The wonderful beginning of Kayla and Dean’s story began when he threw coffee at her during her interview with the job and Dean was working at already. The introduction has happened and Dean’s phone number was shared with Kayla in a sleek way. It only took Kayla to get back to Dean 6 weeks :). But the wait was worth it. After lot of adventures together, now they knew they want to spend the rest of their lives together and the wedding planning has begun! Originally they were planning their wedding at a different venue but because the scheduling didn’t work so they chose the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ and it was simply wonderful. The old gorgeous colorful mansion had lots of history and beautiful decor and it ended up becoming such a beautiful backdrop for this wonderful couple. The date was chosen to be a 4th year anniversary of their dating, so Tuesday wedding it was :). Kayla and Dean and their families traveled down to Cape May, NJ from Maine and from North Jersey for this destination wedding at the Southern Mansion. The day was super cloudy and slightly misty but the mood was happy and the weather didn’t matter! We ended up starting their outside ceremony just a little bit earlier than planned so we can beat the coming rain. The decision was perfect and it was just a tiny bit misty during the ceremony and the rain didn’t get us outside. The ceremony was beautiful filled with tears and laughter and all the wonderful words and promises. The celebration afterwards was so festive and delightful! Check out some of their wedding moments and say your contract to them one more time!
Getting Ready at the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ
Both Kayla and Dean were getting ready to the Southern Mansion so I was able to get photos for both of them getting ready. Look at these beautiful details but most importantly people were about the get married. Kayla’s mom did everyone’s hair and let me tell you – she has some talent and skill! Everyone looked SO good! Kayla’s sister did everyone’s make up. One talented family!
Kayla wore beautiful lacy wedding dress and instead of the veil she had something like a blusher veil with real flowers in it. Simply gorgeous!
And he got some funny photos too 🙂
Kayls’s dad put a card from him into her wedding dress bag so when she started getting dressed there was a small surprise from him. so sweet!
And before getting into her dress, Kayla had a snack. There was an edible flower on her plate so with a little bit of an encouragement she thought it would be a good day to taste the flowers 🙂 and now there is a proof of this in the photos.
And oh, hey you, floating baby 🙂
Kayla and Dean had Polaroid cameras for their wedding and dean sent Kayla a photo of him that morning.
The last touches were made and Kayla and Dean were all ready to see each other!
First look and wedding portraits at the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ
Kayla and Dean decided to see each other before the ceremony and take care of all the photos before the ceremony and I was so happy for their decision because it was raining after the ceremony so it would be a little hard to fit everything in during the cocktail hour. And that way these awesome bride and groom got to enjoy their cocktail hour too! Well, when they saw each other, they definitely loved each other style and were super happy to see each other. We grabbed some of their portraits, then did some wedding bridal party photos and some family photos. And now we were all ready for the ceremony to begin!
And oh, yes! If you still don’t know, I love it when my couples get goofy! And Dean is definitely a goofy one! So when I asked Kayla to kiss him on a cheek, he made a few funniest facial expressions! I loved it!
We were on the porch taking photos when Dean’s grandma has arrived. It was such a touching moment! And well, grandma LOVED Kayla’s dress 🙂
We read the letters that these bride and groom wrote to each other and they they have imagined how 50 years from now, they will be sitting on a similar porch and enjoy their time together…. and well, maybe have a fight once in a while 🙂 (goofy alert again)
And wait, another funny photo! Can you tell I was enjoying the day with them?! I tried to get a wide photo of them on the porch and the beautiful plant was covering Dean face so he moved it….with his leg :D!!!! I do have a nice traditional photo of them here on the porch that I took 3 seconds later so no worries, but this one is so much more fun and reflects Dean’s personality so perfectly 😀
And then Kayla’s grandparents saw their girl and got emotional. And then Kayla’s dad saw his daughter in the wedding dress and got emotional :). And everyone had such perfect emotions for the day!
Once the photos were done, we went straight into the ceremony so beat the rain!
Wedding Ceremony at the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ
Kayla’s borther-in-law helped her get to where she was supposed to start walking and everything was ready to go. Kayla and Dean had written their own vows and they were perfect. The family and closest friends definitely enjoyed witnessing these 2 people!
And yes, accidents happen even on the lawn. A little cart with bride’s 11 months old niece flipped over and she fell. Thank God the grass was soft but she got a little scared. She finished her walk though and did it perfectly.
Dean showing off that married hand!
And yay! They are married and everyone is ready to celebrate them!
Wedding Reception at the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ
A beautiful setting was ready for everyone to celebrate this marriage. Savannah’s Garden flowers were so perfect for their style – simple and elegant! A few custom created items like seating chart, ‘better together’ signs for bride and groom chairs, fun guest book and handmade mugs for favors were there to make me love this wedding even more. Awesome speeches were said, delicious dinner was consumed and now it was time to go downstairs for some dessert and lots of dancing! Check out below what happens during the cake cutting!!!
I loved that girl!!!! Look at her chewing on the bun!
Yeah! Dean was super nice but Allie, Kayla’s sister thought Kayla needed just a little more cake…in her face lol. Well, Dean protected his wife and Kayla was definitely happy with that :).
Lots of awesome dance moves have happened and these 2 were celebrated well! We sneaked out for a few more night-time photos and now the evening came to an end. The party was supposed to continue somewhere else for an after-party at a different address and I drove home to look through these awesome moments and started editing their photos. Such an honor to be a part of this wedding day for these loveliest people! God bless you guys!
Vendors:
Wedding Photography | Yana Shellman Photography
Wedding Venue | The Southern Mansion
Bride’s Wedding Dress | Somebody Loves Me Bridal
Florist | Savannah’s Garden
DJ | All Occasions Entertainment
Cake | The Bake Works
———–
All images are copyrighted to Yana Shellman – fun, sweet, energetic photographer serving as a South Jersey and Philadelphia Wedding Photographer. She adores photography that shows natural and loving relationship of people. Clear instruction, genuine laughter, and long-lasting sweet memories is what you will get with Yana as your wedding photographer.
http://www.yanashellmanphotography.com
———–
If you have questions or would like Yana to record your special event, please drop Yana a note at yana@yanashellman.com or contact her through the contact form.