Maddie was jubilant as she got ready for her wedding on New Year’s eve in Cape May. She was one of the most stress-free brides I have ever seen. And she had all the reasons to be that way. It was a sunny, brisk day, any decisions that could be made were already made, and she was marrying the guy from Australia who had clicked with her immediately when they met years earlier in Nashville.
Josh was sure she would either be in a dramatic, over the top gown or a super simple one. She had tried on 5 dresses before landing on the one. Though I was pulling for something crazy, Maddie wowed in a sleek satin number accented with red lips, tasteful bling, and old Hollywood curls framing her porcelain face. She was stunning!
When she saw herself in the mirror she said that it was exactly how she had imagined herself as a bride.
The two got ready in neighboring bed and breakfasts in town. Josh and his crew were next door with their own snappy duds.
Josh and Maddie shared their first look at Historic Cold Spring Village, a place they were drawn to for its colorful smattering of restored buildings from the mid 19th century. Despite the winter date, they wanted to take advantage of the grounds as much as possible.
With a 4:45pm sunset, the 5:30pm ceremony was decidedly dark. String lights led the way down the aisle towards an old, white gazebo in the woods. The crescent moon looked down on the couple as they said their vows in front of 90 of their nearest and dearest. Chris, Maddie’s close friend from high school led a touching ceremony.
With the knot tied, the crowd scooted into Cold Spring Grange to thaw and begin the celebrations. Taper candles, white roses, eucalyptus, and evergreen spruce boughs sat atop glimmering silver linens.
While I expected friends from improv to give a great speech/roast, the fathers (especially Josh’s dad with his Aussie accent) had everyone in stiches.
The crew moved downstairs for dessert and the dancefloor. Maddie and Josh started things off with Stay Alive by Jose Gonzalez.
The great thing about New Year’s Eve weddings is that people are there to party. No one is getting back early for a sitter or taking an early night for work. Josh and Maddie’s guests delivered.
It was a beautiful winter day for a fabulous couple and I loved being there for every moment of it!
And I will wait for you tonight
You’re here forever and you’re by my side
I’ve been waiting all my life
To feel your heart as it’s keeping time
We’ll do whatever just to stay alive
~ Jose Gonzalez, “Stay Alive”
Wedding Ceremony: Historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May, NJ
Wedding Reception: Cold Spring Grange, Cape May, NJ
Engagement Session: Manayunk
Wedding Photographer: Lindsay Docherty Photography
Getting Ready: Casablanca Bed & Breakfast, Ashley Rose Bed & Breakfast
Flowers: Botanical Design, Brian Lynch
Hair Stylist: Say I Do
Makeup Artist: Say I Do
Reception Music: Beats Rhymes & Life
Caterer: Cold Spring Grange
Videographer: Ash Koek
Wedding Gown Designer: Pronovias
Wedding Gown Shop: Glamour Closet
Bride’s Shoes: Ferragamo
Trolley: Great American Trolley Co.
