It was a gorgeous Friday in June as we journeyed to Cape May for Kelly and Billy’s wedding and reception at the Abbie Holmes Estate. The sun was shining, music was cranked, and we knew that a fun day awaited us.
Getting Ready in Cape May
Kelly spent the morning with her family and bridesmaids in a beautiful Airbnb. Her beautiful wedding dress was hung in the window, and we were immediately drawn by the party-piece bow on the back of the dress. Kelly was so excited about it and had told us that it was her favorite part of her wedding dress. So, obviously, we photographed it as much as possible.
Her mom was nearby to help with getting her dressed, and it fit like a dream. Then it was time for a first look with her dad. He was speechless. They had a beautiful moment together, and she gave him a gift to help him along with the day.
Meanwhile, Billy was close by in another Airbnb. There was a lot of fun and commotion, but there was a conspicuous absence. Billy’s father had passed away and he was sorely missed all day. Billy had tons of beautiful tokens to remember him by, including a bracelet that had been made for his mom by his dad, and his dad’s ring. His best man, Raj, was ready and waiting to help him with the cufflinks and boutonniere. Then, it was time for the ceremony before heading to the Abbie Holmes Estate for their party!
The Ceremony at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church
It was in a beautiful church that Billy waited patiently for Kelly to arrive so they could cross the threshold into marriage together. When she appeared in the doorway, the tears sprang up in his eyes. He was so excited to see his bride. They’d been planning their Abbie Holmes Estate wedding for so long, and it was all finally coming to pass.
They had a beautiful Catholic mass that united their hearts together forever. They gave each other stunning rings that served as a seal and sign for them. With a triumphant kiss, they were pronounced and started off to their reception at the Abbie Holmes Estate. After a stop at the beach that is!
Portraits at the Beach before the Abbie Holmes Estate Reception
The Cape May beach was the perfect spot for lots of great portraits. We made sure to incorporate the bow on Kelly’s dress in a good portion of those. Kelly and Billy were so sweet together. They had a blast with one another and we got plenty of pictures of them in the newlywed and sunset glow.
Then it was time to get to Abbie Holmes Estate for a great party.
The Reception at Abbie Holmes Estate
There was a beautiful champagne entrance set up for guests to enjoy as they arrived at the Abbie Holmes Estate for Kelly & Billy’s reception. The unique antique glasses lent themselves to the air of old time sophistication that Kelly’s dress evoked. Outside was lavishly appointed with homages to Billy’s dad – Buffalo’s bar – and lots of vintage furniture for guests to enjoy as lounging areas. Inside the ballroom, Verona by EBE Talent was warming up and getting everyone ready for a great night.
The night started off with a beautiful first dance, and launched into toasts from Kelly’s dad, her maid of honor, and Raj, the best man. It was Raj’s speech that brought the tears, when he talked about Billy’s dad being so welcoming of him into their family and then toasting to the newlyweds and all those they love.
Dinner and dancing, punctuated with s’mores and fun outside, took over the rest of the night at Abbie Holmes Estate. Congrats, Kelly & Billy!
