Jennifer and Monica Smith

Written by: Danielle Bouchat-Friedman and Tara Behan
Photography by: Tiffany Caldwell Photography

How they met: Jennifer and Monica met each other through mutual friends three years ago. “I attempted to ask her out but she blew me off,” says Jennifer. Eventually, Monica agreed to go on a lunch date with Jennifer and the relationship blossomed.

The proposal: “We actually proposed to each other,” says Jennifer. The couple had already picked out rings in November 2013, so Jennifer was ready to propose during a weekend trip to Baltimore in February 2014. “We went to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore for the weekend and went out for a walk along the water at sunset. Monica was walking ahead of me and I got down on one knee and she started crying,” recalls Jennifer. A couple months later, Monica proposed with a painting she made and a bunch of balloons tied together with many of the couple’s old greeting cards tied to the bottom.

The big day: The couple celebrated their marriage on June 27, 2015 at The Addy Sea in Bethany Beach, Del. “The wedding was supposed to take place outside but a nor’easter was moving up the coast,” says Jennifer. As a result, the couple tented the front yard of The Addy Sea. “It was rainy and windy—it was an adjustment trying to re-imagine our wedding day,” she says. But she says all the last-minute changes did have one advantage—both brides did not have time to feel any of those wedding day jitters.

Jennifer grew up going to the beach and says she always wanted a beach wedding. When the couple started searching for a Delaware beach wedding venue, The Addy Sea was the first place that popped up in their search and was the only place they looked at. “Our wedding also needed to be in a state that had legalized gay marriage,” says Jennifer.

– DETAILS –

Theme: The beach.

Tent company: Coastal Tented Events, Millville, Del. “They put up the tents last minute and saved the day,” says Jennifer.

Ceremony and reception: The Addy Sea, Bethany Beach, Del.

Caterer and cake: Through The Addy Sea, which uses bakery Sweet Disposition

Dresses: Jennifer wore a gown by Alfred Angelo and Monica’s dress was by designer Sottero and Midgley. The couple purchased their gowns from Amber Rose Bridal & Formal Wear in Williamsport, Pa. for $200 apiece. (Originally $1,200 each but they were sample sizes, and the brides were only charged for alterations.)

Hair: Holly Van Auken, the maid of honor’s girlfriend from Little Rock, Ark.

Florist: Blossoms Inc., Dagsboro, Del.

Music/DJ: Shaun Dougherty performed during the ceremony, a three-piece band performed during cocktail hour and a collection of jazz artists from Delaware performed during the reception.

Wedding planner: Maggie, who works at The Addy Sea.

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

Honeymoon: The couple honeymooned in St. Martin at the new, all-inclusive Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.