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Speechless from Sea Isle to Stone Harbor: Chelsea & Jimmy Kowalski

October 18, 2019

Their Story: The University of Delaware may be known for being the life of the party, but it is also fondly reminisced on by Chelsea & Jimmy for another reason: bringing the pair together. Mutual friends brought the two into each other's orbit, but it wasn't until after a few years of friendship, a long chat at a birthday party, and two formals later that the two realized they were destined for romance.

The Proposal: The beaches of Sea Isle have held a special place in Chelsea's heart since birth. Summers were spent buzzing between her grandparents' homes – both her mother & father's parents owned homes on 74th Street, which is how her parents initially met! – and soaking up the sunshine. Many years later, Chelsea's parents purchased one of the properties to build a new home. Just before they closed on the property, Jimmy took Chelsea by the hand, walked her over to her grandparent's house, and then up to the bayfront deck before he dropped to one knee and as Chelsea exclaims, "proposed in my favorite place in the world!" Both Chelsea & Jimmy's families soon snuck their way up the street to celebrate the couple & toast to the future.

Details of the Day:

The Reeds: Having a shore wedding was non-negotiable, and Chelsea & Jimmy wanted a venue that wasn't just located at the beach but rather one that drew its interior inspiration from the surrounding landscape. The Reeds was "beachy, romantic, and relaxed" in its coastal-chic design, which were the "exact vibes we were going for with our wedding." It didn't hurt that "everyone at The Reeds made us feel completely at ease," Chelsea adds.

The Dress: "I was extremely indecisive [about the style of dress I wanted] and super nervous that I was going to have a really hard time finding the one," recalls Chelsea. Surprisingly, "it was the fourth dress I tried on at the very first store I visited – I knew immediately this was the one as I swooned over the romantic beachy theme that felt so true to me." With all of her indecision, "my mom and sister refused to let me leave the store without buying it because they loved it just as much as I did."

The Sentimental Staples: From their mapped-out love story invitations by dear friend Sydney of Crane & Palette to the mini Hank Sauce favors – a Sea Isle staple – Chelsea and Jimmy paid close attention to weaving their personalities into their special day. The most sentimental aspect, however, had to be the moment when Chelsea's Great Uncle officiated their ceremony, just as he had for her parents a few decades prior.

First Dance: "It started when you said hello. Just did something to me, and I've been in a daze ever since the day that we meet. You take the breath out of my lungs. Can't even fight it. And all of the words out of my mouth without even trying, and I'm speechless." – Speechless, Dan + Shay

Favorite Moment: While Chelsea & Jimmy admit that their answer may be cliché, they are adamant that nothing could be more authentic than saying their favorite moment of the day was, well, the entire day! But, if they HAD to pick one, "the entire wedding being on the dance floor screaming along to Bohemian Rhapsody was a pretty awesome highlight."

Advice for Other Couples: Relax. Take it easy. Enjoy! Chelsea says, "everything really does come together on your wedding day, no matter what! With that in mind, try to enjoy each and every step along the way because it goes by SO fast."

Vendor List:

Florist: Blooms Cape May

Photographer: The Hursts & Co 

Cake: The Reeds

Hair & Makeup: Kiss the Bride

Invitations: Crane & Palette

Dress: BHLDN

Groom's Attire: Indochino

Entertainment: The Heartbeats

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Signs of Spring

📸: Magdalena Studios

Small pops of color in the garden, warm bay breezes, and sunshine-filled afternoons are just a few of the signs of spring that have begun to appear throughout Stone Harbor. Symbolic beacons of new life, these small signs got us thinking about some of the creative signage that couples have used at The Reeds to enhance both the guest experience and the overall aesthetic by adding a touch of personality to the party! Seek some inspiration below...

📸: Maddie Broderick

📸: Danielle Nowak

📸: Jac & Jules

📸: Anastasia Romanova

📸: Pat Robinson

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Remembering Your Loved Ones: How To Pay Tribute On Your Wedding Day

The start of a new year often inspires us to reflect on the past which for many of us includes fond memories of loved ones who are no longer with us. When planning your wedding, you may be looking for some special ways to honor those who are watching your nuptials from above- cue the perfect blog post from the always insightful Magi of Magdalena Studios: 

“Weddings are one of those rare happy occasions when entire families are in the same place. Unfortunately, some of our most important family members have passed on, and we want them represented in some special way.

Here are some of my favorite suggestions for honoring parents, grandparents, and other loved ones so they can be a very present part of your wedding celebration.

A PLACE FOR MEMORIES

As a photographer, it’s probably no big surprise that this is at the top of my list. The idea is to set aside a table on which to display photos and other memorabilia honoring your loved ones. You can set up elegant framed photos, preserved bouquets, military medals… anything that represents who they were.

Decorative bulletin boards or “clothesline” displays let your guests bring their favorite photos of the people you wish to honor. You can let them know in advance with your wedding invitations, but be sure to ask them to write their names and addresses on the back so you can return them.

If you ask to hold onto the photographs for a while longer, you can scan the images and return them with a DVD “album” to those who contributed as a thank you.

ADDING A LOCKET TO YOUR BOUQUET

If you want to keep a special person close to you for your day, or especially for your walk down the aisle, a locket and photo around your bouquet is a special and sentimental way to keep that person near. It’s a beautiful and gentle reminder that they’re here with you for your entire wedding day.

THEIR FAVORITE SONGS

Music is sentimental. You’ve got your first dance song all picked out, and chances are, there’s a tune that will always make you think of someone you’ve lost. Perhaps it’s your parents’ (or grandparents’) wedding song. It could even be that old classic they’d embarrass you with as they drove you and your friends to the mall on Saturdays. If it has significant meaning, it can be a moving part of your day. Dedicate a song just for them, and invite those closest to that person to join you on the dance floor.

A TABLE SET WITH HEIRLOOMS

Most couples these days aren’t interested in holding onto their grandmother’s china, and the tradition of giving elaborate dinnerware as wedding gifts has long since passed. That doesn’t mean you haven’t inherited a beautiful set of Spode or Royal Copenhagen, or that it doesn’t hold meaning for you.

If you have family china… or if another family member would lend you what they’ve kept… then there’s no better occasion than your wedding day to dine off a family heirloom. This is a wonderful idea for intimate weddings, or for place settings at the bridal table.

A SPECIAL DINNER TOAST

An alternative to a dedicated dance might be a dinner toast honoring lost loved ones. During this speech, you might also point out other honorariums incorporated into your day, like that locket in your bouquet, your groom’s father’s cufflinks, or the topper from your aunt’s own cake.

Just a note: These toasts can be tricky, especially if another family member feels their spouse, child, or parent has been left out, or if an elderly family member is honored in the same toast as the deceased… or not at all.

SOMETHING BORROWED

Some brides decide to sew or pin a part of a family member’s wedding gown into her own or wear a piece of jewelry once belonging to—or given by—someone special. These are classic traditions, but they’re still powerful tributes today…

A WALK DOWN THE AISLE

Did you grow up with the dream that your father would walk you down the aisle? He still can, if you decorate pew ends with photographs of your dad, or place photos on easels along the way. Of course, you can include other loved ones’ photographs too. Look for simple hanging ornament frames to hang from floral arrangements if you want to be more subtle.

THEIR MEMORY LIVES ON IN YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS

You’re joining together and celebrating two families on your wedding day, and creating new traditions. While my main focus on my wedding couples, they’re always delighted when their final albums include tributes to their family history. It’s part of what makes them heirloom albums, something they’ll keep forever.

How would you like to acknowledge those who’ve passed on? If you’d like my thoughts on making the above ideas work for your wedding, please get in touch! I’ve seen many wonderful tributes put into practice without conflicting with a wedding’s overall aesthetic, and I can share my thoughts from a photographer’s perspective so you can be sure they’ll become part of your wedding story.”

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Nikki & Steve Golub: I Got You, I Got Everything

Their Story: It was 2011 when Nikki & her college roommate packed their bags and headed to Hoboken to settle in and start their careers. It wasn’t long before Nikki & Steve were introduced to one another, initiating a series of interactions that would eventually lead them down the aisle.

“There was definitely interest from the start,” recalls Nikki, “we met a few times casually before a chance encounter at a Hoboken bar.” The couple’s chemistry that evening was undeniable- “it was one of those conversations where you feel like you’ve known that person forever. I think we both knew something was different…”

The Proposal: They say the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. No matter how perfectly planned a proposal is, a flight may still be delayed once or twice- or three times, in this case. “Steve spent several months planning the perfect trip to France for the two of us, but when the day finally came, our flight was canceled.” Clueless as to the real purpose of the trip, Nikki couldn’t fathom why a delayed flight would cause Steve to become so flustered. 

Steve regrouped- he booked a limo to take he & Nikki to the airport for their rescheduled flight. On the way there, he got down on one knee to propose. Champagne was popped, pictures were snapped, and the couple was back on track to celebrate their future in France. After arriving at JFK, the couple giddily waited in their terminal for over 8 hours before, once again, being sent home. 

Fast forward through another 6 hours of waiting in a terminal and Steve & Nikki finally board their flight and begin to doze off when the pilot announces that due to mechanical issues, they must deboard the plane. After yet another 4 am trip home and a totally of 48 hours’ worth of delays, Nikki & Steve laughed off the stress and were, at last, on their way to France. “It was certainly unforgettable,” reflects Nikki, “perfectly imperfect.”

Details of the Day:

The Reeds: Both Nikki & Steve are self-proclaimed “beach people,” and throughout their relationship, the couple spent countless hours savoring the Jersey Shore. “We looked at a lot of wedding venues and were set on finding something that felt like ‘us.’ The Reeds felt different than other traditional wedding venues- it has a casual elegance and simplicity that we struggled to find elsewhere- and the view is to die for!”

The Dress: After trying on countless long-sleeved lace gowns, Nikki felt discouraged by the fact that she hadn’t found “the one,” so she took a huge risk and ordered her wedding gown online from Australian designer Grace Loves Lace. The dress arrived a mere month before the October 5th wedding, and when Nikki slid it on, she sighed with relief, “it just felt like me, and I was in love with the open back & long train. Plus, I knew that Steve would love the effortless boho vibe.”

Details for Dad: It was essential to Nikki & Steve that they pay homage to their loved ones in heaven on their wedding day, both having lost their fathers. In lieu of favors, and honor of our fathers, we donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the hopes of helping families in need. Nikki also included her father’s cross, one that had been passed down to him from his father, by attaching it to her bouquet; in this way, her father was present to walk his little girl down the aisle.

First Look: “We decided to do a first look, and just before the big reveal we read notes that we had written to each other that morning. We couldn’t stop laughing because we wrote almost the same thing to each other! It was a really special moment we were able to have alone before the ceremony and reception, and I’m so glad we decided to do it,” Nikki said. 

First Dance: “I Got You” by Jack Johnson

Favorite Moment: Few brides would report that having rain on their wedding day was one of their “favorite moments,” but that’s precisely what stands out in Nikki’s mind. “The forecast was perfect- 75 degrees and sunny- all week, but when I woke up that morning, things had changed, and the predictions called for complete cloud coverage.” Since there was still no precipitation in the forecast, the couple proceeded with their plans to hold their ceremony outdoors. “Right as we began to say our vows it started to sprinkle. Our guests seemed a little concerned, and even our officiant wasn’t sure if she should continue. At that moment, all I could do was laugh- it was memorable and again, made for one of those perfectly imperfect moments.”

Advice for Other Couples: Nikki offered two sound snippets of information for other couples. Most importantly, “stick to your gut and do what feels like you as a couple – not what “the rules” say!” And, taking a lesson from their engagement trip to France, “don’t sweat the small stuff… If anything goes wrong, take a moment to remember the real reason you’re there- at the end of the day that’s what matters most!”

Vendor List:

Florist: Leigh Florist

Photographer: Saltwater Studios

Cake: The Reeds

Hair: Boho Bridal Salon

Makeup: Shimmer and Spice 

Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Groom’s Attire: Indochino

Entertainment: Pat & Sean Kelly (cocktail hour), Lovesick (ceremony and reception)

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Kiss My Butler Goodbye: Shannan & John DePalma

Their Story In 2012 at West Virginia University, in a lecture with over 300 students, John, a football player, spotted an open seat next to who he would soon find out was Shannan. Leaving his current seat next to a teammate, John made his way over to Shannan and struck up a conversation, which quickly led to a classroom friendship rooted in their mutual Faith. Meeting for the first time outside of class in Ash Wednesday Mass, Shannan remembers thinking, “no way would I ever fall for this unusually tall southern boy…” But when John offered her a ride home that day, she got so nervous that she declined his offer-instead standing in the rain at the bus stop for over 20-minutes. That was the first “God Wink,” as Shannan calls her signs that John was “the one.”

The Proposal Fast forward through 4-years and countless “God Winks,” when John picked Shannan up from the airport and decided to make a quick visit to St Monica’s Chapel for Adoration on February 10, 2017. A regular occurrence for the couple, Shannan thought nothing of the detour and diligently set to her prayers, closing with a scribble in her notebook, “Thank you for this day.” At that moment John handed her a letter, and as she finished reading, her gaze met his as he got down on one knee and popped the question. “God Winks” abound: the woman behind them in the church had been praying for marriage, looking up just in time to capture some photos of the special moment; an hour later the couple discovered that St. Monica is the patron saint of wives & mothers; now a wife, Shannan will soon be a mother, too- 9-months to the day from their wedding, Baby DePalma will be welcomed

The One It’s often said that the “little things’ are what really define a relationship and this age-old adage proved true for John. When asked how he knew that Shannan was “the one,” he shared two sweet memories- the time she jokingly referred to her “terrible singing” with a Step Brother’s quote, “[my] voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus,” and, when she remembered the name of his favorite movie over a year after he had casually mentioned it to her when they were still ‘just friends.’

Details of the Day  The Reeds: Happiest when she’s near the water, Shannan fell in love with the modern yet coast chic vibe of the Sweet Grass Ballroom, complemented by the breathtaking view of the Shelter Haven Basin. Dress: Walking down the aisle in a mermaid style Hayley Paige gown embellished with sequins, Shannan says that she wouldn’t change her decision for the world, despite being the “complete opposite” of the ball gown or A-line style gown with lace that she originally envisioned.  Flowers: In an ode to John’s southern roots, hints of Magnolia were incorporated throughout the wedding ceremony & reception details.  First Dance: “Sweetheart, God could've never made two, Nobody quite like you.” Sweetheart by Thomas Rhett. Favorite Moment: Shannan says “When I was just steps away from John at the altar (with tears in both of our eyes). It was in that moment that I saw my best friend, my life-partner, my love, my future, and my forever.”

Advice for Brides “There will be hiccups on your big day but try and blow them off! Remember what this day is truly about.” And “[Having a] Sweetheart Table was the best decision we made! It gave us time to sit together, hold hands, and it was a great way for us to say hello to all of our guests! It was also really cool to take a moment to look around the room and think ‘wow, everyone here loves us so much, what a blessing this day is!’”

Florist: 

Center Pieces and Reception Décor – Joyce Sbarbaro

Bouquets – Petals 

Photographer: Kaitlin Noel Photography

Videographer: Abbey Jane Creative

Cake: The Reeds

Hair & Makeup: Courtney Casale/Chelsea Walls

Invitations: Mother In-law

Dress: Hayley Paige

Groom’s Attire: Navy Tux – Men's Wearhouse

Entertainment: EBE Entertainment

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Casey and Sean

One of our favorite West Coast couples, Casey and Sean, expressed their love through smiles and laughter on our bayfront lawn. Their wedding was on a beautiful day in early June where Danielle Nowak captured their love story starting at our local beach. The two of them were an incredible pair to work with and such a stunning couple to see so in love. Casey and Sean danced their way through their special day with loads of happiness and contagious positive vibes. Cheers to you Casey and Sean! We wish you an exciting life together!