Kerry Kristine McElrone and Joe Trainor

Written by Danielle Bouchat-Friedman and Tara Behan
Photography by Joe del Tufo

How they met: Delaware musician Joe Trainor and actress Kerry Kristine McElrone met at The Grand Opera House in 2003, where Trainor taught at the School of Music and Kerry Kristine was appearing on stage in “Into the Woods” with City Theater Company. A friendship and a mutual admiration began as they worked together on various music and theatrical projects over the next eight years.

Their romance did not begin until 2011. “It was strange for us both to find ourselves single at the same time, and suddenly having a spark between us,” says McElrone. They were both worried about jeopardizing their long-standing friendship, so after weeks of talks, what they jokingly refer to as “Full Disclosure ’11” (FD11 for short)—they were talked out. All the reasons to be together outweighed the reasons for staying apart. So they decided to go for it.

How he proposed: Marriage was in their plans, but McElrone was completely surprised when a day trip to New York City turned into a proposal on Dec. 29, 2013. The couple stopped by Tiffany & Co., where Trainor offered to take her photo in front of the iconic store. She couldn’t stop laughing because every time he tried, a horde of tourists would walk right in front of her. She thought he’d given up when he came closer, handed her the camera, and said, “This is the perfect spot.” Still laughing, she said, “For what?” and realized he was holding her engagement ring. “Once I realized what was happening, the whole world stopped. Fifth Avenue on a bright sunny morning, surrounded by strangers and noise, yet we were the only two people in the world,” she recalls.

The big day: Planning a wedding was a less amazing experience for the bride-to-be. “We just wanted to be married, to be surrounded by friends and family and have a simple, elegant party,” says McElrone. She was bombarded with advice from people, and was turned off by the outrageous cost of everything, the endless options and details.

Soon after their engagement, a few friends had suggested getting married at their annual neighborhood block party. She laughed off the idea, but her fiancé kept coming back to it. “I wasn’t sure if we could pull it off, but thought if we could, it would be a really cool event,” he says.

After a year and a half of tossing around plans, I said, ‘We’re getting married here on September 12, is that cool?’ and he said ‘Finally!’” laughs McElrone.

With support from neighbors, friends, and family, the block of Kirk Avenue (on the City’s West Side) was transformed into an urban fairy tale. Lights and lanterns strung in a canopy; candles, flowers and pearls in antique mason jars decorated the white linen-topped tables. A paper wedding bell hung over the arch in preparation for the ceremony.

As guests arrived in the early evening, rain began to fall. Umbrellas and slickers were handed out and “everyone embraced the weather as if it was the most gorgeous day imaginable,” says McElrone. “We have really good friends! No one, including us, seemed to care.”

– DETAILS –

Theme: Art deco-influence paired with old-fashioned, at-home weddings.

Ceremony and Reception: The front porch of the couple’s home and a block party on their street in Wilmington.

Caterer: Hors d’oeuvres and a taco bar prepared by friends and family.

Cake: Art deco cake topper and cupcakes by Half Baked Patisserie in Middletown.

Dress: Ivory tulle gown of hand-appliquéd petals and glass beads by Thalia Bridal from BHLDN (online).

Hair and makeup: Lisa Miller Challenger and Clayton Stacey of Sharif Zaki Salon in Wilmington.

Tuxedos/suits: The groom wore a houndstooth sport jacket, vest and navy pants with an orange bow tie by Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. The sole usher wore a Tommy Hilfiger jacket, vest and pants.

Bridesmaids: Dresses of orange, blue and yellow, respectively, by J. Crew.

Florist: Bloomsberry Flowers in Wilmington

Music/DJ: DJ Zip of Wilmington, DJZipBusiness@gmail.com.

Videographer: Kevin Regan