Michelle & Shamus | Abbie Holmes Estate Wedding
Cape May Courthouse, NJ
Michelle and Shamus had a long engagement, with a lot of life going on in-between. Similarly, it came as no surprise that when he asked Michelle to marry him, that most people said “FINALLY”. Shamus and Michelle have been together for long enough that anyone who knows them, can’t remember either one without the other – except for a few, myself included.
I can remember Michelle as a little girl playing in her basement and in her older sister’s bedroom. I remember her at birthday parties and as a teen in her softball uniform. I remember her at my own wedding dancing and having a great time in her fun loving spirited way. Michelle happens to be my very sweet, driven, beautiful, hard-working, care-giving, smart cousin! I am so happy that she found in Shamus, an equally true hearted, selfless person to spend her life with. Michelle hit the jackpot because she got two amazing men in her life when she and Shamus built their relationship as Shamus’ son, Brody has his own special place in her heart.
What an honor it is to be asked by a family member to photograph their wedding. Michelle and Shamus mentioned how they loved my photography and wanted me to be the one capturing their special moments on their wedding day. Theirs was the second family member’s wedding that I’ve photographed and I am happy to say, I am still a part of the family. They must have liked the photos! 😉
Michelle and Shamus along with their families celebrated their union at the enchanting Abbie Holmes Estate in CapeMay Courthouse, NJ. I have worked at this venue prior to their day, so I was familiar with the style and landscape. It sits behind a small boutique shopping area, Woodland Village. Abbie Holmes is an historical location perfect for any couple that has a vision for anything elegant and vintage. The farmhouse and bridal suite served as the area for the bridesmaids to get ready in. Michelle’s sister helped her get ready before having a first look with their Dad ( fun fact- her Dad was my father’s best man in 1985). Michelle also wanted to have a moment with her sweet Grandfather before everything began. Both her Dad and Grandfather were stunned and overwhelmed with emotion at her beauty as a bride!
To avoid seeing one another before their ceremony in the open air Chapel, the bridesmaids and groomsmen took turns outdoors for their portraits. After that, it was time for Shamus and Brody to watch their girl walk toward them for the official “I Do’s”. It was a very quick ceremony, opposite of their engagement some may joke. Next, we had a few moments for portraits with Michelle and Shamus before the endless dancing in the beautiful conservatory which served as their ballroom.
It was interesting to work a wedding where my entire immediate and extended family were guests. My husband brought me Salad to eat in the back room as I was editing their same day slideshow! Michelle and Shamus had my full attention and drive as any clients do, and my family members were respectful of my work and understood that I couldn’t socialize. Truthfully, I enjoyed myself at their wedding probably more that I would as a guest because I was a part of so many amazing moments with them all day. I had the pleasure of documenting their story and now have this added connection with them, forever.
I did however enjoy not one, but two slices of wedding cake after the coverage had ended, and didn’t even count the calories 😉
I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day for my cousin. I am beyond thrilled for both Michelle and Shamus and I am happy to say, we are now anxiously awaiting the arrival of their son! He will be brought into a very loving home.
Vendors:
Videographer- mondo video production
Band – central Perk (center stage entertainment)
Florist – garden greenhouse & nursery (Laura Smith)
Photo Booth : boardwalk photo booth
