From a romantic proposal on Mackinac Island to an intimate Cape May Lighthouse wedding, Hannah's love story is full of meaningful moments and timeless bridal style.
THE COUPLE
We met when I was working in a restaurant and he came in as a customer. He proposed on Mackinac Island in Michigan, which is a place that feels like stepping back in time where cars are banned and everyone gets around by bicycle or horse. It is truly a bucket list destination and made for such a special and unforgettable moment.
THE WEDDING VENUE
We got married at the Cape May Lighthouse. As Philly suburb natives who grew up going down the Jersey Shore, we were really drawn to the historic charm of Cape May. We wanted an intimate ceremony with just our parents, and we loved that it had a quaint feeling that reminded us of Mackinac Island. The lighthouse felt especially meaningful, symbolizing strength, guidance, and being each other’s light in the dark.
After our ceremony, we had an intimate dinner at the Ebbitt Room at the Virginia Hotel, which made the day feel even more special and personal. Six months later we had our happily ever after party at the Lazaretto Ballroom in Essington PA to celebrate with all of our family and friends. We started the party by playing a video from our wedding day and then made our entrance.
THE BRIDAL OUTFITS
I initially bought a wedding dress that I thought I loved, but I never truly felt beautiful in it even after having it professionally altered. Sustainability is very important to me, which is why I purchased it from a secondhand bridal boutique called Hand Me Gowns in NJ. I also found my cathedral style veil there, which I absolutely loved.
Eventually I realized I wanted something more effortless and true to me, a simple timeless slip dress. I discovered Lee and McCabe on TikTok, a small woman owned brand focused on sustainability and creating bridal pieces that can be worn beyond just one day. I ended up wearing Lee and McCabe’s Amore Bridal Slip Dress, which felt perfect and was a fraction of the cost of my original gown and alterations. I paired it with my long lace veil with delicate pearl details, which made the whole look feel romantic and timeless and completely like me.
For our happily ever after party I wore the Olivia pleated dress from Azazie. It had the same simple, classic, and elegant feel that I loved.
WEDDING DETAILS I LOVED
The night before our wedding, we stuck to tradition and slept apart, planning not to see each other again until the altar. But the morning of, we both ended up sneaking out of our separate hotel rooms and meeting for a quiet walk on the beach. It helped calm our nerves and gave us a chance to just be together before everything started. That little moment alone ended up being one of my favorite parts of the whole day.
ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES
Do not rush into buying your wedding dress. Even if you think you have found the one, give yourself a day or two to sit with the decision. It is easy to get caught up in the emotions of the moment and make a quick and expensive choice you might regret later.
Also try to limit endless scrolling on wedding TikTok or Pinterest because comparison really is the thief of joy. Today’s wedding culture can create a lot of pressure to go over the top, but it is important to stay grounded in what truly matters. Some people get so caught up in planning a wedding that they lose sight of the marriage. If you start to feel overwhelmed, go back to the basics and remind yourself what the day is really about.
