The Flanders Hotel Wedding, Ocean City, NJ: Mike and Allegra

It was a windy day. Scratch that, a blustery day. The type of wind that makes you want to put your arms out at your side and lean all of your body weight against the wind to see who will win- you or the wind. Are you getting the drift? (Dang, that was good). It's the type of weather that doesn't mesh with updos, gorgeous lashes, and fancy dresses, which is why I was so relieved that the wedding was at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. I feel like I mention it all of the time, but just in case you don't know... my husband and I were married at The Flanders Hotel six years ago and one thing that was a requirement for me as a bride was a weather contingency plan. You can plan just about everything on a wedding day, except for the weather, so I always tell brides, make sure you LOVE the backup plan! As a bride, I checked out (what feels like) every square inch of The Flanders Hotel to make sure it had plenty of locations in case of terrible weather. Good news- it absolutely does!  It all started with the extremely stunning, Allegra, getting ready at The Flanders Hotel's most stunning suite on the highest floor, overlooking the ocean. Allegra was so calm and just enjoying her bridesmaids- like every bride should before the day begins. Her girls wore the most gorgeous sequined gowns from Rent the Runway, while Allegra turned heads in her elegant Jay West gown with the most gorgeous design in the back. She met with her groom, Mike, in the lobby of the Flanders Hotel for their bridal party portraits just before the ceremony. Her brother walked her down the aisle just before Mike and Allegra exchanged vows by the fireplace, under a gorgeous chandelier- romance was certainly in the air. Then it was off to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm! The band, 39 Mariner, lead the celebration and the night ended with not a cake cutting, but a donut cutting, with the most yummy treats from Federal Donuts. Congratulations Allegra and Mike!

THE DETAILS

Venue: The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, New Jersey

Gown: Jay West

Hair and Makeup: Your Day Your Way

Florals: The Manic Botanic

Donuts: Federal Donuts

Band: 39 Mariner

Camden County Boathouse Wedding: Katherine & Emanuel

It was a sunny and humid afternoon as Katherine stepped into her stunning gown, the final step of getting ready before leaving for the Camden County Boathouse on Cooper River, to marry Emanuel. Her bridesmaids by her side, in shades of blush, with finishing gold details. While the girls were getting ready, Emanuel was getting ready himself, as well as getting, their son ready. As a momma, I know how precious it is to see your hubby and child together, and I am so happy we could capture these moments for the boys to remember and for Katherine to see!

The plan was to see each other at the aisle for the first time, but with reports of harsh thunderstorms just hours away, Katherine and Emanuel opted to do a First Look and boy, am I glad they did. Not just because their bridal party photographs were absolutely gorgeous outside before the storm rolled in, but because their First Look was so beautiful- on a dock, with their son, and the excitement that he just couldn't hold in. Not to mention, they attended their cocktail hour- sounds like a pretty perfect wedding day to me! Katherine and Emanuel shared their first dance and I nearly cried behind my camera (how I spend many weekends). They have a love that is so sweet and I was so thankful to be the one to capture the love story of their wedding day AND their first professional family photograph- what an honor! Here's to many, many years of happiness and health! Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Rivera!