Home
Real Weddings
Michelle and DJ at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

Home

Michelle and DJ at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

Posted on July 05, 2018 by New Jersey Bride

How did you meet?
DJ and I met in Homeroom during our freshmen year of high school. DJ moved to a different town after our freshman year, but we reconnected during our junior year. We dated on and off in high school, but we really made things “official” once we graduated.

How did you get engaged?
We LOVE the beach, and our little dog Minnie. It was an oddly beautiful February day (February 20th, 2016 to be exact), so we took a drive with our dog to the Ocean City beach to let Minnie run around and play. I was video taping Minnie running around on the beach when I saw DJ walk over and pick Minnie up to carry her. He walked over to me, with Minnie in his arm, and after muttering a few simple yet loving words, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He completely caught me off guard, and it was the best feeling ever! I said yes after about 5 straight minutes of me staring at him, Minnie and the ring about 20 times before realizing it was actually happening. I was shocked, but so happy.

Details of the day!
We both love Disney (obviously, since we honeymooned there, and named our dog Minnie) so we had a subtle Disney themed wedding! Our centerpieces included Disney Lenox figurines that rested on a cake plate, surrounded by light colored flowers and greenery. Each table was a different character. Our guests entered our reception area while an instrumental version of “Be Our Guest” from Beauty & the Beast was playing, and our officiant even incorporated some Disney quotes and sayings during our ceremony. I’d say our color scheme was a blush and gold theme, perfect for June. The girls wore blush colored dresses, while the guys wore simple, elegant black tuxedos.

Why did you choose your venue?
My mom and her sisters went to the Seaview many times in the Summer growing up, so that was definitely one of the reasons why we chose there. But aside from that, I loved the old school, traditional vibe of the Seaview. From the decor, to the furniture, to the overall feel of the venue, it just made me feel so warm and comfortable, and the staff was so wonderful and accomadating, It was a no-brainer. It was the first and only venue we looked at, and I knew after our appointment that I did not need to look any further.

What was on your menu?
Our guests had a choice between filet mignon, chicken piccata or a vegetarian dish. Our cake was a vanilla sponge cake, with a vanilla whipped buttercream center. It was DELICIOUS!

All about your gown!
My gown was a mix of an A-Line and Ball gown. Not too poofy, but enough to give the Cinderella ball gown look that I was going for. The top was a satin sweetheart shape, with a beautifully beaded detailed belt (my favorite part) which lead out to the lace ball gown bottom. The back was zip up, which included buttons and crystals from the top of the zipper, all the way to the bottom of the train of my dress (another favorite part). I went dress shopping at one store, on one day, and tried about 6-7 dresses on. I was starting to lose hope, because at the moment, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted, but the consultant insisted on me trying on 1 more dress, which ended up being “the one.” My mom and all her sisters, including my 2 maids of honor, my sister and my cousin, were all there to support me. They all lost it when I came out in that last dress, which just solidified my decision that that dress was “the one.”

What was your favorite moment?
How do I chose?! I have so many favorite moments from that day that replay in my head, but I’d have to say my favorite moment was most definitely my dance with my Dad. He did not know what song we were dancing to, so it was a complete surprise to him. The song started to play and all he said was “oh my god, you’re going to make me cry!” I said “no, you’re going to make me cry!” My dad and I’s “thing” growing up was Winnie the Pooh, so the song we danced to was “Return to Pooh Corner” by Kenny Loggins. The meaning behind it was so emotional, and it was the best moment ever.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
I loved the little photos of my grandparents that were tied around my bouquet, that my Godmother had given to me at my bridal shower, accompanied by a lace piece of my grandmother’s wedding dress. They were all so important to me and such a huge part of my life growing up, and I was so grateful that I got to have a piece of them with me that day. A detail that I definitley couldn’t have gone without.

Did anything go wrong?
The weather was not looking so great the morning of the big day, and I worried almost all day up until Susan, my photographer got there. We started taking pictures in the bridal suite and I couldn’t help but look out the window to check the weather. As soon as we were ready for the first look, the clouds literally cleared out of the sky and out came the bright sun! Someone was watching out for me up there, because the weather completely turned around, and it ended up being beautiful!

First dance song?
Our first dance song was “We Belong Together” by Randy Newman. Anyone who has seen Toy Story 3, this song plays at the very end during the credits and it’s a more up-beat type of song. It was the perfect first dance song! We took dance lessons for a few weeks to learn how to dance to it, and we surprised all of our guests at the reception. Priceless!

Any advice for future brides?
I know everyone says this but the day literally flies by. My advice to other brides would be is while sitting at your sweetheart table with your new husband, while you are eating your salad or dinner, take a minute to stop and look around at everything and everyone and take it ALL in. I friend gave me this advice before my wedding and I remembered to actually do this, and I specifically remember how I felt in that moment, and it was awesome. You’ll never forget it.

Honeymoon location
We went to Disney World for our honeymoon for a week. We made it as relaxing as possible and we both can’t wait to go back.

the details

Hometowns

Marlton, NJ

Ceremony Location

Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

Reception Location

Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

Photographer

Susan Elizabeth Photography

Officiant

Chaplain Patrick Anthony

Bride’s Gown

Allure Bridal

+ more

1/37
2/37
3/37
4/37
5/37
6/37
7/37
8/37
9/37
10/37
11/37
12/37
13/37
14/37
15/37
16/37
17/37
18/37
19/37
20/37
21/37
22/37
23/37
24/37
25/37
26/37
27/37
28/37
29/37
30/37
31/37
32/37
33/37
34/37
35/37
36/37
37/37

Hide Photo List Show Photo List

Michelle and DJ at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club

the details

Hometowns

Ceremony Location

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Honeymoon

Brides Jewelry