When Erica and Chris chose the Grand Hotel of Cape May for their April 18, 2026 celebration, it was a homecoming as much as a wedding. Originally from New Jersey, Erica grew up with a family beach home so Cape May was in her bones long before she ever moved to Sydney, met a man from Liverpool, fell in love and built a life on the other side of the world. Their first ceremony took place in Australia, but sealing it in New Jersey, surrounded by Erica’s family and the coastline she grew up loving, felt essential. Beautifully photographed by Petal & Glass Photography, the celebration was glamorous and effortlessly coastal.
Their Story
“Chris and I met as most modern couples do these days—on a dating app, in Sydney Australia!”
Erica is originally from New Jersey, and Chris is from Liverpool, England. “Our previous life journeys brought us to living in Sydney. Our first date was instant attraction and lots of laughter and we moved very quickly after that,” says Erica.
The Proposal
Chris asked Erica to spend forever with him one evening at the south end of Coogee Beach in Sydney, a place close to their hearts. The beach is where they spend so much of their time and is just up the road from where we bought out first home together. He proposed with a custom teal sapphire ring that looks like the ocean.
Choosing the Venue
“We chose the Grand Hotel of Cape May as I grew up in New Jersey and my family has a beach home near the Cove Beach,” says Erica. It is a place near and dear to her heart.
Erica and Chris did a first ceremony in Sydney, but wanted to seal the deal back where Erica’s family was from as well. “And Cape May was the perfect spot to represent us as a couple,” says Erica.
Petal & Glass Photography
Details of the Day
“Our vibe of the day was a glamorous beach wedding on the sand with champagne coloured bridesmaids dresses, white and pampas grass bouquets, and the boys in black suits to offer a classy but natural color palette that complemented the ocean and sand,” says Erica.
“We continued the cocktail hour and reception at The Grand in the penthouse ballroom, with live music and signature cocktails. Our wedding favours were a choose your own assortment of treats from local Cape May vendors.”
Favorite Moment
“My favorite moment was our ceremony,” says Erica. “It was a windy day but that didn’t stop us from delivering our vows in such a serene location. My uncle was the officiant and the ceremony was heartfelt and full of laughter.”
“My other favorite moments include speeches and also the last dance of the evening surrounded by family and friends to Frank Sinatra.”
Wedding Day Attire
Chris wore a black tux from MJ Bale. Erica wore a slim satin dress by Essence of Australia from True Society bridal shop in Sydney with sheer arm-length gloves. The bridesmaids wore an assortment of matte satin champagne coloured dresses and the groomsmen wore black suits.
Advice For Other Couples
“My best advice is to not get bogged down with the little details, but to trust your amazing wedding planner—Katlyn at the Grand was BEYOND amazing and allowed me to just focus on enjoying the day,” says Erica.
“Also take a pause at the end of the night. Stand in the middle of the room and look at your guests with your partner and soak it all in.”
Honeymoon
“Chris and I went to Thailand for our honeymoon. Seven days in Phuket exploring all the local charm and exciting adventures from supporting rescued elephants to snorkeling and sightseeing at the markets. We then ended with four days at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort with sun and cocktails.”
Where New Jersey Ends And Forever Begins! The Grand Hotel calls itself Cape May’s premier relaxation destination. Whether you envision a wedding celebration that’s traditional or trend-setting, ...
