#newjerseybride

November 2, 2019

Their Story: Stolen glances across the classroom, fleeting smiles as they passed in the hallways… Samantha and Josh are a good old fashioned, swoon-worthy pair of high school sweethearts, who have seemingly known since day one that they were destined to be Mr. and Mrs. Cavanugh.

The Proposal: Pancakes & jetty walks to the farthest pole are regularly scheduled weekend activities for Sammy & Josh, and so it seemed like a pretty normal day when the pair began walking along the rocks. It didn’t take long for Sammy to notice that Josh seemed to be scoping out each rock they passed, frequently slowing down – frustrating Sammy because, well, pancakes! When a nervous look began to creep across Josh’s face, it became evident that “something fishy was going on.” In the end, Sammy said YES! And then they feasted on heaping piles of pancakes at Uncle Bill’s.

Details of the Day:

The Reeds: Understated elegance and showstopping views. “We loved that our guests would get the indoor-outdoor experience we were searching for during the reception, as well as the refined beach-chic feels.”

The Dress: Floral lace, flowing sleeves, and a barely-there honey-toned under-gown with textured patterning combined to form Samantha’s “absolute dream dress.” Which she fondly recalls made her feel like a mermaid on her most special day. A bonus? The detachable sleeves added drama to wedding portraits and created a stunning first look for the ceremony before being conveniently removed so as not to restrict any dancing.

An Ode to Bay Days: One of Sammy & Josh’s favorite summer activities is loading up the boat and heading out into the bay for a day of fun in the sun, only stopping to catch a few crabs for dinner. As a subtle ode to these most memorable days, the couple chose to feature a Lobster Trap to collect cards at their bayfront reception.

First Dance: You know that moment when a song comes on and immediately transports you to another place and time? That’s what happens for Samantha & Josh every time “Halo” by Beyoncé starts to play over the speakers. And so, it was only fitting that they dance for the first time as husband as wife to the very song that takes them back to those high school hallways, where Halo first became Sammy’s favorite.

His & Hers Favorite Moments: Josh has always known that Halo would be his & Samantha’s wedding song, he just didn’t know that it would be his absolute favorite moment of the evening, while Sammy experienced pure elation walking down the aisle alongside the man who she loved first, watching the biggest smile she’d ever seen spread across her father’s face.

Advice for Other Couples: Your wedding day is only one day – it’s as simple as that. “We worried about every detail leading up to our day, stressing over the small things, then our day came and went, and I honestly couldn’t even tell you what the centerpieces looked like! Your wedding day isn’t about the ‘stuff,’ it’s about starting your life together and sharing moments with your new spouse.” 

Vendor List:

Florist: Laura- Garden Greenhouse and Nursery

Photographer: Lisa Hornak

Cake: The Reeds

Hair & Makeup: Alisha Nycole and Company

Invitations: Meredith Trimbur

Dress: Van Cleeve Bridal (Martina Liana)

Groom’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Entertainment: DJ Smooth Entertainment