Applause ~ Accolades ~ Testimonials ~ Praise
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When I was in college in the 60's I was a cashier at the Cape May Acme in the summer. My husband (married 6/4/2000) who grew up in Cape May, worked in the Acme during the same time also but claims he does not remember me. I have had a vacation home in Cape May since 1983. In 1997 I returned from Dallas to live year round after a successful 30+ year career in marketing, advertising, promotion and public relations. Opening day for Weddings by the Sea was February 12, 1998. After 400+ weddings, anniversaries, vow renewal events and birthdays, the most rewarding part of it all, by far, is receiving the many cards, letters, photos and e-mails from my brides, grooms, mothers, fathers and clients in general. I am sharing them with you along with the many articles that have been published by various media over the past 5 years. I hope you enjoy them.
Renee & Jerry Nigro ~ May 15, 1999 ~ Full Service
"Our wedding weekend was a dream come true for Jerry and me, especially my
fairytale wedding day. Thank you for your dedication in making it all happen for
us. Thanks to your encouragement and help we will always be able to look back on
our wedding with wonderful memories. Our guests are still complimenting us.
After reflecting on the events that led up to our day I realize that I could
never have survived through all the planning and details without the service you
provide for nervous couples. Your sincere dedication and talent for
understanding my ideas helped us turn our dreams into reality. Your calm ways
helped to get us through all of the "unexpected" and we did have our
share of those! Yes, I would probably change a few things if I were to do it all
over again, but keeping it in perspective it was a dream come true. Catherine,
whenever we think back in time to our wedding, we will always have you in our
thoughts. Not only as a fine consultant, but I really felt I gained a friend who
was totally concerned and dedicated to making everything the success it turned
out to be for Jerry and me."
Darleena & Joe Byrne ~ May 22, 1999 ~ Full Service
"Thanks so much for all you did to make our wedding day so successful...We
appreciate your work in coordinating and resolving issues - most of the time
before they ever became issues! Once the processional started, everything went
great and we didn't have to think or worry about anything except having a good
time with family and friends."
Barb & Steve Brennan ~ June 26, 1999 ~ Full Service
"Catherine handled all plans, negotiations, and preparations for our entire
event, which was executed flawlessly...Her patience, support, guidance and
responsibility allows Catherine to stand above the rest as a leader in this
field. She is to be commended for her efforts."
Dr. Jennifer Schmidt & Dr. Dan Curry ~ August 1999 ~ Initial Service
"Better late than never! This is our favorite of the photos you took - I
love the surfer. Thanks again for taking care of all the details. When we told
everyone we got married - and how - our friends who all planned big weddings
were so jealous."
Valerie & Robert Leigh ~ September 19, 1999 ~ Full Service
"Thank you for coordinating and executing my dream wedding from 3,000 miles
away. You made it easy! I was most impressed on my wedding day...it was
magnificent! Thank you for such seamless, detailed coordination. Everyone was in
the right place at the right time, and I did not have to worry about a thing.
From the pre-wedding pictures to the end of the reception, each and every moment
was perfectly orchestrated...You enabled people I love the most to have a
beautifully peaceful and happy day."
Bridgett & Jim O'Donnell ~ July 14, 2000 ~ Initial Service
"A special thank you to you for your assistance in putting together the
perfect wedding! All the guests agreed it was the best wedding they have
attended. Jim and I would not have changed a thing...even the weather. The
downpour stopped thirty minutes prior to the ceremony so we went ahead with it
on the beach. The Reverend was wonderful. He has great style and he made it very
special. The photographer, the bagpipe player, the dinner at Union Park were
extraordinary. The cake was amazing! I could not get over how beautiful it was.
Thank you again."
Elizabeth & Tom Baxter ~ August 26, 2000 ~ Full Service
"What a fabulous day! What a fabulous job! We cannot thank you enough for
everything. Everything was perfect! Thank you for the flutes also! We hope to
see you soon in Cape May. We have gotten so many compliments on how great
everything was! We just want you to know how much we appreciate it."
Diane & Lou Martin ~ August 27, 2000 ~ Initial Service
"Thank you for all of your hard work! Our wedding day was wonderful thanks
to you. Lou and I will send you a photo as soon as we get the proofs back.
Thanks again."
Carmen & Bob Weber ~ September 9, 2000 ~ Full Service
"Just a note to say thank you for everything you did to make our special
day what we truly felt was fairy tale wedding. We couldn't have had a more
beautiful start to the lifelong commitment we've made. We're very happy and
we're grateful for all your help! Thank you!"
Joan Brutsche, Mother of the Bride ~ September 30, 2000 ~ Initial Service
"We had a great wedding, thanks to your help and advice. Melanie & Sam
and our guests were pleased with every part of the day. The flowers were
outstanding, the cake was awesome and Daniel's is my new favorite restaurant. It
was five star for sure - better than I expected - what a nice surprise! Also, we
all enjoyed Angela's enthusiasm. Thanks again. I couldn't have done it without
you."
Kara & Tom Pietrowicz ~ October 14, 2000 ~ Initial Service
"Thank you so much for planning our wedding. It was perfect and we were
blessed with a beautiful day. Everyone had a wonderful time - especially my
mother! Thank you for making it so special!"
Linda Daugherty, Mother of the Bride ~ October 14, 2000 ~ Initial Service
"Is it possible to say that the wedding was perfect? YES!! It was
wonderful. Warm weather in mid-October, dolphins arriving during the ceremony,
beautiful flowers, fabulous cake, and great food and entertainment at the
Washington Inn. Thank you so much for all you did to make the day perfect."
Carolyn Taylor, Mother of the Bride ~ December 27, 2000 ~ Full Service
"Thank you so much for all of your help with James and Sarah's wedding.
Because of all of your help all the pressures of a wedding were lifted from
Sarah and myself. You kept everything organized and running smoothly. We
appreciated the fact that you went out of your way to make the wedding perfect.
Thank you!"
Carolyn & Kevin King ~ June 9, 2001 ~ Initial Service
"We are still working on all the thank yous, but I wanted to let you know
how much I appreciate all the coordinating you did for us. What seems like an
effortless event is always much more work than people imagine. That is how you
can tell it was coordinated well. Thanks for everything!"
Catherine Lippman & Douglas Kennedy Davis ~ June 23, 2001 ~ Full
Service
"I wanted to let you know again what a special day you more than "full
serviced" for us!! We still can't stop thinking about it and will stop by
when the pictures are in our hands again!! See you soon!"
Allen Lippman, Father of the Bride ~ June 23, 2001 ~ Full Service
"Thank you so very, very much for all you did to make Catherine's and
Doug's wedding the joyous success we all think it was. You helped me more than
you will ever know in so very many ways. From the time the bride entered the
tent to the end of the weekend, all the stress ended and the fun began. I know
the Davis's are as pleased as I am. Again, my thanks."
Sally Davis, Mother of the Groom ~ June 23, 2001 ~ A-la-Carte Service
"The wedding weekend was the most wonderful event! All the festivities
blended into a beautiful time. Caroline's party, the bachelor's dinner, the
rehearsal dinner and the wedding day. All went so smoothly. I loved riding on
the trolley with the bridesmaids. It made me feel about 20! Catherine and Doug
had such a good time at their wedding, as well as every guest! Thanks for making
everything fun and relaxed. Thanks again for planning a really spectacular
wedding. You really do "love brides and their families" like your pin
says."
Carolyn Longo ~ Summer 2001 ~ A Shop Customer
"My husband Rob and I came to Cape May to celebrate our 1st anniversary on
June 24th. When we visited your beautiful shoppe - one of my very favorites -
you were so thoughtful and kind. I just had to say thank you. You presented me
with a darling silver 2000 charm and I will treasure it forever - not only
because it is the year of our marriage, but because it was an unexpected
surprise from someone who didn't even know me. I will never forget that you did
that and I will try to do something nice for someone else in your honor. You are
so sweet. I wish you happiness always."
Dr. Larry & Leslie Kramer, Parents of the Bride ~ August 4, 2001 ~
Full Service
"Thank you for all that you did to make this a perfect day for our
children. Words cannot express the joy that you brought to our family in
assisting us with the preparations for the wedding of Alanna & Greg. When
they came to us with the vision of their "perfect wedding day," we
must say that we were more than a little apprehensive. However, your calm,
thoughtful and positive manner helped bring their dreams to fruition. I think
everyone felt their joy from the moment they met under the chuppah until their
final dance under the moonlight."
Alanna & Greg Wildgrube ~ August 4, 2001 ~ Full Service
"Well, we made it - the weather didn't go exactly as planned but it sure
added some excitement and some memories (arriving in the back of a pick-up
truck!). In the end though everything turned out wonderful and magical. Most of
this is due to your hard work. Greg and I cannot thank you enough for helping
make our dream come true. All of my Mom's friends that she was worried about in
the sand even thought the wedding was unforgettable. I hope you were even able
to enjoy yourself some. Our honeymoon was incredible! Now it's time to settle
back into everyday life as husband and wife - the memories, however, will be a
part of me forever. Again, thank you for everything!!! Greg and I will try to
stop by in a couple of weeks and I hope to have some pictures for you to keep in
your records. Hope all is well with you. Eternal thanks."
Jennifer & Bob Alleman ~ September 15, 2001 ~ Full Service
"Although we've already expressed our gratitude for all you've done for us,
Bob and I want to tell you again...Thank You Very Much! Thank you for making our
wedding an absolute dream come true! Planning specific details is not one of our
strong points and you helped us through this and made everything so easy. And of
course, how can we ever forget the dress? What would we have done without you
after what happened to the dress? You performed a miracle from what could have
been an absolute nightmare! You truly are a Miracle Worker...or as my (Jen's)
Mother would say, an Angel from Heaven. Thanks again, Catherine, for everything.
Love, Jennifer and Bob"
Dawn & Jim Anderson ~ May 4, 2002 ~ Initial Service
"How can we ever begin to thank you enough? Everything was absolutely
wonderful. You were right about everything! Thank you for all your suggestions.
Accent on Beauty was such a wonderful experience. My hair (as everyone else's)
was so beautiful. I never felt so beautiful before. The musicians were great.
Thanks for your recommendations - they added a nice touch. The flowers from Cape
Winds were the most beautiful I have ever seen - and they were for my wedding!
Chris Hubert and Maya and the entire Union Park staff were wonderful -
especially with the children. The food and service were out of this world! The
cake was absolutely beautiful and delicious. I wanted a wonderful day and your
expertise made it that. I will always look back on the day with happy memories.
Thank you. Love, Dawn and Jim"
Terry & John Milano ~ June 8, 2002 ~ Initial Service
"Just a note to thank you again for your time and attention to detail. Our
wedding was picture perfect. It was a pleasure to work with you. We surely will
tell anyone looking to marry in Cape May to give you a call. Take Care, Terry
& John"
Linsey & Anthony Annuzzi ~ June 15, 2002 ~ Full Service
"Thank you for taking part in our wedding. You helped make it turn out just
the way we dreamed it would. Thank you so much for all of your time and help. We
couldn't have done it without you. You made our day even more special with no
worries! Love, Linsey & Anthony"
Patricia & Richard White ~ June 22, 2002 ~ Initial Service
"Dick and I want to thank you again for helping us have a most memorable
wedding day. I'm sure you even arranged the perfect weather! We know it's your
job and, girl, you do it well. When we're in the area we'll stick our heads in
and say hi! Love, Pat & Dick"
Jackie & Bill Aubrey ~ September 3, 2002 ~ A-la-Carte Service
"My husband and I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all
the planning and preparations that you made for our 25th Wedding Anniversary.
With your help and suggestions, Bill and I had a beautiful vow renewal.
Everything was perfect, Reverend Armstrong, Michael, Cape May and the Pelican
Club. The weather even cooperated to make our day a special one. I was glad that
I got to meet you in person and I'll be sure to stop in next time we visit Cape
May. We also wanted to thank you for the lovely frame, our photos will look
wonderful in it. Thanks to you we have many beautiful memories. We will be sure
to send you a photo of our vow renewal as soon as we possibly can. With love and
appreciation, Jackie & Bill."
Dorothy & Walt Niwinski ~ September 7, 2002 ~ Initial Service
"We are so happy you were able to celebrate with us on our wedding day.
Your help and guidance made our day perfect and we thank you. The toasting
glasses were a special surprise and made our table complete. Thanks so much.
Sincerely, Dorothy & Walt."
Michaela & Daniel Leon ~ September 28, 2002 ~ Full Service
"Thank you again for all your help this weekend. We had a great time and
with your help got to really sit back and enjoy! Michaela & Dan"
Monica & Rob Hodges ~ May 4, 2003 ~ Full Service
“Thank you once again for everything you did to make our wedding day so
beautiful and special. We told you everything we wanted at our first
consultation and Catherine, you gave it all to us and it was even more beautiful
than we ever dreamed it could be. Thank you for all of your advice, help, hard
work and kindness to us and our friends and family. Thank you for being so
calming…I needed that!…and for letting us enjoy our day so much. We’re so glad
that you were such a wonderfully big part of our celebration, and were able to
share our happiness. We will never forget you and we’re looking forward to
seeing you when we visit Cape May again! Love, Monica and Rob”
Lisa & Nick Garnett ~ July 19, 2003 ~ Full Service
“Thank you for all the hard you put into making our wedding day spectacular.
Your help was truly a blessing from God! The day was absolutely perfect and you
had a large part in making it the most wonderful day of our lives. You can’t
imagine how much we appreciate all you did. Sincerely, Lisa and Nick Garnett”
Michele & Paul Smith ~ August 2, 2003 ~ Initial
Service
“We just wanted to thank you once more for making our wedding exactly how we
hoped. The day went so beautifully and we all enjoyed the service. Our daughter
Hannah loved the carriage and everyone thought the wedding was amazing.
Sincerely, Michele and Paul Smith”
Bethany & Rich Spaziante ~ August 16, 2003 ~ Full
Service
“Thank you so much for the attention and care you gave to our special day. The
knowledge that everything was in your capable hands allowed us to relax and
enjoy our wedding, which was beautiful! Rich was especially impressed that you
were overseeing every detail of our reception. We loved working with you and
truly appreciate all of your efforts. Sincerely, Bethany and Rich Spaziante”
Anita & Edward Tyers ~ September 27, 2003 ~ Initial
Service
“Thank you for making my wedding possible. I couldn’t possibly have had anything
close to the wedding I wanted without your help. Because of your time, patience,
understanding and organization, I had a perfect wedding day! Again many thanks!
Sincerely, Anita Tyers.
Andrea & Brad Sahl ~ December 20, 2003 ~ Initial
Service
“Thank you so much for everything you did to make our day the most PERFECT day.
We had such a blast and enjoyed every last bit of it. We could not have pulled
it off without you. You made everything stress free for us that we were able to
enjoy our day to the fullest. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts.
Best wishes, Andrea and Brad Sahl”
Stacey & Joe Seward ~ April 28, 2004 ~ A-la-Carte
“Here’s a quick to say thank you again for all of your help. You gave us exactly
what we wanted and needed. Thanks again. Joe, Stacey & Elsie”
Joan and David Hart ~ Parents of the Groom ~ May 22,
2004 ~ Full Service
“Many thanks from Joan and me for your patience, fortitude and flexibility in
preparing for and executing a wonderful series of events highlighted by Geoffrey
and Christina’s wedding ceremony. Everything was meticulously done and no detail
went wanting. Again, our heartfelt thanks for a terrific success. Sincerely, D.F.
Hart, Jr. RADM USN”
Jason & Brooke Coleman ~ June 5, 2004 ~ Full Service
“We couldn’t have done it without you!! Jason and I were so grateful to have all
your help and support. Besides the weather (the only thing you couldn’t control)
everything came off without a hitch. Thank you again for helping to make it such
a wonderful and memorable day. Jason and Brooke”
Denise Reinhart ~ Mother of the Bride ~ June 5, 2004
~ Full Service
“Wow! Lots of work, e-mails, phone calls and fun! It was beautiful and “Special”
Glad you were there. You saved the day! Thanks so much, Denise”
Julie & Brad Gee ~ September 10, 2004 ~ A-la-Carte
“This note comes with warm and sincere appreciation. Thank you for all your
help. It was a pleasure to meet you. Thank you and take care, Always, Julie and
Brad”
Jennifer & Gavin Osteen ~ September 20, 2004 ~
Initial Service
“We cannot thank you enough for all of your help with our wedding. When we
decided that we wanted to get married at the beach and have an out-of-town
wedding, we thought that planning it would be difficult. Luckily, we met you and
you made everything easy for us. Our wedding was perfect and we couldn’t be
happier with our weekend in Cape May. Many of our guests said it was the best
wedding they have ever been to. Again, thank you for all of your help in making
the most important day in our lives perfect. With heartfelt thanks and love,
Jennifer and Gavin Osteen”
Heather & Joe Trapasso ~ September 25, 2004 ~
Initial Service
“Words cannot express out thankfulness for all your help in
organizing our beach ceremony. It couldn’t have been more perfect! All our best,
Heather and Joe Trapasso”
Marion Basolis ~ Mother of the Bride ~ April 16,
2005 ~ Initial Service
“Thank you for helping to make Robinson’s wedding weekend so special! The whole
weekend worked like clock-work – what can I say, you were so instrumental in its
success! Many thanks for everything! Sincerely, Marion Basolis”
Susan & Dan Larsen ~ May 20, 2005 ~ Full Service
“Thank you so much for everything. It couldn’t have been more beautiful! Susan
Larsen”
Linda Harris ~ Mother of the Bride ~ may 20, 2005 ~
Full Service
“Catherine, you were a phenomenal asset to have in planning the perfect day for
my only daughter. You were there every step of the way in guiding and smoothing
a few rough spots in planning a “once in a lifetime” event. You really made sure
it was everything that Susan and Dan wanted from the rehearsal dinner to the
reception. There were terrific suggestions that we would never have thought of
if it weren’t for you. Your experience and calmness in dealing with a jittery
bride and her Mom were absolutely invaluable. Even the day before when the
torrent of rain was getting our spirits down you were totally optimistic that
we’d have the ceremony on the beach as planned. I have already recommended you
to two of my friends who are now so intrigued by such a romantic and unique
setting as Cape May to have their wedding. Sincerely, Linda Harris”
Stef and Ken Dobbs ~ May 20, 2005 ~ Initial Service
“Ken and I just to say thank you for everything and all the help you have given
us. You really made our wedding the most beautiful I had ever seen. The weather
you ordered couldn’t have been better. Everybody I met in Cape May was so nice
and friendly. I really felt that Ken and I made new friends that we will never
forget. It’s also a reason to make a trip to Cape May! I wouldn’t have done it
differently – it was the perfect wedding!! Thanks again, Sincerely, Your Friends
Ken and Stef Dobbs”
Jen & Dave Strauss ~ June 18, 2005 ~ Full Service
“Thank you so much for making our wedding very special. As I reflect upon my
memories of the planning period and the wedding day, I have realized that it
takes a patient, good-hearted individual to create a peaceful atmosphere for the
bride and groom; that individual is you! Despite the headaches and differences,
everyone had a wonderful experience at our wedding. I hope that when (if we are
blessed with children), they will be able to experience your consulting business
when they are wed. You are a special person and we wish you all the ebst in
life. Love, Jen and Dave. P.S. The decorated wedding suite was so perfect!”
Roseanne & Matt Forster ~ July 9, 2005 ~ Initial
Service
“We know you know this but we wanted to tell you again. We greatly appreciate
everything you did for us! I would have been lost without your help. Thank you
for making the effort and taking the time to make sure that our day went so
smoothly. We will make sure to stop and visit whenever we are in Cape May. Love,
Roseanne and Matt”
Tom & Sue Seely ~ July 30, 2005 ~ Initial Service
“We thank you so much for your contributions to our wedding. Your warmth and
professionalism gave us a great feeling from the start. Rev. Gallagher, the
photographer, the gazebo, the flowers and the weather all were perfection. Tom
and I are very blessed to have come together and we would highly suggest you and
your services to all. Affectionately, Tom and Sue Seely”
Carly & Jeff Saal ~ August 6, 2005 ~ Full Service
Catherine…Thank you so much for helping to plan our special day! We could not
have done it all without you!! All our love…Carly & Jeff
Lyn & Michael Coviello ~ August 13, 2005 ~ Full
Service
“Michael and I want to thank you for helping us plan our “wedding by the sea”!
Everything worked out just as planned. Our families did not know what to expect,
and as of today, are still talking abut the wonderful day. Thank you for taking
part in our special day! Love, Michael and Lyn Coviello”
Wendy & Jamie Holmes ~ September 17, 2005 ~ Initial
Service
“I want to thank you for everything you did to make our day special. It was a
beautiful day and we could not be more pleased with everything. Thanks again.
Wendy Holmes”
Tiffany and Dan Stephan ~ September 17, 2005 ~ Full
Service
“Thank you for everything you have done for Dan and me. It was the most
wonderful day of my life, and you had such a huge part in the making of that. I
was so stressed out the day before, but it turned out that I had nothing to
worry about. Everything was more beautiful than I imagined – Dan, the ceremony,
my bridesmaids, the carriage ride, the Washington Inn and all the
decorations….everything was perfect. And it was so much more than that. Dan and
I have so many wonderful memories, and my only regret is that I want to rewind
time and do it all again because it was so much fun! It would never have
happened without you, and I will never forget that. I dreamed of my wedding when
I was a little girl, and I never thought much about it until Dan proposed. But
then I dreamed A LOT, and I wondered if the real thing would be half as
wonderful as my dreams. It was better. Catherine thank you for making the dreams
that I didn’t know I had come true. Love, Tiffany Stephan”
Lois Dudley ~ Mother of Bride ~ September 24, 2005 ~
Initial Service ~ Wedding Day Services
(Robyn & Dennis Callahan) “My family joins me in thanking you for helping make
Robyn and Dennis’ day so special. Your quiet commanding presence and self
assurance helped make Saturday a true fairy tale for us all. We have had
countless people (who have been to many lavish weddings) tell us that this
wedding was the best, the most fun of any wedding they had ever been to. We know
we were blessed with a perfect day and a beautiful bride, but the planning and
seamless quality of the wedding and reception can only be attributed to your
attention and advice. Most Sincerely, Lois Dudley”
Meg & Andy Boczkowski ~ October 15, 2005 ~
A-la-Carte & Wedding Day Services
“Thank you for helping us plan and for coordinating our wedding. Andy and I had
a fantastic time and we were so pleased with how the ceremony turned out.
(especially the sun!) Thank you for everything! Fondly, Meg and Andy”
Heidi & Gary Hade ~ May, 20, 2006 ~ Initial Service
~ Wedding Day Services
Gary and I just wanted to thank you again for all of your help with the wedding
planning. You made the whole process virtually stress free, which was exactly
what we wanted. We had a wonderful day and the perfect wedding for us. We’ll be
sure to come by and visit the next time we’re in town! Thanks again!
Heather & Teddy Ludwikowki ~ June 3, 2006 ~ Full
Service
Catherine, thank you for all you did to help make our wedding day so special. It
was exactly as we imagined. We had a great time. Love, Heather and Teddy
Joelle & Chris Quilla ~ October 14, 2006 ~ Initial
Service ~ Wedding Day Services
Thank you once again for all your help with our wedding. The ceremony was
absolutely beautiful and every last detail was taken care of thanks to you! It
was nice to work with you and we hope to keep in touch. All the best in 2007!
With warm regards, Joelle & Chris
Morgan and John Bau ~ January 13, 2007 ~ Initial
Service
Thank you so much for your help with organizing our perfect wedding. I’m still
amazed at how you pulled off 65 degrees in the middle of January! Ryan was
fabulous, Tony was wonderful, our cake by Kathy was a piece of art, the
musicians were terrific, the DJ Rick did a fabulous job! I can’t thank you
enough for coordinating everything to make it all happen. Morgan and John
Sharon and Ed Gibson ~ May 12, 2007 ~ Full Service
We just wanted to thank you again for making our wedding such a special day for
both of us. When we returned from our honeymoon, our friends all had stories
about the weekend. The main theme was a god time had by all. Most of all us You
were right, there was so much to take in. Ed and I cannot believe the things we
did not remember until we saw the photos and video. I know the bagpiper was
playing as we walked down, but I have no idea what song was playing. Thank you
again for everything. Sharon and Ed
Sakina and John Scanlon ~ June 30, 2007 ~ Full
Service
Just want to say Thank You soooo much for making every single detail from the
beginning of planning to the rehearsal to the actual event so smooth and
painless!!! Everyone commented to us on how planned out it seemed and how nicely
every event flowed. We had a great time. Thanks also for your “weather”
request…all those sun dances paid off!! We had a great time at the reception.
And even though I was asleep by 11PM, everyone told us they had a great time and
that it was the best wedding they have ever been to!! Thank you soooo much!!
Sakina and John
Brenda and Esse Shapari ~ Parents of the Bride ~
June 30, 2007 ~ Full Service
Thank you so much for helping to “translate” and bring to life our ideas for our
daughter Sakina’s wedding. We truly could not have done it all without your
guidance, encouragement, support and ideas. As I told you previously, you do
your job very well. You will be a big part of our fond memories of this very
special day in our life together. Thank you again for everything. With fond
regards, Brenda and Esse.
Michele and George Young ~ July 7, 2007 ~ 07/07/07 ~
Initial Service ~ Wedding Day Services
George and I want to thank you for making our wedding a dream come true. We
truly appreciate everything you did to make this a stress free wedding. Thank
you again for all you did for us. Michele and George (CBS3 Phila –Angela Russell
- aired a feature on Michele and George’s wedding in May 2007)
Annette and Robert Immella ~ July 7, 2007 ~ 07/07/07
~ Beach Ceremony Rentals
Thank you for making the day extra special. The arbor, which we were married
under, was beautiful. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. Robert
and Annette
Jaime and Americo ~ August 4, 2007 ~ Full Service
We did get caught in the hurricane in Puerto Rico – lots of great stories! I’m
very happy with the way everything went…it was amazing and beautiful…and
everything we planned happened perfectly. I’ve received lots of positive
feedback from many of the guests – and I am not surprised! The ladies at
Congress Hall are great too. We will visit next Spring when we get back to Cape
May. Thank you so much for everything! Love, Jaime and Americo
Marcy and Rick Graham ~ Parents of the Bride ~
August 4, 2007 ~ Full Service
Thank you so very much for all you have done to make this a very special day for
Jaime and Americo and for all of our family and friends. Sincere Regards, Marcy
and Rick
Dottie and Jim Plank ~ September 7, 2007 ~ Initial
Services ~ Wedding Day Services
I just wanted to thank you for all of your help and guidance. You have helped us
have the wedding of our dreams! Thank you so much. Dottie and Jim
Michelle and Kevin McCarron ~ September 8, 2007 ~
Beach Ceremony Rentals
Thank you so much for handling the set-up and break down of our beach wedding on
9/8/07. You did such a nice job! Your work is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
Michelle and Kevin
Lauren and Bill Clarke ~ October 13, 2007 ~ Initial
Services
I want to say thank you for your advice, recommendations and overall help to us
in planning such an event from afar. The entire weekend was fabulous including
the sunshine and balmy breezes!! Rev Glass performed a perfect and warm ceremony
and everyone was so accommodating. The florist, photographer, videographer,
harpist were all ideal. The Hotel Alcott was superb! For all of this, I thank
you very much. Sincerely, Annamarie Kossler
Kelly and Dante Volpe ~ October 27, 2007 ~ Full
Service
Between packing and saying goodbye, I didn’t get a chance to thank you last
night! All of our guests had a wonderful time, which was our hope for the day.
You were a major part in making that come true for Dante and me! I really
enjoyed working with you. The patience, experience and insight you shared gave
the whole event that “professional touch”! I wish you many more sunny weddings.
We will stay in touch. Ciao, Kelly and Dante
March 12, 1998, The Cape May Star & Wave featured the grand opening of Weddings by the Sea and tells the tale of how Catherine Walton came back to Cape May to realize a dream.
June 4, 1998, an article based on research provided by Weddings by the Sea was published in the Cape May Star and Wave illustrating that Cape May had become a serious choice for couples who wanted to be married with "their piggies in the sand" at a destination resort in the tri-state area.
June 28, 1999, The Atlantic City Press featured a Weddings by the Sea Cape May wedding of a North Jersey couple entitled "Wedding Bells Have Many Couples On Their Way To Cape May."
June 28, 1999, The Philadelphia Inquirer's wedding feature writer Dianna Marder visited Cape May to photograph and tell the story of a Weddings by the Sea beach wedding and B&B reception.
September 12, 2000, The Camden Courier Post's writer Judith Winne covered a B&B tented wedding planned by Weddings by the Sea complete with breathtaking photos of the couple walking off into the fabulous sunset.
March 23, 2000, Ocean City Sentinel / CMS&W featured Weddings by the Sea's accomplishments in an article entitled "Weddings by the Sea Offers One Stop Shopping For Weddings, Whether Victorian or Contemporary."
Winter 2000-2001, Philadelphia Wedding Pages Magazine (now The Knot -Wedding Pages) published a cover article on Catherine's own Victorian Cape May wedding. The article was entitled "Professional Touch - Wedding Coordinator Celebrates Marriage In Historic Cape May".
January 18, 2001, Chestnut Hill Local, praised Cape May and Weddings by the Sea in an article noting that "Cape May offers more than charm to couples planning their weddings."
February 7, 2001, Cape May County Herald, published an article written by Catherine Walton entitled "A Cape May Wedding, Your Feet In The Sand".
June 27, 2001, Philadelphia Inquirer, wedding feature writer Dianna Marder did a feature story on beach weddings at the Jersey Shore and selected one of Weddings by the Sea's events as an example. The article was entitled "Get Them To The Beach On Time".
September 7, 2002, Ocean City Sentinel / CMS&W, announced the unveiling of their wedding mural.
October 17, 2002, Ocean City Sentinel / CMS&W, published a feature article entitled “wedding mural celebrates beach weddings” The mural features names and dates of couples who tied the knot with their feet in the sand in Cape May.
February 27, 2003 OCSentinel & CMS&W, feature article entitled “Planning a Wedding in Cape May? ‘Weddings by the Sea’ Can Help Turn Plans Into Reality”
Summer 2004, Morristown Magazine, feature entitled “Weddings by the Sea” noting that Cape May is third in the country for destination weddings on the beach.
Summer 2004, The Great Vacation Guide, exclusive feature on Catherine Walton and Weddings by the Sea.
July 2005, Philadelphia Inquirer, feature on Weddings by the Sea beach ceremonies at Sunset Pavilion Beach and the future of beach weddings in Cape May.
Summer 2005, Atlantic City Press, feature on most difficult issues raised by Brides and wedding planner’s advice on how to best handle them.
Summer 2005, Atlantic City Press, feature on Cape May weddings and their positive financial impact on tourism.
Summer 2005, Ocean City Sentinel / CMS&W, several features on the beach wedding City permit system and proposals to revise and upgrade the process.
Summer 2005, The Herald, articles on the future of beach weddings in Cape May.
Summer 2005, The Gazette, articles on the future of beach weddings in Cape May.
June, 2005 capemay.com, magazine page, exclusive feature on a day in the life of Catherine Walton, Wedding Planner as she rehearses and executes 2 beach weddings in one day.
Spring 2006, New Jersey Bride Magazine, feature on Surfside Ceremonies featuring Catherine Walton and Weddings by the Sea.
June 2006, Cape May Magazine, feature article entitled “The Seaside Wedding” about how to plan a Cape May wedding.
Summer 2006, Philadelphia Magazine’s Elegant Wedding, feature entitled “Destination Wedding, Say I Do in Cape May” focusing on Catherine Walton and advice on how to plan destination beach weddings.
Summer 2006, New Jersey Bride Magazine, featuring Weddings by the Sea’s Top 10 Beach Wedding Tips”. Also features Catherine Walton’s advise on bridal party gifts that are beach wedding appropriate for Moms and Brides.
Fall 2006, New Jersey Bride Magazine, An article on Weekend Weddings in New Jersey featuring “By The Seashore” the Three Day Event in Cape May through the eyes of Weddings by the Sea.
November 5, 2006, Atlantic City Press, Feature entitled “Wedding Business in Cape May City may get boost from same-sex ruling” Catherine Walton quoted for comments related to the expected economic windfall from civil unions under proposed New Jersey statute.
Spring 2007, Philadelphia Magazine’s Elegant Wedding, feature on destination wedding etiquette including the appropriate way to handle rehearsal events, transportation, parking, accommodations, et al for both guests and bridal party.
Fall 2006, New Jersey Bride, Alexis Kelly writer. Feature on weddings by the Sea’s recommendations and suggestions of unique gifts for the bridal party.
May 2007, CBS# Philadelphia, Angela Russell reporter. Feature story/video on Weddings by the Sea’s 7/7/07 707AM beach wedding with Michele and George Young. Cape May licensing/City Hall and Sunset Pavilion Beach featured.
Summer 2007, South Jersey Magazine, Feature on Weddings by the Sea history, beach weddings, Cape May weddings. By Jen Miller
Summer 2007, Bride’s Magazine, feature mention on article focusing on budget locations for weddings. Henry’s on the Beach was featured. Ms. Espejo writer
Summer 2007, ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Newsletter. Reprinted article by Catherine Walton on a 9/30/06 series of 3 weddings using ABC Novice help. The trials and tribulations of booking and executing multiple beach weddings and receptions on the same day.
August 2007, Cape May Magazine, Feature in Publisher Bernie Haas’ Notes describing the Young’s 7/7/07 Cape May beach wedding, titled “7/7/7 A Cape May Sampler”.
Fall 2007 ABC Newsletter “Tricks of the Trade” published a letter from Catherine Walton recounting how a 7/7/07 Weddings by the Sea wedding was so unique.
May 5, 2008, The Jersey Shore, Atlantic City to Cape May: Great Destinations: A Complete Guide, by Jen Miller. Features include Weddings by the Sea and Cape May weddings.
Spring 2008, Twin Capes Traveller Magazine, Cape May Lewes Ferry Free Publication. Margaret Montet writer featured and compared beach weddings in Md, De and Cape May NJ (the Ferry region). Weddings by the Sea and Cape May beach weddings was the key focus. Photos of Cape May beach weddings featured.
March 1, 2008 week, Cape May Star and Wave, Ocean City Sentinel. Published Weddings by the Sea’s Top 20 Beach Wedding Tips and featured Weddings by the Sea history in an article about the Cape May wedding industry.
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Professional Touch: Wedding Coordinator Celebrates Marriage in Historic Cape May
by Lorna Rothanzl for The Knot-Wedding Pages, Philadelphia, Winter 2000, www.theknot.com Copyright © 2000
As a new bride, Catherine Walton took her own advice. She smiled, took a deep breath and headed down the aisle to become Mrs. John Randall Macciocchi.
It was with conscious effort that she absorbed every detail of those moments as she and her parents, both 78, walked along the path behind her Cape May, NJ home to a gazebo where her wedding awaited.
For more than 20 years Walton, a professional wedding coordinator, has sent brides down the aisle. On June 4 she took that walk herself.
"The last thing I tell a bride before she walks down the aisle is to smile and have a good time," Catherine said. "And I usually see them exhale. And that's just what I did before I walked down the aisle - exhaled."
It wasn't that she was nervous. Catherine was worried she would miss the moments about to unfold if she let herself get too caught up in the excitement.
"We spent almost a year planning this wedding, and six months out I found myself really enjoying the process," Catherine said. "There were so many choices at that time. But then three months out all the decisions were made and the waiting began and that was difficult. As the day neared I knew everything would happen so fast and it's hard to slow everything down."
So she chose to put off the wedding as long as possible. In fact, she and her fiancé planned a wedding weekend to end with the ceremony as an attempt to lengthen the celebration with family and friends.
As owner of Weddings by the Sea in Cape May, Catherine knew local weddings draw many out-of-town guests and hers was no exception. "We had more than 50 guests from Washington State, Texas, Georgia, Florida, New York State, Chicago and Philadelphia," she said. "We wanted to spend as much time as we could with our guests, as many had never been here before."
"We started by renting an ocean-front bed & breakfast for the weekend," Catherine said. "Friday afternoon the guests started to arrive, and some of them stayed at the B&B, while John's family stayed at his home and my family stayed at mine."
The first evening was filled with activities that included a pizza party, bicycle rides and a promenade walk on the beach at sunset.
"Saturday morning began with a breakfast at the B&B, and then we gave our guests gift bags filled with a list of activity options. Some went to the Strawberry Festival in town, while others went whale watching and stopped by the lighthouse."
The guests then gathered for an authentic lobster bake and ended the evening with dancing to a DJ.
"Because I'm older, I've had all of these different lifetimes," Catherine said. "And these people are all parts of these different lifetimes and they all came together for our wedding. It was such a celebration." On Sunday morning the party regrouped for a gourmet breakfast at the B&B.
Then, at 11:00 a.m., Catherine stood on her back porch while John sprinkled rose petals on the carpet, a signal for his bride to begin her walk.
"I had this gazebo in my backyard, and it has always been something very symbolic to me," she said. "I wanted our wedding ceremony to be a bit more private."
The gazebo was adorned with silk garlands featuring Victorian roses. A classical guitar and flute combo set the tone. The ceremony included a candle lighting, the special presentation of a Bible verse and roses to Catherine's mother and a surprise dove release.
Catherine wore a traditional, high-necked Victorian gown with long sleeves and a drop waist that featured a satin sash and short train. She carried a satin loop wrapped with silk ribbon and roses to gather her train. "I liked swishing it around," she said. "It was just enough to hold the train and it did not hit the ground."
To complete her Victorian look, Catherine wore a floral wreath with a heart-edged veil for the ceremony. The headpiece was removed for the reception and handmade ribbon roses with pearls on pin hooks were placed in her hair that was worn up in curls. "All of the flowers were very authentic Victorian," Catherine said. "We held tussy mussy holders with wildflowers and roses."
Each of the female guests received Victorian fans at the wedding. The men were later pinned with tine rosebuds at the reception.
After the ceremony the bridal party was joined by the 55 guests for a group photo at the gazebo. "The guests really got a kick out of that," Catherine said. "Even with lots of photographs at your wedding, you never get a photo of everyone there. I wanted one big photo like a reunion shot."
The newlyweds then went to the historic Victorian Physick Estate for photographs, while the guests moved to the Washington Inn for cocktails and a champagne brunch reception. A dance band performed love songs from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. The couple selected "Let It Be Me" for their first dance. A four-tiered chocolate and almond flavored wedding cake was served, and featured white chocolate and meringue shells, roses and doves, and was topped with two sand shells as a vase to hold white chocolate roses.
"It was a focal point," Catherine said. "And because my husband is a mason, instead of a cake knife, we used a masonry trowel wrapped with tulle and peach ribbon to cut the cake."
After the reception, Catherine and John boarded a horse-drawn carriage for a ride through Cape May and to the ocean where photographs were taken.
Their wedding celebration was a fitting end to a courtship that was quite Victorian itself.
Catherine returned to Cape May in 1997, having worked as a Dallas bridal consultant for many years. She opened a shop next door to John's home, and the new neighbors began an over-the-fence chat relationship. A native of Cape May, John lived in the home built by his grandfather.
"I surmised he was single from watching him come and go, and on occasion we would strike up a conversation while he was out in the garden," Catherine said. "It was a very quiet, old-fashioned courtship. He would come into my shop on a Saturday or Sunday just to talk. It took a long time to break the ice."
It wasn't until a Chamber of Commerce-sponsored ferry trip about six months later that they had their first official date. John joined his businesswoman neighbor for the watery ride, and they've been together ever since.
Looking back on her wedding, Catherine would change only one thing if possible.
"I would have made it last longer," she said. "This was all about our guests coming from so far away, and we were so overwhelmed that they all wanted to be here with us. We wanted to spend every minute with them, and when they started to leave Sunday afternoon, it was so very hard to let them go."
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