Lizette and Ryan’s wedding comes to us from Red Bank, New Jersey complete with a Naval salute to the bride as a welcome into the US Navy! This couple’s special day is a beautiful display of tradition and romance that has grown since their early beginnings spent together at summer camp. I love the details woven into today’s featured wedding: gold fish centerpieces at the reception; a choreographed first dance by the bride and groom; and a beautiful bride rocking it on the drums with her college band. Congrats to Lizette + Ryan!
Lizette + Ryan | August 6, 2011 | Red Bank, New Jersey
The Ceremony
Ryan and I were united in marriage at St. James Catholic Church in Red Bank, New Jersey with a sacramental mass. We first met in the summer of 1999 at an outdoor adventure camp in NJ and at the end of a week of hiking, camping, and swimming, Ryan and I shared our first kiss –the first for each of us! We kept in touch by email and AIM, however we lost touch as we each traveled through our separate high school experiences, I in Long Island and Ryan in New Jersey. I hadn’t heard from Ryan for over four years, when I received an instant message from Ryan on a new screen name and we instantly reconnected. Up he came to Boston College for a visit and voila – eight years later, we are married!
Ryan is a Lieutenant in the US Navy and as such we had a military wedding. After the ceremony, we exited the church to an impressive sword arch formed by Ryan’s fellow Naval officers saluting us and welcoming me to the US Navy. These young men had come from great distances to honor us on our wedding day and it was a very, very special moment. Traffic stopped, people climbed walls, and stores emptied – all to see us kiss at each pair of raised swords.
The silk organza of my dress, petals fluttering in the breeze, looked stately and serene during the ceremony, to classic and romantic during the sword exit, and ended with a rock n’ rolling reception!
The Reception
The reception was at the Oyster Point Hotel, also in Red Bank. With a nod to the Jersey Shore setting with salt-water taffy favors, clam shell place cards, and live goldfish in tall flower vases, we had a great evening celebrating with our 200 guests. Ryan and I are not particularly gifted dancers, so it was a great surprise to all when we danced our first dance to ‘Then’, by Brad Paisley which was choreographed with over six hours of lessons in Columbia, SC, our new home. Many “Oohs and aahs!” My father, not to be outdone, danced with me to ‘A Bushel and a Peck’, a song he sang to me as a baby.
The Ricky Sands Band from Hank Lane Music kept the dance floor packed with a collection of Naval Officers, veterinarians, college friends, high school friends, and dancing relatives from start to finish! The night concluded when I played a set on the drums with my veterinary school band, The Baltimore Avenue Black-Outs! It was an event to remember!
How Lizette Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Stunning, unique and beautiful
Why Lizette Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I splurged on this very special dress from Priscilla of Boston because the moment I saw it, I knew that this dress was “The One.” However, as a newly graduated veterinarian I have extensive loans, and I knew when I purchased the dress that it would have to be sold for monetary reasons after the wedding. It was the only way I could purchase this exquisite dress without trepidation.
I had a great time in this dress and now someone else will too! Just recently in the news, I learned that after 65 years in business, Priscilla of Boston will be closing their doors at the end of the year. The end of an era! This dress then, is one of the last, in their long line of elegant creations!
Lizette’s Wedding Dress | Priscilla of Boston – Uma by Melissa Sweet
Photography | Provided by friends and family
