Well, this may be one of the most memorable weddings I will have been part of for a very long time. And it's because it almost didn't happen. NOT why you may think. The night before Chrissy and Ryan's wedding, a big storm rolled through South Jersey (up near Philly and me, it was just a normal rainy night). When my talented second shooter, Ashley, and I arrived in Ventnor, we noticed that most of the traffic lights and even the shops had no power. Ashley was going to be with the guys, getting ready. Ryan and his groomsmen, at this point, trying to stay cool - in more than one way. It was VERY hot and humid (not uncommon for the Jersey Shore), but he told me that the church and the county club were both without power. I headed over to meet up with Chrissy and the bridesmaids. Their house, out of the whole block and most of the area, was one of very few with any power left. The church was all set for a warm, but dimly lit ceremony. The country club told them that they only had enough back up generators to keep the food warm... but no way to cook it first, or even supply power for the DJ. What were they to do? Do they reschedule and keep their original plans of celebrating at the country club on a later date, or do they try to find a plan B? There was definitely some stress through the air, but even still, Chrissy wore a brave face. It paid off too... only a little bit later, and lots of phone calls from both sides of the bridal party, a new reception location was secured! The Old Waterway Inn said they had power for food and the DJ's equipment (but no AC) and would hustle and bustle and make today their wedding day!
On to the church! It was warm, and it was a little dark - but the ceremony went out, otherwise, completely as planned. A short drive to the beach and we were able to get all of the bridal party's pictures done. A 25 minute drive than took us to the Old Waterway Inn. Their staff arrived for work that day thinking it was just going to be another normal Saturday, only to find out about an hour later there would be 140+ guests showing up.
When the first talk of changing the date rolled around, Chrissy got a message from Ryan, while I was with her, and his words were, "We're getting married today, no matter where we go" :) These two took on a power outtage that affected almost 4 million people, and now have a wonderful and happy wedding story to always tell.
