It was a quintessential late October day—crisp but gentle, with that golden autumn light that seems to rest on everything it touches. The morning began at the Mary’s family home, where she was surrounded by her mom, her sisters, and her bridesmaids. Being in a place woven with childhood memories made the getting-ready portion of the day feel especially intimate and relaxed.
Laughter drifted down the hallway, mingling with the soft hum of hairdryers and the clink of champagne flutes. There was no rush, no sense of hurry—just a peaceful, excited energy that filled each room. The closeness of family and longtime friends turned those simple, in-between moments—zipping the dress, fastening jewelry, touching up lipstick—into memories as meaningful as any part of the ceremony.
One of the most striking details of the day was the bride’s hair—a radiant copper that seemed to glow in the autumn light. It was as if the season itself had chosen her palette. Her hair paired beautifully with the deep, bright burgundy of the bridesmaids’ gowns, which in turn harmonized perfectly with the florals.
The bouquets and arrangements echoed the best parts of fall: rich burgundies, warm oranges, muted golds, and soft greenery. Together, they created a tapestry of color that felt both luxurious and completely at home in the season. Everywhere you looked, the fall colors enveloped the day—the sun low in the sky, the leaves turning shades of amber and crimson, the foliage framing each moment like a painting.
The exterior porch of the family home quickly became one of the favorite spots for photographs. Decorated with brilliantly colored mums in shades of rust, gold, and plum, it formed a natural, vibrant backdrop for portraits. Against this cascade of color, Mary stood glowing—her copper hair catching the light, her gown softly contrasting with the bold florals around her. The mums and autumn leaves worked together to create images that felt timeless and deeply seasonal, capturing exactly what makes a late October wedding so special.
Mary and Matt chose a traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Michael’s, a church whose timeless architecture and warm, reverent atmosphere perfectly suited the tone of the day. Guests filtered into the pews, the soft murmur of voices fading as the music began. As Mary walked down the aisle, sunlight streamed through the stained glass, casting jewel-toned reflections that seemed to dance along the walls. Surrounded by the prayers and blessings of their loved ones, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony that felt both sacred and deeply personal. When they emerged from the church as newlyweds, the late-afternoon sun bathed them in a soft, golden glow. The fall air was cool and clear, and the trees—just past their peak—framed the church steps in a riot of copper, crimson, and gold.
From the classic beauty of St. Michael’s, guests made their way to The Breakers on the Ocean, an oceanfront resort that feels like a getaway and a celebration all at once. The reception took place in the stunning Crystal Ballroom, whose windows overlook the water.
As the sun began its descent, the ocean outside shifted from bright blue to deeper, softer shades, while the ballroom itself filled with the warm, romantic glow of crystal chandeliers. The contrast between the fiery colors of fall and the cool expanse of the ocean gave the evening an almost magical quality.
The couple’s first dance was one of the most memorable moments of the night—not just because of the song they chose or the way they looked at each other, but because of how it unfolded. It began traditionally, just the bride and groom on the dance floor, their movements gentle and unhurried as friends and family looked on. But then, in a beautifully planned and deeply meaningful twist, the bride’s mother joined them, followed by her sisters. What started as a quiet, romantic first dance gradually grew into a festive, joy-filled celebration of family. The circle on the dance floor widened, laughter rose above the music, and you could feel the emotion in the room—generations linked together, love radiating out from the center.
As the evening went on, the view outside the Crystal Ballroom windows shifted into night, the ocean turning inky and mysterious while the ballroom glowed from within. The fall colors, the last of the sunset, and the warm, inviting interior created a perfect harmony. By the time the night drew to a close, it felt as though every element—the family home, the radiant bride, the fall colors, the sacred quiet of St. Michael’s, the ocean views from The Breakers, and that unforgettable first dance—had woven together into a single, beautiful story.
Venue: The Breakers on the Ocean
Catering: The Breakers on the Ocean
Florist: The Wallflowers
Invitations/Stationary: Zola
DJ/Band: The Wood Vibrations
Bakery: The Chocolate Carousel
Makeup Artist: Kait
Hair Stylist: Ashley (From Miss Mane Attraction) @missmaneattraction
Wedding Dress Designer: Noor Kelly Faetanini (From FBM Bridal)
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Azazie
Transportation: Shore Luxury Limos
