Patricia and Michael finally crossed paths after running in the same circles for over 10 years and it was instant chemistry! They bonded over their sweet dogs and quickly had their first real date a short 4 days after meeting. On a trip to St. Lucia to get away for the holidays, Michael quickly proposed after the two arrived on the island and they spent their trip celebrating their engagement.

For their wedding, Trish and Mike chose Sandy Hook Chapel and they designed their wedding day around things that inspired them and were a part of their childhood growing up – their families and loved ones. This wedding day was one of my very favorites to date and you’ll see why in the images and story below.

After photographing hundreds of weddings, I know that it’s easy to get caught up in all the details of the day and the desire for everything to be perfect. I remember being a bride and obsessing over the florals and other wedding items, too. But sometimes wedding days don’t go as planned, as was the case for Trish and Mike. After designing a stunning outdoor ceremony and reception complete with stunning decor and rentals, Mother Nature made it known that she had other plans for this day. The threat of rain became very real right at the exact time we were supposed to begin the ceremony so it was decided to try to squeeze in the ceremony before it started to rain too hard, but once Mike had made it down the aisle and the bridesmaids started processing, we all knew that this rain felt very different. It was accompanied by winds that were getting stronger and stronger by the second. Family and friends weren’t sure what to do and started to help keep the ceremony decor in place but everyone’s efforts seemed futile and Mike made the spontaneous and correct decision to move into the chapel.

The winds that day were so strong that they literally blew away Trish and Mike’s beautiful ceremony and reception. Their tent collapsed and the ovens containing all of their guests’ food blew over, destroying all of the dishes that were inside. We are so fortunate that no one got hurt during the storm. When I went into the chapel, I had no idea how the rest of the night would go, but I should’ve known that it would go on as planned – the sweetness of the ceremony, the joy of the celebration – were no different than if they had taken place outdoors as initially planned. Trish and Mike’s spirits were intact and rather than be angry at what had transpired, they focused on what had inspired them in the first place – their loved ones. They celebrated in one of the liveliest receptions I’ve seen this year and were just a joy to be around.

Everyone at this wedding was so amazing. The guests and vendors alike re-located the reception to the chapel by bringing in tables, chairs, and even re-creating centerpieces from what remained from the outdoor reception. The caterer quickly came up with a Plan B for dinner. The band set up in the new space as quickly as they could. What an amazing sight it was! Trish and Mike – congratulations on your wedding! Through it all, you focused on the main reason why we were all there – your marriage and the celebration of your marriage – and it was because of it that your wedding day was one for the books. I hope you are having an amazing time in Greece – you deserve it!!

The Creative Team

Venue | Sandy Hook Chapel
Photography | Idalia Photography
Band | Brian Kirk and the Jerks
Bridesmaid Dresses | Brideside
Cake | Chocolate Carousel
Caterer | Falco’s Catering
Cinema | Todd Juliano Productions
Hair | Bridesmade by Lea Claire
Invitations | Minted
Florals | Faye and Renee
Makeup | Make Me Up Eva
Men’s Attire | Jos A. Bank
Transportation | Long Branch Trolley Company
Wedding Dress | Pronovias from Kleinfeld’s Bridal
Officiant | Michele Kiernan

Sandy Hook Chapel Wedding

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