Marlene & Kevin: A Shore Wedding Done Their Way.
The best weddings are the ones which effortlessly complement the personalities and lifestyle of those getting married. Marlene and Kevin’s wedding was just that.
South Jersey natives Marlene and Kevin held an intimate church ceremony near the shore. In attendance were those closest to them: parents, siblings, close friends, and of course their tuxedo-adorned pup, Chewbacca, who waited patiently and respectfully in church while his parents said ‘I do.’
Marlene and Kevin each shared their own, unique vows with each other. Marlene beamed through the entire ceremony, not taking her eyes off of her soon-to-be husband as the evening sun poured through the stained glass above. The energy between Marlene and Kevin felt like the perfect combination of eagerness to be married to one another and a deep appreciation for what was happening in the moment.
In the weeks leading up to her big day, Marlene had imparted the significance of wearing her veil, which is a family heirloom. Marlene wore it beautifully, glowing from beneath it the entire night (yes, she even danced in it later!)
The reception was held at the Brigantine Rowing Club, where Marlene is a member. Overlooking the water where the sun slowly set, bathing Brigantine in its golden glow, Marlene and Kevin walked together along the docks of their hometown: the perfect snapshot of their new life together.
Marlene had been thrilled about getting some beautiful sunset photographs with Kevin, so that’s exactly what we did. Their guests looked on from the Rowing Club’s veranda as the couple walked out onto the boat launch. They were simply striking as the sun set on this perfectly beautiful day.
A beautiful day, I might add, that almost very nearly wasn’t. Less than 24 hours prior, the entire region was coated in a thick unhealthy haze from the wildfires raging up in Canada. The wind had changed direction just in time to provide clean air and clear skies for Marlene and Kevin’s big day. It seemed it was meant to be. I overheard multiple conversations where the guests couldn’t believe how lucky the couple was to have avoided it. They got their sunset.
Inside the rowing club, spirits were high and giddy as the couple danced with family in friends. Marlene shared an incredibly moving dance with her father, which I still can’t get over.
The smell of the outrageously delicious food filled the room as guests laughed and ate with one another. Outside, an ice cream truck had been arranged to make whatever they wanted (a major hit — especially with Marlene and Kevin).
Having planned a wedding truly on their own terms meant Marlene and Kevin got have their ice cream and eat it too (or in this case, play with it). And so the night ended with two ice cream-covered noses, a room full of smiles, and the promise of a beautiful new beginning for Marlene and Kevin.
Photography: Michael Cort Photography
Venue: Brigantine Rowing Club
Catering: Vagabond Kitchen and Tap House
Ice Cream: Ken’s Ice Cream
Cake: RNEats
Floral: Chester’s AC
DJ: DJ Sparkles
Dogsitter: HappieDogs
