We’re anxiously awaiting the day that we can all gather together to celebrate love amongst our nearest and dearest. You too?! Well, until then, we’ll just continue on reliving past weddings with the help of New Jersey vendors who continue to flood our inbox with beautiful celebrations! Case in point? This South Jersey soiree designed by Bogath Weddings and Events filled to the brim with lush Pink Dahlia Vintage florals, a beachfront ceremony, a tented reception, and lots of personalized touches, including the cutest vintage Italian ice cart and photo booth bus. Lucky for us, Ann Coen Photography captured it all and is sharing the heartfelt moments below.
From Bogath Weddings and Events…Ashley and Rob knew they wanted to get married at Congress Hall when they saw a rainbow while entering Cape May in the winter of 2018 to look at Congress Hall for the first time. They knew they had made the right decision when, on their second visit, they saw a second rainbow. In fact, they began believing it was a true sign. Ashley had fond memories of rainbow watching with her grandfather, nicknamed Poppy, as a child. And believed that it was his way of blessing their decision. Many couples incorporate details and special touches that mean something to them and their families, and Ashley and Rob were no exception. They found small ways of paying homage to their family and traditions. Rainbow and lemon Italian ice in memory of beloved grandparents as part of dessert. A VW Photo Booth nicknamed Poppy. Sometimes wedding planning is part detail and kismet.
Ashley and Rob celebrated surrounded by family and friends at Congress Hall this past June. They incorporated stunning florals and gorgeous rentals to design a tented wedding that felt like an intimate dinner party. A smaller wedding, with 75 guests, this couple worked hard to ensure that every detail was thought of to ensure their guests felt thought of. And while their wedding day weather was not perfect, think high winds and gusty misting rains, it hampered no spirits. Clear umbrellas were a key element to ensuring that everyone was still comfy for the beach ceremony and that the bride and groom, and guests could all see one another. The only thing that could have made this perfect day, just slightly more so…a rainbow. But I guess sometimes you just have to settle for an amazing sunset.
The inspiration and theme behind my wedding day was beach romance! My husband and I have always loved the beach and it is where we fell in love. So we wanted to highlight the feel of romance with our favorite place! Though we are both relatively secular, I am Jewish and my partner is Christian and it was important to me to have some semblance of tradition but to also make it personal so I had a rabbi that was willing to cater the ceremony to our needs and wants rather than it being solely traditional. I also asked a family member to say a blessing over the bread at the start of the reception which was a wonderful personal touch.
The florals were definitely one of the many stars of the show. On our long farm table we had luscious table length floral garlands with beautiful white, light blush, and deep red florals from hydrangeas from roses. The palate carried through in our bouquets. The lanterns scattered around also included these florals along with touches of succulents which guests were able to take home with them. The beach florals had a lot of natural pieces like long grasses while also including the main floral themes and deep romantic reds. Our sweetheart table was also covered in a gorgeous floral garland while also being surrounded my flower filled lanterns.
We had an amazing band by the name of Amsterdam from EBE entertainment, and let me tell you they were the talk of the wedding. People, including my husband and I, were absolutely blown away by them. There sound, from the band to the vocals were unlike anything we could have expected. They made the original singers seem like amateurs. Absolutely fantastic and energetic! We also had a photobooth that was in a VW Booth Bus! It was so cool!! The pictures came out adorable and it just added the cutest element sitting right outside the ceremony tent. We had Italian ice carts, funnel cake stands, and lots of summer favorite treats! It was just the best time, even if it wasn’t my wedding!
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Reception Venue: Congress Hall / Officiant: Rabbi Rayzel Raphael / Photographer: Ann Coen Photography / Cinema and Video: Tony Coon Films / Event Planner: Bogath Weddings and Events / Floral Designer: Pink Dahlia Vintage / Band: EBE Entertainment- “Amsterdam” / Cake Designer: My Daughter’s Cakes / Design and Decor: Dovetail Vintage Rentals / Rentals: Rustic Drift / Tent: Sperry Tents NJ / Calligrapher: Kellmade Goods / Gown Salon: Free Love Bridal / Menswear: The Black Tux / Hair Stylist: The Updo Guru / Photo Booth Equipment: VW Booth Bus / Other: Magnolia Postage
