Jersey Girls Do It Better

Singing Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" was always a fun ritual my girlfriends and I had. At the top of our lungs, windows down, hair like Sunday popovers - high and crisp. We'd drive around in one of our "beatahs" with jury-rigged speaker systems cut into the back dash. Our mixed tapes clicking along in the stereo dangling by our knees up front. The smell of Aqua-Net and cigarettes and maybe even a couple fringe leather jackets to match our boots. Ahhhh, memories of my teen years. Cut to June 25th 2010 - I snap out of my flashback, now watching my bride Kristy, surrounded by her nine New Jersey besties, screaming out

"Cuz, it doesn't make a difference
if we make it or not.
We've got each other
and that's a lot
for love, we'll give it a shot! WOA-OHHH."

You know the rest. I missed it and loved it all at once. But, for this wedding, the dancefloor was the spotlight of Kristy and Adams wedding. From the very beginning, I was told that this was a dancing crowd. Yes, we did chat about all kinds of other things: colors, numbers, locations and timelines but it always came back to family, friends and dancing. My day started at the 4 Points Sheraton in Norwood at 8:30 a.m. I don't know how we managed to get 11 heads of hair and 6 faces of makeup done, but, Marc and Sarah worked to beauty perfection. Once gowned & dapper, my bridal party headed out for the reveal and photos (which added precious time). Kristy and I walked together to the secret waterfall at the hotel. She was speaking quickly and full of thought. I remember telling her to take a deep breath, that her best friend is just over the hill. That everything will be ok. We got Kristy into position with Adams back to her. Photographers, Val McCormick, and her assistant Alicia captured all of the perfect angles and more importantly, when Adam turned to see his bride - we had a blushing groom! He looked adorable while blushing and, of course, I tear up. It couldn't be helped! Kristy was absolutely glam perfect! I cannot wait to hear the compliments Videog David Bettencourt and his assistant Jeff were able to capture on the mic! After a lux trip on their limo bus from Boston Limo we arrived at Borderland State Park for a brief photo shoot and then over to The Saphire Estate in Sharon MA. Our Bride wanted to keep some magic, so, they separated for a bit and drank Champagne and giggled while the groom and his boys remained cool in the A/C. We greeted Father Lenny Nelson and got ready to start the line up while the Saphire Event Manager, Noelle Schiller and owner, John Saphire set the scene to perfection. An elegant beach theme (a nod to the Jersey Shore) was set by florists, Erica & Scott Jones of Orchids 'n Blooms. Lush hydrangea, tiny sea shells and rich sea glass twinkling along with the glowing candles dazzled the reception room. Their DJ, Eric Poss, set the ceremony and reception locations for music and was ready to begin the processional. We were all ready. Over the bridge they went and a half hour later, they came back again - this time with tear tracks and smiles! Married!! More photos, cigars, Sangria, first dance, Mother & Father dances, photos by the water, Champagne, delicious dinner, hugs, kisses, a few more photos and Woa-OH! Livin' on a Prayer!!! This is where they always wanted to be - right here - in this moment. Family, Friends & Dancing. Perfect.