We first met Julie and Aaron about a year ago and knew from the start that their wedding was going to be amazing. Both Julie and and Aaron are outrageously funny and the four of us clicked right away.
Julie chose the Hilton Wilmington Riverside’s hospitality suite for her and her bridesmaids to get ready. When Julie’s bridal transformation was complete, we brought her father into the room for a very emotional and touching father-daughter “first glance”… tears all around when Dad saw his little girl for the first time as a bride. It was a moment that will be treasured for a lifetime. It also made Dad our new best friend for the rest of the night!
Over at the new Wilmington Convention Center, Aaron also waited for his reveal. Julie’s nervous giggles echoed down the halls as bride and groom saw each other for the first time. At one point, Julie pulled just far enough from Aaron to look into his eyes and say “Ohhh, I’m going to be so happy being married to you!”
After a few more hugs and kisses, Julie and Aaron met with their rabbi
to sign their ketubah. For those not familiar with Jewish wedding
customs, it’s tradition for the bride and groom to meet with the rabbi
before the wedding and sign a very special wedding contract. Ketubahs / ketubot are often hand-designed colorful works of art, and may be displayed in the couple’s home.
The ceremony took place on the Convention Center lawn, alongside the Cape Fear River, beneath a huppah draped with florals by Fiore Fine Flowers. A gentle breeze ruffled the aqua fabric. Beautiful violin music by Maura Kropke filled the air as guests took their seats on the lawn. Puffy clouds graced the sky for an extra touch of drama, and the sun shone down over all. Julie and Aaron’s hand-written vows had nearly every guest wiping away tears until shouts of “Mazel Tov!” filled the air. It couldn’t have been more perfect!
Inside the Convention Center ballroom, the stage was set for an evening of romance and fun! The room was expertly lit by DJ Professionals and Video, the dancing light on the walls and the aqua ceilings giving the whole room an underwater feel. Of course, the highlight of the night had to be when Julie and Aaron were hoisted into the air for the Hora as “Hava Nagila” played through the speakers.
The Wedding of Julie and Aaron, starring…
Bride: Julie Fertig
Groom: Aaron Schoonmaker
Planner: Amanda Whitmore
Bridal Prep Venue: Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Hospitality Suite
Gown and Veil: A Carolina Wedding
Hair & Makeup: Cheslea, Joseph Zell
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Wilmington Convention Center
Ceremony Music: Maura Kropke, wedding violinist
Officiant: Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman
Florist: Fiore Fine Flowers
Reception Music & Lighting: Brian and Eric, DJ Professionals and Video
Bakery: Imaginary Friends Bakery
Video: Dustin Etheridge
Invitations: Envelopments via Mindy & Angie’s
…and photography by indigosilver!
