I realize that for most people, their lives lead up to the momentous day of their own marriage. Mine certainly has and will. But, the day my best friend got married was equally as important to me. See, Aly and I have been friends since we were kids in middle school. So, there isn’t a memory I can recall that Aly wasn’t apart of as I became the person I am today. She’s the Thelma to my Louise. We literally finish each others sentences and are in each others heads at times. So, in a way – her day with Keith was more important to me because I wanted it to be perfect. And it was…
“You don’t marry the person you think you can live with… you marry the person you think you can’t live without.” ~ Author Unknown
My best friend married her best friend in January this year in a beautiful Boca Raton wedding that was filled with tasty craft beer, corn hole stations and the gorgeous backdrop of the Boca Raton Resort for various activities.
Aly and Keith were committed to ensuring that the entire celebration was a big party for all of the closest people in their lives as they became newlyweds. The ceremony was held in Sanborn Square just before sunset and Aly pulled up to the nuptials in a red trolley to the tune of “Goin’ to the Chapel.” As we rounded the corner, Aly caught sight of her family and friends in the crowd. She saw Keith at the altar and started to cry in the overwhelming emotion of the moment. It might sound funny to say – but it’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her. I started to cry too!
The ceremony was intimate and the sun started to just drop behind the clouds as they committed themselves to each other as man and wife. The couple had written their own vows that included personalized promises. For Aly, she agreed to allow Keith to try a new craft beer each month and to support all Philadelphia sports teams. Keith vowed to listen to country music in the car and occasionally wear a Florida Gator’s shirts to the bar for Aly.
Guests were transported by Molly’s Trolley’s to the reception site, which was lit with white string lights to create a romantic feel. Florals ran down the center length of the long tables in an arrangement of garden roses, spray roses, white hydrangea, and callalillies.
All of the little details were well attended to. Devin Kelly and the team at Izzey Design and Event Management really outdid themselves. The cake table was beautifully decorated and had not only a ruffled cake, but also a mix of yummy cupcakes – all by Cake Originals by Diane.
The couple chose to bring in select craft beer by Due South Brewing and designed custom koozies for guests to take home as favors for the day.
After a delicious spread of stuffed chicken and beef brisket, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, all of the guests gathered on the dance floor for the remainder of the evening.
This was one of few weddings that I’ve been to where the entire party made it out to bust a move… and stayed there! The entire crowd sang along and belted out the lyrics to songs like “Say it Ain’t So.”
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a late night snack of Philly cheesesteak’s to represent Keith’s taste of home!
Finding your partner in life can be challenging. The road to that perfect match for Aly and Keith came through online dating at Match.com. They quickly found that they had mutual friends through our close friend’s husband and their love grew quickly and deeply. As Aly’s best friend, I knew early on that Keith would be the one. I could see it in the way they looked at each other and the way they compromised for one another.
“Our wedding day was absolute perfection,” said Aly. “It was the exact mix of fun, personality, and emotion that we were hoping for. And best of all, I’m married to my best friend! He’s the only person I want to walk through this life with, and we make a great team.”
If that isn’t the recipe for marital bliss… I don’t know what is.
Ceremony: Sanborn Square // Reception: Sonoma House (now closed) // Caterer: Max’s Catering // Cake and Cupcakes: Cake Originals by Diane // Bride’s Dress: Maggie Sottero via Mariolka’s Bridal // Bridesmaid’s dresses: Joanna August via Bella Bridesmaids // Groom’s Suit: J Ferrar // Groomsman’s Suits: J Ferrar // Photographer: The Big Day // Florals: Dalsimer Atlas // Wedding Planner: Devin Kelley via Izzey Design and Event Management // Deejay: Custom DJ Services // Accommodations: Boca Ratron Resort & Club – A Waldorf Astoria Resort // Transportation: Molly’s Trolleys
*All photos courtesy of The Big Day Photography.
