RACHEL & DAN

'I knew I wanted to be married at the beach but not on the beach. I knew within seconds of arriving in Stone Harbor, that this was going to be our location and The Reeds at Shelter Haven was going to be our venue (the only venue we saw!!). The town, The Reeds, the vibe was just what we were looking for. I grew up in a small beach town, I knew I had to be by the sea for our special day. The week leading up, I was upset about the inclement weather prediction but that morning all of the stresses just lifted away. I decided to dance in the rain, rather than wait for the storm to pass. We made the decision early that morning to have everything indoors, which was beautiful nonetheless. My grandfather, Poppop, had the honor of walking me down the aisle along side my Mom. The bridal party walked down the aisle to the remake of "Higher Love" by James Vincent McMorrow and I walked down the aisle to an Elvis cover, "Can't Help Falling in Love" a live version by Ingrid Michaelson. We each exchanged our personal vows. They were a perfect mix of our dry humor and genuine love for one another.' - Rachel

See Rachel & Dan's beautiful wedding photos below.

What is one word that would best describe your wedding?

Fun! - That's what I wanted for my wedding, was for all my guest to have a blast. Mission Accomplished.

'My flowers were simple and clean. I opted for bright whites and fresh greens with natural driftwood for decor. My bouquet was filed with lily of the valley, peonies, white garden roses, lisanthus and green mini hydrangeas. For attire, we went with dusty gray for the ladies and bright blues for gentlemen. Our stylist/florist from Primrose & Company, Michelle, really took my vision and ran with it. I loved the vintage shutter screen doors to hold our seating chart. The hint of grey napkin on the table and unfussed simple glass white votives were perfect. The driftwood centerpieces were the perfect sidekick to our modern take on lanterns with fresh green hydrangea, white hyacinth and white garden roses with moss on some of the tables. The clean spring beach feel was perfectly emulated.' - Rachel

What was the most challenging part of organising a wedding?

Every last detail. I am (sort of) a control freak so I did every single last task myself! I really put a great deal of effort into the small details.

What is one scene in the wedding that will forever be in your memory?

My all time favorite moment of the night was when the band started singing Mumford and Sons "I Will Wait" and everyone made a circle around us and the entire wedding sang and danced their hearts out. Our band was amazing, they weren't the typical wedding band, they play at some of our favorite bars in NJ. There wasn't a person in the room that wasn't up dancing, including Dan's 90 year old Grandma. We ended the night with a sprint to the after party and dancing in the rain.

Any funny moments?

Our personal vows, they were touching but also had humor. The funniest part of the night was when my new Brother in Law gave his best man speech. It had everyone crying laughing. People were still talking about it a month later.

Has anything changed in your relationship with your husband now that you are a wife?

We are much more relaxed. Now that I'm not planning and everything is paid for and done we have a lot more time to relax! We've been going on dates more in the last month than we have in a while.

How was your experience as a Forever Soles bride?

Great!! I recently had foot surgery, so I was really looking for a comfortable yet beautiful shoe for my events. I wore the ballet flats to my Bridal Shower, I got my cast off the day before and they were SO comfortable but still very stylish and bridal. My wedding shoes had a small heel, I'm very tall so I didn't need or want a high heel.

Thanks so much Rachel for giving us a lovely insight into your wedding day & sharing your beautiful photos.

Rachel wears Forever Soles True Romance Heels in Ivory xx

Photographer: Ann Coen Photography Videography: Darn Swell Media Venue: The Reeds at Shelter Haven Event Designer & Florist: Primrose and Company Wedding Dress: Theia - Kerry gown Hairpieces: Britten Bridesmaid Dresses: Alvina Valenta Hair + Makeup: Your Day Your Way Groom's Suit: Suit Supply Invitations: Beacon Lane Cake:

Chef Rebecca at The Reeds at Shelter Haven Live Band: Enjoy! Day Of/Welcome Bag Paper Goods: Rebecca Green Design Custom Engagement Ring and Bands: Solitaire Creations Welcome Bag Treats: Mikes Bagel Chips Wooden Table Numbers: ZCreate Design Proposal: How he asked