#reedswedding

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)

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!