You would have never, ever, ever guessed that this gorgeous New Jersey wedding was cancelled four hours before it was supposed to begin. That the wedding from these gorgeous photos from Kay English Photography was planned in those four short hours. Hurricane Irene was on it’s way to the East Coast and because of that Atlantic City, where this wedding was supposed to happen, was evacuated. Their wedding was cancelled. And what transpired next, was nothing short of amazing. Make sure to watch Lucky Productions Cinematography‘s take on the day so you can really fully, fully appreciate this gorgeous wedding and the love that went into it. And then click here for even more from Kay English!

Are you ready for the most amazing wedding story we’ve seen in a long time?






My wedding day is every bride’s worst nightmare. What transpired on that picture perfect Friday afternoon was nothing short of a miracle. The beautiful pictures you see depict not what I imagined it would be, but what I wouldn’t trade for the world. After all, behind all the glitz and glamour of a modern day wedding, is it not really just about two people vowing to love, cherish and honor each other for the rest of their lives? Well that’s the lesson, unfortunately, I learned the hard way.
The dreaded call came in around 1:00PM on Friday, August 26th, the day before Hurricane Irene was predicated to hit the coastal towns of New Jersey, and just FOUR hours before my wedding ceremony was scheduled to begin. Due to the “red alert” and evacuation orders issued for Atlantic City, our five-star venue was forced to cancel our wedding ceremony and reception… I can still hear the words “Your event has been cancelled” ringing in my diamond-clad ear. For as most brides know, four hours before your ceremony begins, your hair has been coiffed, your makeup has been perfected and you are trying to relax while sipping on your mimosa.
So what do you do when your dream has been crushed? Well, most families may regretfully inform the guests of the unfortunate news. However, as you can see by the pictures, we’re not like most families. I remember the moment so vividly. My sister, and maid of honor, looked at me frankly and said, “What do you want to do? You know, we’ve always said someone should get married at Lynette’s house.” (Lynette is a close family friend with an AMAZING outdoor landscape.) And that was all took…
The ball was rolling. Our families frantically took to the phones, rerouting the minister, ordering chairs, trying to piece together some semblance of a ceremony. The most amazing moment was when we pulled up to the house, having no idea what our wedding would look like, and seeing the beautiful ceremony space arranged on the lawn and the smiles of our friends and family. You can see by the pictures, they did an amazing job!
When you’re in the throes of planning the big, glamorous wedding affair that you dreamt of, it is so easy to forget the real meaning and purpose behind the day. We were blessed with the wonderful reminder that it is not really about the venue, or the 5 course meal, but rather being surrounded and supported by the people that care for you as you embark on this journey called marriage with the one you love the most!
Photography: Kay English Photography / Cinematography: Lucky Productions Cinematography / Flowers: Gerads Florist & Decorator / Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas / Cake: The Bake Works / Wedding Gown Designer: Marisa, from Bridal Garden / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Jessica Simpson Designs / Hairpiece: portobella
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Amazing. Just everything. The story, the family togetherness, the beautiful bride and handsome groom, the details ... everything.
I love the macro picture of the ring! Such beautiful attention to detail.
Totally agree Cheryl. It gives me goosebumps and chills every time I watch that video (and maybe a few tears as well...)
so beautiful! where did you get your flower accessory? thanks!
Hi plnyc1! The bride's floral hairpiece is from potobella. There is a link up in the vendor credits!
thanks Mallory!
Wow. That rainbow shot is so symbolic, too. The photos are incredible, kudos to the photographer for working on the fly! They say as long as you're marrying the love of your life, the wedding doesn't matter. Cheers to the couple and my respect for that photographer....
If that's not the most beautiful, touching wedding story I have ever heard, I don't know what is. Talk about a classy bride, a loving family, and proof that nothing matters if you're truly in love. I'll never forget this...
what an incredible story, LOVED the video!! Kudos to the bride for holding it together and the couple for being able to let it go and focus on the real meaning behind a wedding day. I have a feeling that they are going to be able to face the tough times together with a lot of grace ;)
This is such a beautiful story!! I cried as soon as I read this.:)
Such a beautiful story! Congrats to the couple, what a memory!
Oh my goodness - cried the whole way through the video. So touching and such a neat way to remember a wonderful day
Okay so you guys made me cry in a good way though! this made me so happy to see that you guys made it work and still had a beautiful wonderful wedding. it made me think how the purchases and the things in life dont matter what matters most are the memories you make with one another and this will be my philosophy when planning my wedding this next year. thank you so much for opening my eyes to something that i was being so blind about. you put the true meaning into a wedding day and i loved watching every minute of this! thank you!
Wow. What a gorgeous and unforgettable wedding! Despite that it wasn't exactly what was planned, I think it was absolutely perfect; still surrounded by family, friends, and the one you love...who could ask for more? Congrats to the happy couple. May your life be as love-filled and memorable as your wedding day!
LOVE IT~All of it.
The wedding was meant to be held at that house surrounded by all who love you!
This is the most beautiful wedding post I have EVER read. What a beautiful couple with an awe inspiring story behind their big day! Many blessings to you! :)
Thank you to this couple for reminding us all what weddings should be about.
That scene with their first look took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing such an amazing story.
THIS GIRL is a trooper! haha if this was me...there wouldnt be any video rolling! What a beautiful couple...and reminding us its not about the flowers, or the cake...its about getting married to the person you love
Wow, what a video! The wedding and the way things came together at the last minute was so touching. Congratulations, Jamie and Brian!
Aww sweetie! it turned out so much better. there was so much love in that house! your union is blessed and that is all that anyone can ask for! Thank you for bringing me back to reality!
xo
The pictures are gorgeous but that CINEMOTOGRAPHER was AMAZING! Love the video!!!!
Living in NJ, I remember the shore evacuation on Friday...and I instantly thought of all those amazing summer brides whose weddings that weekend would be affected. I am so thrilled to see this wedding happen and to see the beautiful smiles on the happy couples faces:) Truly truly gorgeous!
Thank you so much for the feature! It was such a blessing to have photographed their wedding! It turned out so beautiful and praise God who was really showing His love throughout the whole day! Jamie and Brian, you are so loved and have such amazing friends and family! Thank you Style Me Pretty and Lucky Productions! :)
amazing work as always...
looooove!!!!
A storybook ending, the photographer couldn't have captured this day any better. Congrats to the happy couple and Kay English Photography for a job well done.
What an amazing story and such a beautiful wedding! I was wondering where you found the pretty bridesmaid dresses. Thanks! Again, congrats!
WOW What a touching and amazing story! Love her dress and beaded sash - wondering where you found the sash?
@Ashley, I think the bride made the sash but will double check :)
Wow, tears, lots and lots of tears. Amazing!
Thank you Style Me Pretty for sharing our wedding story! The responses have been amazing and I'm so happy our story could be a reminder of what a wedding is really about! For the few questions...
Bridesmaid Dresses - surprisingly, these were off the rack at Macy's... Jessica Simpson! Off the rack can be done without making your bridemaids spend a fortune!
Bridal Belt - This was an adventure... I purchased the raw piece from a trim store in NYC then had my seamstress finish the edges and add clasps to make it a belt! Truly my favorite part of the whole look!
This wedding was amazing and made me cry so much, I loved it
Where did you get your centerpieces? Beautiful wedding !
Stunning wedding! And of course amazing story!
Love the images, Kay! Very nice!
These are gorgeous and beautiful! Congratulations!!!!
Wow. I blubbered and blubbered. May God completely bless your marriage. What amazing friends and family you have!!!
AWESOME!!! What a superstar group of family and friends you have. *THIS* is what it is all about. Just wonderful. Congrats and many happy years to you.
If they can get through this, they can get through anything. AMAZING!!! Congratulations and many blessings to them. The wedding looked so beautiful and most importantly filled with love!
Well if rain on your wedding day is good luck, this couple is one of the luckiest! Kudos to all involved for making their day gorgeous, special and unique.
Thats an amazing story!! and Beautiful pictures! Wow!
you never cease to amaze me.....wow....incredible photography - incredible couple - i'm totally inspired!
https://www.facebook.com/johannanicholaphotography
Wow!! Beautiful, beautiful love story!
to the bride and Groom,
First of all, congratulations! My dear, you look stunning. Like you we were married this past summer (our wedding was featured on SMP last wednesday). Like you, things did not go as planned. And, as you know the planning manifests into something with a life of its own... Love gets lost in the mix. The florist we hired essentially went out of business the week before our wedding! I must admit that I am incredibly proud of how I handled the news. And, I did have a week to figure it all out! (note: my wedding planner found someone to make the bouquets, and she gave us literally buckets of flowers to use and we hired the ladies from the dry cleaners to put together the rest of the flowers... Which is a story I love and I wouldn't change it ever.). I am actually thankful that this happened, as I was so reassured that I was marrying the right person.
However, I doubt that I would have the grace and class that you exhibited. Your wedding is hands down my 2nd favorite SMP wedding ever (have to pick my own love story as my favorite ;). I think your pictures are beautiful. The video is amazing. This is a wedding for the ages! I wish you a lifetime of sunny skies!
Kindest regards,
K.k.
Amazing! Ok, so not all the centerpieces were where the beautiful Bride originaly wanted them...BUT WHAT A FAMILY STORY TO BE TOLD FOR YEARS! I can hear them say " And then autie said -it's not what You wanted, but it's about You and Brian. And then we were on tv. And everybody washed the dishes":) If someone dreams of an unforgetable and romantic wedding, this is it. They survived a huricane, they will make it no matter what. Congratulations!
Therese and I are feeling so moved that this film is touching so many people. We have filmed hundreds of weddings, but never one quite as emotional as this one. There was a moment in the morning where Jamie was asked to decide if we should stay and she looked sweetly at us and nodded. This is when Therese and I leaped into action determined to not only to tell her story, but to convey the amazingly inspiring nature of the day. We love telling each and every one of our couples stories, we always tell people that we're not wedding videographers but your own personal documentary filmmakers for the day. This wedding gave us a unique opportunity to show the true meaning of marriage, love and what it's all about that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of a busy modern wedding. Thank you again all so much for taking the time to watch Jamie and Brian's story.
beautiful job by the photographer and videographer on capturing such an amazing story! and major props to the couple for making use of what they had!
Love flowers and bride's dress! And Bridesmaids look gorgeous in that green dresses.
Thank you for sharing!
(Stifling sniffles) In the tail end of my own wedding planning this story is a refreshing reminder to keep perspective. The video is amazing...capturing so many of the emotions. The couple is blessed to have family and friends to rally together as they did. That's what really matters. Love.
I am so impressed with you, Jamie, especially, accepting the largest disappointment one could imagine and with such wonderful support you carried one so beautifully. This was a very uplifting
wedding story. Kudos to you and all who helped mak it possible. Have a long, happy, healthy marriage!!
What an absolutely beautiful and inspiring wedding story! This is a lovely reminder of what a wedding should be about!
WOW! This story brought tears to my eyes. This shows that love is everything. Seeing family & friends come together is what it's all about. Whether you are planning a wedding now or married this story brings everything into perspective. It's not about how big the centerpieces are it's about the love and togetherness.
It's a good thing Lynette keeps her house clean, that's all I can say! Haha! Wow, an amazing story. I loved reading about it. Fantastic photos and video!
Truly inspiring video..Reminded me of what it means to "marry someone you love in front of people who loves you".
May God continue to shower His blessings on you both, Jamie & Brian!
These are stunning pictures, Kay! Such a gorgeous wedding - great job capturing the day in such an amazing way!
absolutely beautiful!
Reading your story gave me goosebumps. This is such a beautiful wedding and the story behind it made it more meaningful. You are really meant to be married on that day and despite the storm that would hit, it still happened! Have a wonderful life ahead!
That is what love is made of!!
A big THANK YOU to Style me Pretty for posting the wonderful story of Jamie and Brian's love and fortitude. I want to personally thank Kay (Kay English Photography), Danielle and Therese (Lucky Productions) and Eileen (Gerad's Florist and Decorators), for your support and unwavering commitment to making the day special for Jamie and Brian. You all went ABOVE AND BEYOND the call of duty.
For my baby sister, you continue to inspire me with your grace and I'm so glad this blog and posts provide an opportunity for you to be reminded how truly special you are.
BEAUTIFUL KAY! As always!!