What I Would Do Differently {Annemarie}

When my husband and I think back to our wedding day, November 26th, 2011, we remember our heartfelt ceremony, very tasty food, excellent music (the dance floor was packed the entire time), and beautiful weather. Overall, the entire day was executed exactly how we imagined it and our guests still talk about how much fun they had the entire night. We look at our pictures all the time and have a 24x36 canvas hanging in our living room with us standing on the jetty on the beach. I still can't get over how beautiful our pictures are and how perfect the day was captured.

When it comes to changing something about the day, I can honestly say I wouldn't change a single thing. I loved my dress, my jewelry, hair and makeup, the guys tuxes' and sneakers, the location, and every single vendor- when you hire the best, you get the best. However, I would add a vendor if I did it all over again- a videographer. I think being able to see a video of the entire day (even if only watched a handful of times) would bring our pictures to life. 

For example, my little sister (14 years old at the time) was my maid of honor and gave the funniest, most animated speech I have ever seen! She made everyone laugh a LOT, cry a little, and then laugh some more. Some days I wish I could listen to her speech word for word because it was that good. During the planning stages, we decided we had to decide where to spend our money and what was most important to us. At the time, we thought there was no need to spend money on a videographer because we didn't think we would watch the video more than once. Now, almost two years later, I know we probably only would have watched a video a couple of times, but I still think it would be nice to have. 

In the end, nothing will ever take away from our incredible day. Still to this day, I cannot find the words to adequately thank the vendors who were with us on our wedding day. Every single one of them helped to create our perfect day. There are just some days when I wish there was a videographer to add to that thank you list...

-Annemarie

Annemarie's Wedding

Jimmy and I were married Saturday, November 26, 2011- Thanksgiving weekend. Although many people would steer clear of a holiday weekend when planning their wedding, we decided it would be best since so many of our family and friends had to travel. Since he was a kid, Jimmy spent his summers in Sea Isle City, NJ and I began to do the same thing when we started dating. We have made so many friends and great memories in Sea Isle that we decided that we wanted all of our wedding guests to join us there in creating another amazing memory. 

We traveled down to Sea Isle with our immediate families at the beginning of the week and spent the Thanksgiving holiday there as well. Sea Isle is not your typical shore town with a bunch of hotels, instead the island is made up of houses for rent. We decided to rent houses for our guests to stay at throughout the weekend. One of the rented houses was right on the beach with the most beautiful view of the ocean. This is where my bridesmaids and I got ready for the wedding. We started early in the morning getting our hair and then makeup done by Nina from Cheekadee. The bridesmaids wore long black dresses of their choice. I had decided long ago that I wanted my bridesmaids to be comfortable, so they all picked different style dresses and looked absolutely beautiful the day of the wedding. I wore a strapless gown by Allure Bridal.

Erin and Lisa, from Proud to Plan, showed up shortly after to help coordinate the day. Once we were all dressed, the bridal party and our mothers lined up on the beach to watch Jimmy and I during our reveal meeting. Jenn and Joey, of Jennifer Childress Photography, captured all of our beautiful pictures from the day and one of my favorites is of Jimmy when he first saw me. 

After the reveal, we made our way to the Abbie Holmes Estate where our ceremony and reception were held. Our ceremony was performed by The Wedding Pastor, Andy Mahaney. My little sister read a short poem by Shel Silverstein called "The Romance". A few years ago, I read the poem and thought it was hysterical and gave a copy of it to Jimmy. It was Jimmy's idea to include it in our ceremony. Our ceremony was held outside of the Abbie Holmes Estate under their gazebo. Afterwards, we joined our guests for cocktail hour inside the Estate. 

Our reception started with Jason from Synergetic Sound and Lighting introducing the bridal party. Shortly after, guests enjoyed dinner which was a selection of flounder, pork, and manicotti, served family style. Our cake was made by The Cake Studio of Ocean City, NJ. The entire weekend was more than we ever dreamed. After the reception, we asked all of our guests to join us at the Dead Dog Saloon to continue the party, which we did until the bar closed.

The next morning, we asked our family and friends to join us one last time for breakfast at a small breakfast place called Rick's. I decided that wearing my wedding gown for only one day wasn't enough, so I put my dress back on and went to breakfast!

As a full-time event planner, the coordination of the day was an essential part of the success of our wedding, which is why we relied on Erin and Lisa from Proud to Plan. They paid attention to the details of the day so we could spend our day celebrating and enjoying one another. Our wedding would not have been so perfect if it weren't for all of the vendors we worked with, but a special thank you goes to Erin and Lisa. 

-Annemarie

If you'd like to see our post on Annemarie and Jimmy's wedding with a ton of pictures, you can go here. 

Get to Know Proud to Plan: Annemarie

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself:

Currently, I work as a meeting coordinator for an association management company based in south Jersey. In 2006, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations. Two years later, graduated with my Master's degree from Seton Hall University with a focus in event planning. 

Recently I became engaged to my best friend and love of my life. We are in the final stages of planning our November wedding in Sea Isle City, NJ. 

Where do you live?:

Clarksboro, NJ

Give us three words that best describe your personality:

Energetic, outgoing and generally the-ish

How did you get involved in the event industry?:

A long time ago in a land far, far away I started planning small events in college and my interest quickly grew. I then planned client appreciation events for a financial planning firm while pursuing my Master's Degree. Fast forward to today and I can honestly say- I love what I do!

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?:
The reveal- I tear up every time!

When you're not doing events, what do you do?:
I am a public speaking, Adjunct Professor at Burlington Community College and I waitress part time in Sea Isle City, NJ.

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?:

I love to travel. There is nothing better than spending free time walking around a new city or even an old one. 

Fun question, If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Ice cream! You can mix just about anything into ice cream and it tastes amazing!