honor may be asked to delegate certain assignments, such as helping to find wedding vendors or addressing invitations. She may go with the bride for makeup and hairstyle trials. Together with the bridesmaids, she will plan a bridal shower party and a bachelorette excursion. She may select a wedding gift for the couple and present it on behalf of all the wedding
attendants. The best man will coordinate the bachelor party and may be asked to assist the groom with selecting a honeymoon site or to come along to book the trip. Wedding day On the day of the wedding, the maid of honor and the best man will act as a support system for the bride and groom. The maid of honor will help the bride get dressed and help iron out any mini-emergencies that should crop up. The best man will help ensure all of the ushers are dressed and get the groom to the wedding on time. During the ceremony, the maid of honor will hold the bride’s bouquet while she participates in the wedding. The best man will keep the rings safe until they are needed. The maid of honor also
will help adjust the bride’s train and veil as she sits and stands during the ceremony. Both will sign the marriage certificate as witnesses. At the reception, the best man is expected to give a toast and the maid of honor may share some words as well. She also may accompany the bride to the restroom and assist her with managing the gown. After the wedding The best man will be in charge of returning the tuxedoes to the rental shop, if necessary. He also may drive the newly married couple to the airport so they can depart on their honeymoon. The maid of honor will assist the bride in changing out of her gown and into her travel clothes. Oftentimes the maid of honor takes the gown to the cleaners in the days following the ceremony so the dress can be preserved.
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Doo Wop Brings Couple Together What we’ll remember Melanie and Joshua Bedor were married on May 20, 2012 at the Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood. Melanie recalls… There is simply no way to choose one favorite memory from our wedding day. But if I had to pick a favorite moment, it would be the exact moment I looked into Josh’s eyes as I walked down the aisle; the expression on his face, in his eyes, made it all worth it. I can’t even count the number of times we visited Wildwood when I was growing up, whether for just a weekend trip or a week-long stay. It’s always been my favorite New Jersey shore town. My husband and I knew that we didn’t want just another cookie-cutter New Jersey wedding, so I started looking for options in and around
Wildwood. Myself, a former punk rock girl, and my husband a former club kid, our music tastes are for the most part completely different, however we do agree on our love of doo wop — the 50s and 60s — the entire era. When I found the Doo Wop Experience Museum it was almost too good to be true! When they agreed to hold our wedding ceremony there, I could not have been more excited. Then I remembered that the Doo Wop Diner is located on the boardwalk, and the next thing you know I’ve booked our rehearsal dinner there. It was a wonderful few days and the best time in my life; one I will never forget, down to our cake — a cupcake tower provided by A Sweet Memory. I couldn’t stop smiling, and I swear we laughed all day! Photo by Nicolella Photography
We didn’t want just another cookie-cutter New Jersey wedding, so I started looking for options in and around Wildwood.
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Uninvited Guest Doesn’t Spoil Wedding What we’ll remember Michele Marie Farina married Laurence Alexander Jenney on Nov. 3, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Church in Sea Isle City. The reception was held at the Avalon Yacht Club. Michelle recalls… We were married the Saturday after Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. We weren’t sure we would be able to go ahead with our wedding, since the area had suffered so much damage. Miraculously, the power The uninvited guest couldn’t keep the smile from this bride’s face.
Miraculously, the power came back on in time.
Cake Lady Bakery “WE GO ONE STEP BEYOND THE OTHERS”
came back on in time, and our homes, guest rentals, and the Avalon Yacht Club sustained minimal damage. We were even able to find someone to make us a lastminute wedding cake, as our original baker’s studio was
completely flooded out! We were so lucky and in the end, we had a beautiful wedding day. Sea Isle City is my hometown. I wouldn’t have been married anywhere else! Photo by Stephanie Eidt Photography
WC M Banquet Hall Just a Shor t Carriage Ride Away At 732 Broadway, West Cape May, NJ
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A Truly Family Wedding What we’ll remember Dorothy Hickman married Edward Lex on Nov. 12, 2012 at Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Erma. The reception was held at Avalon Links, Avalon Golf Club. Dorothy recalls… Even though I loved my reception and the setting of Avalon Links was truly amazing, our first dance was to Martina McBride and Pat Monahan from Train singing “Marry Me.” Our cake was provided by The Cake Lady of Marmora. My favorite memory would be the ceremony. Our favorite movie is Pretty Woman, so I chose Laura Woods’s song, “Fallen” to be played as I entered the church. My hair and makeup was done by The Cutting Edge. When those double doors opened, I could see reaction
We decided our wedding party would be my children and all nieces and nephews from both sides. Here’s to a wonderful life together. from not only our guests, but never married and had no May County, so this was easy my soon to be husband. I never children, so we decided our for all our closest friend and felt so beautiful or amazing in wedding party would be my relatives to attend. all my life. children and all nieces and I have two children from a nephews from both sides. —Photo by Ronny Morales previous marriage; my husband We are both from Cape Photography
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s An exclusive one wedding at a time location.
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nature can provide. s Sunset Ceremonies Ceremonies with withthe thebest bestbackground background nat jMagnificent Sunset s From a large extravagant wedding to a small intimate reception, nature can provide. we will accommodate all of your needs.can provide. s From a a large large extravagant extravagant wedding wedding to to a a small small intimate intimate recepti jFrom s Custom packages to fit your budget & onsite Maitre d’ reception, we will accommodate all of your needs. to coordinate your wedding. we will accommodate all of your needs. s water, Custom packages your budget & onsite Maitre Maître d’ s With every view clearly overlooking the jCustom packagestotofit fit your budget & onsite d’ to coordinate yourwedding. wedding. the Avalon Yacht Club makes an ideal location to hold your coordinate your wedding. s Voted best sunset and best venue by ‘Best of Philly Magazine.’ s Voted best jVoted forever. best sunset sunsetand andbest bestvenue venue by by ‘Best ‘BestofofPhilly PhillyMagazine.’ Magazine s Make your day one your guests will remember s Make your day one your guests will remember forever.
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Blessed with a Beautiful and Perfect Wedding What we’ll remember Dawn Dzierwinski married Jeffrey Dolan on August 17, 2012 at Sacred Heart Church, Vineland. The reception was held at The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City. Dawn recalls… From start to finish of our wedding day, I was in love. I woke up at the house I grew up in, drank mimosas, and got dolled up with my favorite girls. The ceremony was at Sacred Heart Church where my parents were married. It was perfect! I will never forget standing on the altar with Jeff, barely able to hold it together and shaking my
bouquet from Mum’s The Word as we exchanged our vows with our loved ones there to witness. Aside from all the expected attention a bride receives on her wedding day, there were constant applause, cheers, and cell phone camera shots as we walked down the Ocean City boardwalk. I even heard a little girl say, “Mommy, look at the princess!” (I love to remind Jeff of that!) Jeff and I looked at plenty of venues to celebrate our wedding. As soon as we saw the Flanders, the search stopped. We both love the shore and have many memories together in Ocean City. I am a total beach bum, and Jeff is a big kid who will
I even heard a little girl say, “Mommy, look at the princess!”
Celebrating the big day down the shore on the boardwalk made perfect sense. go to the boardwalk any night of the week for games and ice cream. So, celebrating our big day down the shore on the boardwalk made perfect sense. The toasts were funny, heartwarming, and most importantly, so genuine. We are pretty blessed. We are blessed to have had such a beautiful and perfect
wedding. We are blessed that we had all of our loved ones there to share our special day with us. We are blessed that we have each other. —Photo Photography
by
Carlyvous
Cape May Photo Special Day. Exceptional Memories. Great Photographs thecapemayphoto.com
609-770-1451
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A Wedding with a Military Salute What we’ll remember Lauren Marie Sciarra married Chris Sciarra on June 10, 2012 on the Beach at 96th Street, Stone Harbor. The reception was held at the Stone Harbor Women’s Civic Club. Lauren recalls… As soon as our officiant pronounced us man and wife on the beautiful Stone Harbor beach, we kissed, our guests cheered, and I remember feeling overcome with absolute happiness and peace. At the end of the ceremony a U.S. Coast Guard Boat happened to be sailing by in the background. As we kissed and glanced around at the crowd who was cheering, we happened to notice the Coast Guard Crew, who also had noticed the wedding ceremony, and they began waving at us and all our guests. We walked down the sandy aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Sciarra for the first time as to two guitarists played Sonny & Cher’s, “I Got
Catering is Available 7 Days a Week Year Round
You Babe,” while we were hand in hand and smiling ear to ear. When we got to the end of the beach, we turned around and ran together towards the water with all of our wedding guests trailing close behind us. Then on the count of three, all of our wedding guests threw seashells into the ocean simultaneously as they all made special wedding wishes for our marriage. The Coast Guard took the time to congratulate us as they beeped their horn, flashed their lights and shouted “congratulations” from their megaphone. They did a few celebratory circles and then continued on their route. With our cake provided by The Cake Lady of Marmora, having all of our wedding guests, the Coast Guard, and the entire beach crowd clapping and cheering for us on the beach made our wedding day feel almost magical. It felt like the whole world was watching and celebrating with us at the moment in time. We first met and fell in
Forecast is for plenty of sunshine ahead. love in a quaint section of Philadelphia called Manayunk, where we still spend many of our weekends and holidays. My husband, Chris, grew up in Wildwood Crest, New Jersey and now we both reside there. I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, Pottsville, although I spent many summers vacationing at the Jersey Shore with my family over the years.
Since we both shared many fond memories of summers of growing up and vacationing at Jersey Shore along with a few special dates there as well during our courtship, it seemed to make perfect sense to pick a place in Cape May County to hold our wedding. —Photo by Heidi Reuter Photography
Elizabeth
At the end of the ceremony a U.S. Coast Guard Boat happened to be sailing by in the background.
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Wedding Day Flowers
Cape May Sunset Photography “Your Personal Family Photographer”
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What would a wedding day be without flowers? The beauty and the aroma of fresh-cut flowers can create a welcoming atmosphere and complement the beauty and the style of a wedding wardrobe. Flowers are often the first things that guests see upon arriving for the ceremony, and they may even be something guests take home at the end of the night. Flowers create an air of romance, and most couples want to make flowers — whether fresh or silk — an integral part of their wedding day. As with any decision when planning a wedding, choosing the right flowers requires some research and a basic knowledge of which flowers will convey the message and the theme of your wedding. The number of colors, textures and combinations that can be created are so numerous that couples may feel the decision on the floral arrangements is best left to the florist. But it doesn’t take a lot of expertise to know what you want, and it is important for couples to convey their feelings to the florist. Consider these tips when choosing a florist and selecting flowers. • Experts advise that a couple start looking for a florist at least six months before the wedding, especially if the wedding will take place during the peak season of May through September. Get recommendations from friends as to which florist they used or find out if your wedding planner or banquet hall manager recommends a particular florist. Some catering halls have agreements with florists, and they work together. • Browse magazines to get ideas of what you like. You also may be able to find a florist through an advertisement or if she has been featured in publications. Keep a scrapbook of the colors, types of flowers and arrangements
Herald Newspapers 2013 and any other ideas that attract you so you will be able to present this information to the florist. • Establish your flower budget prior to sitting down with the florist. You should expect to pay at least 8 percent of the total wedding cost on flowers. Get an estimate on the floral arrangement and then tweak your needs according to your budget. Many florists can modify arrangements and find a middle ground with regard to cost. Selecting flowers that are inseason will result in more affordable rates than if you desire exotic or out-of-season blooms. • Once you’ve hired the florist, you can come up with a wedding flower worksheet that establishes all of your needs. The florist may ask for specific information, such as photos of the bride’s gown as well as the colors and styles that the wedding party will be wearing. A good florist knows that a bouquet should not overpower or detract from the beauty of the bride. The florist may want to mimic textures from the dress, such as beading, with smaller flowers or berries within the arrangement. The groom’s boutonniere is traditionally one of the flowers from the bride’s bouquet, so that the look is cohesive. • Ceremony flowers may be traditional, and some houses of worship have strict guidelines as to what can and cannot be used. However, reception flowers can be where you show off your creativity and whimsy. After all, this is a party and it should be fun. You may want to give the florist more freedom of expression with regard to reception centerpieces and flowers that adorn other areas of the room. • Because receptions tend to take place in the evening hours and are often indoor affairs, experts say that added lighting may be needed to put emphasis on the floral (Page W41 Please)
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picture perfect
Weddings enault Winery Resort & Golf offers the perfect setting to create splendid memories... With exquisite ballrooms, beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony sites and lavish hotel accommodations, Renault Winery Resort & Golf is the premier destination wedding facility. Our professionals are waiting to walk you through every step of the way. To set up your personal tour call 609.965.2111 or visit www.RenaultWinery.com
renault winery
tuscany house
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Everybody Watched This Tram Car What we’ll remember Becky Jurich married Brian Hemphill on Oct. 13, 2012 at St. Ann Church, Wildwood. The reception was held at the Wildwood Convention Center. Becky recalls… Although I’m from Pennsylvania, both I and my husband have ties to the Jersey Shore. I can safely say that I had the best buns at the beach! As a young girl, for eight years I worked at my family’s business on the Wildwood Boardwalk: Mrs. Brizzle’s Buns. Brian was a lifeguard in Sea Isle City and ran an advertising boat (NavyAds) off the shore line.
A lot of special passengers boarded the tram car this day. We felt that getting married in Cape May County would be a great way to have all of our family and friends get away for a wild, wild Wildwood night! Shore Limo provided our
formal transportation, but we couldn’t resist taking a ride on the tram car down the boardwalk. Not only our photographer — RHM Photography, but our bridal
As a young girl, for eight years I worked at my family’s business on the Wildwood Boardwalk
Since 1876
Step Back In Time and Experience the Romance
party was also taking photos all along the way. I have to believe that some of those strolling along the boardwalk at the time got a few photos of us too. —Photo Photography
by
RHM
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Celebrate and stay at The Chalfonte. Discounted rates for wedding guests. 2011 Winner of two National Awards and The Knot’s Vote “Best of Weddings” 2011!
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Go to our website to see our full line of products:
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2012
Weddingg & Special p Event Guide
Wedding Portraits
(From Page W27)
Dorothy and Edward Lex —Photo by Ronny Morales Photography
Lauren Marie and Chris Sciarra —Photo by Heidi Elizabeth Reuter Photography
Gabrielle (Lugas) and James “Bobby” Mulholland —Photo by Element Photography
Union Park Dining Room At the Hotel Macomber Beach Avenue and Howard Street Cape May, NJ 08204 Phone 609.884.8811 www.unionparkdiningroom.com unionpark@gmail.com
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Tips (From Page W38) centerpieces and help present them in their best light. You may want to think about hiring a lighting designer to spotlight some areas of the room or at the very least incorporate candlelight into your centerpiece arrangements. • To give the impression that there are more flowers than there really are, use fragrance and filler as your tools. Fragrant flowers can fill up the room with a welcoming aroma. Look for frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas for a big impact. Florists know how to stretch arrangements by using greenery and other filler to lend bulk without too much extra cost. •Experienced florists will know how long it takes certain buds to open and show off their maximum beauty. Therefore, expect a florist to be working on your floral arrangements as much as a
week before the wedding date — purchasing containers, cleaning flowers and waiting for certain ones to open fully. Minimize changes close to your wedding date as most things will already be started. • It is possible to make your own centerpieces or bouquets if you so desire. Simplicity will work best for the novice. Think about grouping similar-hued calla lilies together for a bridal bouquet. Hydrangea and peonies are larger flowers that can easily fill up a vessel on a table as a centerpiece. White flowers will coordinate with any color scheme and could be the easiest to mix and match. White blooms include sweet pea, rose, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and gypsophila. Flowers are one component of the wedding that will help achieve the magic and beautiful atmosphere couples desire.
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ATTENTION BRIDES TO BE!
s g n i d d e W nts
&
al Eve Speci
Submit your wedding photo
For a chance to be on the cover of our 2014 Wedding and Special Events Guide To submit your photo and story, visit www.capemaycountyherald.com/weddingandspecialevents Submission deadline is Friday, December 13, 2013
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Think About Tasty Wedding Favors Do you have h a shelf h lf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favors, such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favor options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home. However, edible gifts also can be thoughtful — and flavorful! Guests may look forward to an edible favor because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favors from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding. Chocolate It’s difficult to find an edible favor more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol
of love and devotion. Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favors, provided the favors are refrigerated to avoid melting. Ideas for chocolate favors include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea. Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favors. Butter cookies are a favorite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests. Make-your-own Sometimes it’s less
expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Options abound
Edible wedding favors may include decorative cookie baskets featuring gourmet cookies from a favorite bakery. and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.
Candies C di It has become popular to have a self-serve candy bar at many weddings. Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a color theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal. Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chinese takeouttype containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable. Other edibles Try cupcakes, maple syrup, even personalized bottles of barbecue sauce. You’re limited only by your imagination, because couples have so many options for guest favors at their disposal.
The Perfect Photographer for the Perfect Moment. www.perfectdayphotography.com • 856-241-3850 (main) / 215-834-1611(Philly) / 610-888-7006
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Choose Reception Cuisine Carefully Couples often fret over what to serve their guests at the reception, and rightfully so. Reception costs can comprise a majority of the wedding-day budget. When spending $100 or more per guest, you want to ensure you’re getting what you paid for and that guests enjoy what they’re eating. Filet mignon may be a good choice, but steak tartare is probably best avoided. Find out which foods to avoid serving your wedding guests. • Exotic cuisine: You may be a risk taker when it comes to cuisine, but others may not share your zeal for exotic foods. Now is not the time to introduce guests to the wild and wacky. If you’ve seen an exotic dish on the Food Network or the Travel Channel, give it a try another time. • Anything on fire: Why risk an accident for a spectacle? Baked Alaska, cherries
jubilee, apples flambé…these are foods that might provide a show, but the cost of that show may not be worth it in the end. • Raw food: Clams on the halfshell or sushi-grade tuna may seem like good ideas, but keep in mind that it is hard to ensure quality when feeding 200 people at the same time. Foods that require special refrigeration or immediate service for freshness are best left for other occasions. Don’t risk food poisoning on a room full of people unless you want your wedding to be remembered for stomach cramps. • A long, sit-down meal: Two or three courses is fine, but if guests have to sit through a never-ending parade of courses, that limits their ability to mingle and have a good time. • Anything too elaborate: The faster servers can get food out to guests the better. If they have to sit there piping mashed potato roses on dishes or assemble intricate canapés,
the delay might not be worth the presentation. And remember, the more bells and whistles, the higher the price tag. • Fast food: This is your wedding, and you want the food to fit with the scale of the day. A formal wedding generally includes a formal meal. Although it may be alright
to include some fast food inspired dishes at the cocktail buffet, steer clear of burgers and fries for the main meal. • Themed food: Don’t dye that baked potato purple because you want the wedding to be a plum-colored affair. Also, it’s best to avoid themed food, unless it is part of a cultural wedding or can be pulled off with class. It’s much easier to pass off crepes and croissants for a Parisian wedding than giant turkey legs and tankards of ale for a Renaissance-themed one. • No food at all: Whether your wedding is small or grand in scale, guests will expect some sort of food. Be sure to have some butler-passed hors d’oeuvres or some well-placed pickings for guests to grab while mingling. After all, they will need something to provide the energy to mingle and dance.
Some Venues Venues Are Are
Bargains We Cater To Your Needs Reunions ~ Wedding & Baby Showers Birthday Parties ~ Christmas Parties Rehearsal Dinners & Receptions Private Parties ~ Party Trays
How much money a couple spends on their wedding depends largely on where they decide to tie the knot. While couples across the nation spend an average of roughly $27,000 on their weddings, the cost of tying the knot is considerably higher in major cities such as New York and Chicago. According to TheKnot. com, the average cost of a wedding in New York City in 2011 was a shade under $66,000, making the Big Apple the most expensive city in the country to get married.
That’s considerably more than the runner-up, the Windy City, where couples spent just more than $53,000 to get married. Couples who wince at those figures should know that there are more affordable places to get married. The state of West Virginia, for example, is the least expensive place to get married in the United States. Couples who tie the knot in the Mountain State spend an average of $14,203, nearly 80 percent less than their counterparts who walk down the aisle in the Empire State.
June No Longer First
609-465-0200 219 South Main St., Cape May Court House (across from Wawa) alanmolino@gmail.com
For decades the month of June held firm as the most popular month for weddings. But statistics now indicate that there may be shifting preferences in the time of the year for marriages. According to The National Center for Health Statistics, July and August are now the most popular months for tying
the knot in the United States. September and October have also gained momentum as premier months. Explanations for this shift vary, but it may have something to do with weather patterns. Also, getting married later in the year may make it easier for couples to secure their first choice of wedding venues.
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Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor Y ourO ceanfront W edding D estination Our Facility ¶ Your Caterer ¶ Ideal for Weddings & Parties ¶ Meetings & Special Events
A vailable Year Round FREE PARKING
96th & Beach, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Call 609-368-5004 email: stoneharborcivicclubrental@hotmail.com www.stoneharborwomenscivicclub.org
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Weddings & Special Event Directory Page #
Accommodations
El Coronado Resort 800-227-5302 • 609-729-1000..... 17 The Chalfonte 888-411-0199 • 609-884-8409 ..... 40 The Grand Hotel of Cape May 800-257-8550 • 609-884-5611 ..... 48 The Reeds at Shelter Haven 609-368-0100 ............................. 28
Bakery
A Piece of Cake 609-846-7748 .............................. 4 The Cake Lady 609-390-2486 ............................ 32 Victory Baking Service 609-465-4421............................. 14
Beauty/Salon & Spa
Shear Genius 609-465-4885 ............................ 30 Symmetry Salon 609-465-4247 ............................ 26
Bridal Fashion Show
Wildwoods Convention Center 609-465-7181• 609-729-9000 .........11
Catering
Alumni Grill 609-523-1111 • 609-972-9032...... 37 Island Grill 609-884-0200 ............................ 12 Molino’s 609-465-0200 ............................ 44 Xenia Catering 609-624-1966 ............................ 15
Florists
Marie’s Flower Shoppe 609-729-0199............................... 3 The Manic Botanic 609-829-2296 .............................. 9
Gift Baskets & Favors
Laura’s Fudge Shops 1-800-4-LAURAS • 609-729-1555 .... 13 I’m a Basket Case 609-398-3189............................. 40
Liquor Store/Winery
Country Club Tavern 609-465-1515............................. 47 Gleeson’s Liquors 609-624-WINE (9463)................ 15 Jessie Creek Winery 609-536-2092 ............................ 10 Joe Canal’s 609-886-9786 .............................. 5
Online Wedding Info
Page #
AtlanticCity Weddings 609-748-0571............................. 20 NJ Weddings 908-874-0417............................. 34
Photographers
Cape May Photo 609-770-1451............................. 36 Cape May Sunset Photography 609-972-5543 • 609-972-5543 .... 38 David Humphreys Photography 856-470-6341............................. 16 Evangelista Photography 609-886-7859 • 609-231-7457..... 20 On the Island Portraits 609-972-4741............................. 33 Perfect Day Photography 610-888-7006 • 856-241-3850 ..... 43 VioletBrown Photography 609-369-4478 .............................. 8
Reception Rehearsal Dinners/Parties
Abbie Holmes Estate 609-624-1966 ............................ 15 Avalon Links 609-465-8086 ............................ 47 Avalon Yacht Club 609-967-4444 ............................ 35 Cape May Lewes Ferry 800-643-3779 ............................ 23 El Coronado Resort 800-227-5302 • 609-729-1000..... 17 Island Grill 609-884-0200 ............................ 12 Jessie Creek Winery 609- 536-2092 ........................... 10 Memorey’s 609-846-1077............................... 2 Renault Winery Resort & Golf 609-965-2111 ............................. 39 Rio Grande Fire Hall 609-886-1422 ............................ 22 Royal Oaks Room at the Sands Barren Golf Club 609-465-3555 ............................ 29 Sea Isle City Yacht Club 609-263-7282 ............................ 21 The Carriage House (at The Physick Estate) 609-884-5404 ............................ 24 The Chalfonte 888-411-1998 • 609-884-8409 ..... 40 The Reeds at Shelter Haven 609-368-0100 ............................. 28
Page # Reception cont... The Tuckahoe Inn 609-390-3322 ............................ 26 Union Park 609-884-8811 ............................. 41 West Cape May Banquet Hall 609-884-3436 ............................ 32 Wildwoods Convention Center 800-WW-BY-SEA • 609-729-9000 ...... 11 Wildwood Golf & Country Club 609-465-7824 ............................ 24 Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor 609-368-5004 ............................ 45 Yacht Club of Stone Harbor 609-368-1201............................. 30
Recreation
Avalon Golf Club 609-465-GOLF ........................... 47
Special Event Sites
Gillian’s Funland of Sea Isle City 609-263-1363 ............................ 19
Tanning Salons
Suntastic Tan 609-465-5700 ............................ 25 Tropic Tans 609-770-3029 .............................. 7
Tents/Party Rentals
Jersey Shore Party Rentals 609-398-0033 ............................ 31
Transportation
Great American Trolley Company 1-800-4-TROLLEY ..................... 34 Shore Limousine 609-463-1620 ............................ 18
Tuxedos/Menswear
At Your Service Formalwear 609-399-1636 .............................. 6 Formal Affair 609-522-0024 ............................ 22
Wedding Attire
At Your Service Formalwear 609-399-1636 .............................. 6 Formal Affair 609-522-0024 ............................ 22 Rienzi Bridal Salon 856-692-4060 ............................ 16 Tesi Bridal & Formal 609-646-9900 ............................ 27 Wedding Belles 609-241-0134 ............................. 18
Wedding Officiant
With This Kiss I Thee Wed, LLC 609-605-8906 ............................ 10
Want to share the information in this guide with others? This guide – and a host of other event-planning resources – are available at www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com. A pdf of this print guide can be downloaded from www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com/weddingsandevents. Refer out-of-town guests to our Shore Guide at www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com/ShoreGuide. Find local business listings – including maps, ratings/reviews and more – at www.CapeMayCountyHerald.com/Marketplace.
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Everything you need for a perfect day! From Pre-Ceremony Celebrations and Outings to the Wedding of Your Dreams
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f the for th BBride id and Groom, Bachelor or Bachelorette or The Entire Wedding Party!
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1510 Route 9 N. Cape May Court House www.avalonlinks.net Contact our Event Coordinator at 609-465-8086
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A Day To Last Forever Imagine an elaborate celebration in the Penthouse Ballroom high atop the Grand Hotel featuring panoramic views of the pristine beaches below. Our professional catering staff stand ready to ensure that your wedding dreams are realized in Grand style. 2FHDQIURQW DW %HDFK $YHQXH Â&#x2021; *UDQG&DSH0D\ FRP