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Mike + Kaitlin

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People always say that they are going to hire us to shoot their vow renewal! A lot of people are joking… because really, how many people actually have the opportunity to have a REAL vow renewal?! Not many. For many, life is too busy and their desire to renew and recommit their marriage vows with the love of their life gets pushed to the sidelines. Work, kids and crazy schedules are legitimate excuses… but they weren’t big enough excuses for Mike and Kaitlin. They wanted this and so they made it happen! It wasn’t that they wanted a fun party, they wanted a WEDDING… a wedding and a celebration that they didn’t have before. Kaitlin is a successful photographer in Cape May and after 3 years of photographing beautiful weddings, it was finally her turn! It was her turn to be photographed getting into her dress, her turn to share a first look with her husband of 5 years and her turn to have romantic portraits taken with her husband.

Last week Kaitlin shared the one image she has of their wedding day five years ago. It was full of joy and happiness and while a picture can say 1,000 words, when you’re a photographer, one picture isn’t enough. Kaitlin wanted to promise to love her husband all over again and she wanted to have beautiful proof of this intimate ceremony. It has been a dream of hers to actually have the wedding she has always wanted and last Friday, it happened!!!! And it was beautiful… SHE was beautiful. This was a dream come true for Kaitlin and we felt SO honored to be a part of this special day. In a world where some marriages fall apart so easily, it was so encouraging to see two people re-dedicate their love for one another… not only in front of their families… but in front of their two little boys. That’s so powerful. It makes me teary just thinking about it! What an awesome example for their kiddos and for everyone who attended!

It’s hard to believe that this day has come and gone already.  I can still remember getting Kaitlin’s email in ALL CAPS asking if we would be a part of this celebration! I’m so thankful that our schedules aligned because it was such a privilege to photograph this. Michael and I instantly felt like a part of this sweet family from the moment Kaitlin tackled me when I walked into the hotel suite. I’ve been SO excited to share this sweet day with all of you and now it’s finally time for the big reveal! Enjoy Michael and Kaitlin’s wedding Take Two!!! And if this day wasn’t already fun enough, we got to work with Jeremy and Ashley of “We are the Mitchell’s”!! LOVE those two!!! Cannot WAIT to see their highlight film!

I have been looking forward to photographing this gown for months! I loved it! Michael is a cop and I loved how Kaitlin tied this into certain aspects of the day!  Sweet gifts from Kaitlin’s brides… and in case you didn’t already know, Kaitlin is a fabulous wedding photographer in NJ!  This girl was BEYOND excited!!!! Love this! I think it’s safe to say these two have something special! Such a sweet relationship! Oh good gracious girl!!!!! Loved all of her peachy pinks and rose gold!! Oh ok…. STUNNING!!  One of my FAVORITES! You should have seen me take this… I was actually holding the veil this time AND shooting! I looked like a hot mess but hey, it was worth it!  Get it girl!!! First look time!!! I’m just assuming here but I think he liked what he saw!!! He was shocked and she was in tears:) LOVE these!!! First time seeing her boys… so precious!  Loving this!!! I think my Michael would have taken these two home if I would have let him! I will forever be in love with the willows!!! Love this plantation home!!! SO cute!! Loved this sweet part of the ceremony where all married couples stood up and took time to remember just how much they love one another. :) Love!
Easily a favorite!!! So cute! adorable!!! How cute is this?!! And this may be my FAVORITE detail!! A super creative Donut display for her cop! This was a surprise for Michael!  Too pretty to eat!!! Another surprise for Mike was this cigar and whisky bar!! Kaitlin girl, you are just amazing! Surprise ice cream cookies!!!
Ceremony | Willow Creek Winery
Reception | Willow Creek Winery
Florists | Petals Floral Design
Groom | Mens Warehouse
Shoes | Capparos Elate Pump
DJ | SCE Event Group
Videographer | Jeremy Mitchell Cinema
Coordinator | Rebecca Yankowski
Hair & Makeup | Creations by Mia
Invitations | Wedding Paper Divas
Hotel | The Reeds at Shelter Haven  
Catering | The Southern Mansion

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

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