Courtney & Ryan’s Cape May Wedding at America’s Oldest Seaside Resort

A bride and groom walk on the grass towards the grand Congress Hall, a large yellow building with columns in Cape May, while people gather around under a clear blue sky to celebrate the wedding.

Courtney & Ryan hired us about a year and a half prior to their wedding day. We spoke about the plan and flow of their day, what was most important to them and how we would capture all of the emotion and connections once the day actually arrived. One thing they forgot to mention to us is that they planned to completely transform Congress Hall, an already incredibly unique and jaw dropping venue for a wedding. We have photographed so many weddings at Congress Hall over the years and we are so very fortunate to continue to be invited back to photograph so many wonderful weddings there. Each wedding at this incredible venue is beautiful in its own right. But Courtney & Ryan’s design and decor was just next level. Take a picture perfect fall day, a stunning vision, add in America’s oldest seaside resort, Congress Hall, and you’ve got yourself the backdrop for one heck of a wedding shindig!

Courtney & Ryan’s wedding ceremony took place on the lawn at Congress Hall situated just across the beach with the Atlantic just beyond that. The sun was shining, the ocean breeze was blowing, trumpets and guitars played as Courtney, looking radiant in her gown, and Ryan, looking sharp as ever, stood before their loved ones, ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Courtney’s brother officiated his sister and brother in-law’s wedding giving the ceremony that extra personal touch. The couple said their I dos and were cheered on by family and friends as they walked back down the lawn towards the veranda and a cocktail hour waiting for them and all of their guests. But let’s talk about what happened next because, folks, it was nothing short of epic. They whisked everyone inside the iconic ballroom, where the real magic went down. And by magic, I mean jaw-dropping floral displays that were so incredible, even Mother Nature herself would’ve been impressed. Imagine this: you walk into the ballroom and BAM! Pink everywhere—like, everywhere you look, there’s a pop of pink that makes you go, “Whoa, that’s unbelievable!” We’re talking pink accents that would make Barbie blush. I even said to the the planner, Shannon, “I’ve been in this room dozens of times but I’ve never seen it look this good”.  These centerpieces weren’t just your run-of-the-mill flower arrangements, oh no. They were towering works of art, bursting with blooms in shades of pink. Each one was like a mini garden, meticulously crafted to perfection by the team of artists at A Garden Party. But amidst all the glitz and glamour, it was the love between Courtney and Ryan that stole the show. They danced the night away, their laughter filling the air and their hearts overflowing with joy. It was a celebration of love, laughter, and some sick dance moves. Courtney & Ryan, you guys put on one hell of a party. It was so incredible to share in the celebration with you and your families. We all here wish you all nothing but the best!

*See Courtney & Ryan’s wedding video here*

CONGRESS HALL WEDDING VENDORS

Venue – Congress Hall | Planning – Shannon Wellington | Florals – A Garden Party | MUA – Calista Salon | DJ – EBE Talent | Dress –Kleinfeld Bridal | Linens – White Glove Rentals | Ceremony Music – Springlight Entertainment |  Photography & Videography – Two17 Photo & Cinema

To see more of our recent weddings, take a look at this Super-8 film wedding in New Hope, this Beach Plum Farm wedding in Cape May and this New Year’s Eve wedding video at The Ballroom at Ellis Preserve

Ready to reach out and discuss the plans for your own wedding? Send us a message here.

A bride and groom, dressed in wedding attire, walk hand-in-hand outside the yellow building labeled "Congress Hall" in Cape May, adorned with several large American flags.
A close-up of a white floral arrangement in a vase on the left and the entrance of Congress Hall in Cape May, decorated with pumpkins and hay bales, on the right.
A young woman, arms crossed, stands facing another seated woman amid the elegant ambiance of Congress Hall. Two other people are in the background; one stands by a clothing rack and the other leans over a chair. The scene hints at preparations for an enchanting wedding in Cape May.
A woman is sitting on a chair in a bathroom at Congress Hall in Cape May while another woman is applying makeup to her face, preparing for the wedding.
Two black-and-white photos of young people sitting and talking in a bedroom. In the left photo, two individuals sit on a bed. In the right photo, three individuals are in conversation, one on a bed and two on chairs. The setting evokes the timeless charm often associated with Cape May gatherings.
An elderly woman and a young girl sit in a living room. The woman, dressed in a black shirt with a white cardigan, looks ahead, reminiscent of old photographs from her wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May, while the girl is seated in the foreground, partially out of focus.
A man adjusts his bow tie in a room at Congress Hall in Cape May, with another man in the background looking down, both dressed in formal wedding attire.
An older man in a tuxedo smiles broadly while another person adjusts his bow tie from behind in a well-lit room at Congress Hall, Cape May.
A man in a black tuxedo and bow tie sits on a stool (left) and smiles at the camera (right). He wears a boutonniere and is in a room with a light blue wall and white furniture at Congress Hall, Cape May, capturing the perfect wedding moment.
Four men in suits cheerfully clink glasses in a well-lit room, celebrating a memorable wedding reception at the historic Congress Hall in Cape May.
A woman in a white lace wedding dress is being assisted by another woman in a black dress to fasten the back of her gown in a light-colored room at Congress Hall, Cape May.
A bride in a lace dress is being helped with her gown by another woman in a dark dress, set against the charming backdrop of Congress Hall in Cape May.
A bride is seen from behind approaching a group of excited people at a wedding in Cape May, including adults and children, dressed formally in a room with patterned carpet and wall decor, likely within the elegant Congress Hall.
A groom in a black suit and bow tie meets his bride in her lace dress for the first time, smiling and then hugging, in front of Cape May’s historic Congress Hall with its cream-colored walls and dark window shutters.
A woman in a white dress looks up and smiles at a man in a suit. They stand outside Congress Hall, the historic building with shutters on the windows, capturing the timeless charm of Cape May.
A bride and groom, dressed in wedding attire, pose together for photos outdoors beside a long, white columned building at Cape May's historic Congress Hall. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers.
A bride and groom stand outdoors at Congress Hall in Cape May, smiling and holding hands. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers. Both are dressed in formal wedding attire.
Black and white photo of a man in a suit and a woman in a wedding dress at Congress Hall, Cape May. The man looks down and smiles while the woman looks directly at the camera, also smiling.
A bride in a white lace gown holds a bouquet of white flowers. The photo, taken at Congress Hall in Cape May, captures both a close-up of the bouquet and a full-length view of the bride standing outdoors, perfectly framing the enchanting wedding atmosphere.
A couple on their wedding day, holding hands and smiling in front of Congress Hall. The groom is wearing a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white dress with a lace bodice, radiating joy at their Cape May celebration.
A bride and groom pose for wedding photos outside Cape May's iconic Congress Hall, a building with yellow walls and large American flags. The bride wears a white lace dress, while the groom dons a sleek black tuxedo.
A wedding party stands in front of Congress Hall in Cape May, with groomsmen in black suits, bridesmaids in black dresses, and two flower girls in pink dresses surrounding the bride and groom.
A man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie smiles while standing with others outside Cape May's historic Congress Hall.
A group dressed in formal attire, some holding floral bouquets, stands outdoors in front of a building with "CONGRESS" signage. The group appears to be celebrating a wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May.
A group of men in tuxedos stand outside Congress Hall, a historic building in Cape May with charming awnings, engaged in conversation and smiling on this joyous wedding day.
A bride and groom stand with their wedding party outdoors at Congress Hall in Cape May, with the party members dressed in black attire and two young girls in pink dresses holding flowers. Everyone is smiling and looking at each other.
Outdoor wedding venue at Congress Hall, Cape May, featuring a welcome sign on an easel next to white chairs and a floral archway decorated with white flowers and greenery.
A man plays a brass instrument outside in front of the yellow building of Congress Hall (left). Several filled champagne glasses, set for a wedding, are arranged on a table (right).
A man in a black tuxedo walks past seated guests at an outdoor wedding in front of the grand Congress Hall in Cape May.
A couple, with the bride in a white gown and groom in a suit, stand before a group of clapping and smiling people outside Congress Hall in Cape May on a sunny wedding day.
A bride and groom walk outside on a sunny day at Cape May's Congress Hall, with the groom holding part of the bride's dress. People stand in the background, and an American flag is visible.
A groom in a black suit smiles while standing outside Congress Hall. Nearby, a bride walks down the aisle with an older man on a grassy field under the clear sky of Cape May.
A bride and groom stand together at an outdoor wedding ceremony in Cape May. Bridal party members and guests are dressed in black and white attire, with white chairs and floral arrangements lining the aisle at Congress Hall.
A bride and groom stand before an officiant during an outdoor wedding ceremony at Cape May's historic Congress Hall, surrounded by groomsmen in black tuxedos and floral decorations. Guests are seated, observing the proceedings.
Left: A young girl in a pink dress holds flowers. Right: Guests, including an elderly couple, smile during an outdoor wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May.
A woman wearing sunglasses holds a smiling baby with a floral headband at a wedding in Cape May.
A bride and groom hold hands during their wedding ceremony at Congress Hall in Cape May, standing in front of an officiant amidst floral arrangements.
A bride and groom kiss at their wedding ceremony at Congress Hall in Cape May. The couple stands beside an arch decorated with flowers, and groomsmen in black suits and ties clap in the background.
A newlywed couple walks down the aisle holding hands at Congress Hall in Cape May, surrounded by wedding guests who are clapping, with a flower arch in the background.
A bride and groom walk on the grass towards the grand Congress Hall, a large yellow building with columns in Cape May, while people gather around under a clear blue sky to celebrate the wedding.
A large yellow building, reminiscent of Cape May's iconic Congress Hall, with people gathered outside on the lawn. In another view, a table displays a book, pen, drinks, and a camera with candies—perfect details for a picturesque wedding scene.
A jazz band performs outdoors at a wedding in Cape May; the first image shows three musicians, one playing a trumpet, and the second image focuses on a drummer near Congress Hall.
Elegant wedding reception hall at Congress Hall in Cape May, featuring black and white checkered floors, round tables with gold chairs, white floral centerpieces, and chandeliers.
Elegant wedding reception setup at Congress Hall in Cape May, featuring white floral arrangements, gold chairs, and neatly set tables on a black-and-white checkered floor.
A decorated table with white floral arrangements, candles, and place settings is set for two in Cape May's elegant Congress Hall, featuring checkered flooring and gold chairs—the perfect setting for a romantic wedding.
A wedding reception setup at Congress Hall in Cape May features elegant floral arrangements and candles on tables. One side shows seating charts in a mirrored frame, while the other showcases green foliage and an ornate chandelier.
A wedding table setting at Congress Hall in Cape May features a blush pink plate, a menu, and gold utensils. The reception hall is decorated with white flowers, greenery, and gold chairs arranged around round tables.
A bride and groom stand on a balcony overlooking a courtyard with wedding guests below at Congress Hall in Cape May. The bride holds a bouquet, and both are dressed in elegant wedding attire.
A bride and groom dance joyfully on a black and white checkered floor in Congress Hall, Cape May, surrounded by cheering guests dressed in formal attire at a wedding reception.
A couple dances in the center of a black-and-white checkered floor at Congress Hall in Cape May, surrounded by guests in formal attire watching and taking photos at their wedding.
A bride and groom share a dance at their wedding reception in Cape May's Congress Hall, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
A woman with curly hair and a man in a suit embrace a young woman with short hair, who closes her eyes, appearing content. The background reveals the dim lighting and lively atmosphere of an indoor wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May.
A bride in a white gown celebrates with an older woman in a navy dress at their Cape May wedding, surrounded by cheering, well-dressed guests at the lively event. A young girl in a pink dress stands nearby observing the joyous scene at Congress Hall.
At a wedding in Cape May's iconic Congress Hall, a man in a suit gives a speech while another man and woman, dressed in formal attire, sit at a decorated table and raise their glasses in a toast. Guests are seated around the room.
A man in a black suit holds a camcorder while sitting at a table, smiling at a woman seated next to him. Several other guests are seated around the table, and a server stands in the background. The scene captures the joy of a wedding reception at Congress Hall in Cape May.
At a beautifully decorated table adorned with floral arrangements and candles, a person in a suit delivers an eloquent speech beside a sitting couple during their wedding at Congress Hall in Cape May.
An elderly man in a tuxedo and boutonniere is laughing heartily at a formal wedding at Congress Hall, sitting next to a smiling elderly woman in a dark dress. Two other guests in the foreground are blurred.
Two men in tuxedos stand side by side at an elegant indoor event in Cape May's historic Congress Hall, reading from papers and speaking into a microphone. One man appears to be presenting while the other listens and smiles, embodying the joyous spirit of a wedding celebration.
Two people seated at a table in Congress Hall, Cape May, are smiling and laughing. One person is wearing a blue suit jacket and glasses, while the other is dressed in a green outfit, possibly celebrating a wedding.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit sit smiling at their wedding reception table at Congress Hall in Cape May while listening to a speech.
Four people clink glasses filled with different drinks at a celebratory event, set against the charming backdrop of Congress Hall in Cape May—a perfect setting for a memorable wedding.
A bride and groom share a first dance on a black-and-white checkered floor in a decorated reception hall at Congress Hall, all while guests watch from their tables, adding to the magic of this Cape May wedding.
A man in a suit and an older woman dance gracefully in the elegant Congress Hall ballroom at a Cape May wedding, surrounded by seated guests and floral arrangements.
A bride and groom feed each other cake at their wedding reception in Congress Hall, Cape May. They stand beside a multi-tiered white wedding cake, surrounded by seated guests and floral decorations.
A group of people in formal attire are dancing energetically at an indoor event in Congress Hall. The atmosphere appears lively and celebratory, reminiscent of a joyful Cape May wedding.
Black and white photo of a lively dance floor at a formal wedding in Congress Hall; people of various ages are enjoying dancing together. The background features elegant decor, capturing the charm of Cape May, and a checkered floor.
People are dancing and enjoying themselves at a wedding in Congress Hall, Cape May, with participants dressed in suits and gowns. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
A crowded indoor celebration at Congress Hall in Cape May featured many individuals enthusiastically dancing and singing, surrounded by elegant decor and candle-lit chandeliers.
A group of people dance on a checkered floor at a lively wedding in the Congress Hall of Cape May, with some clapping and others energetically moving.
A group of people dancing at a wedding reception in Congress Hall, Cape May, with the bride in the center wearing a white dress. The image captures a celebratory and joyous moment.
Guests dressed in formal attire dance and socialize in Congress Hall's elegant ballroom, its black-and-white checkered floors and chandeliers adding to the festive lighting. This Cape May venue creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
A black and white photo captures a joyful crowd dancing and singing at a lively indoor event. Some people have their arms raised, adding to the festive atmosphere enhanced by chandeliers and floral decorations in the background—perfectly portraying a wedding celebration at Congress Hall in Cape May.
At a wedding in Cape May's historic Congress Hall, a group of people in formal attire dance and enjoy themselves on a black and white checkered floor in a well-lit room with chandeliers. One man stands out, dancing energetically while others look on.
A man in formal attire dances energetically on a checkered floor at a wedding in Cape May's Congress Hall, while a group of people in formal wear watch and smile in a blurred, festive setting.
A lively black-and-white photo captures the joyous ambiance at a Wedding in Congress Hall, Cape May. One man holds a bottle, another smokes a cigar, and a woman in an elegant dress joins the festivities in the background.
At a Wedding in the enchanting Congress Hall, the bride and groom dance at their reception, surrounded by guests taking photos and enjoying the celebration. The lighting creates a dynamic, blurred effect as Cape May's historic charm adds to the magical atmosphere.
A bride and groom dance energetically at their Wedding reception at Congress Hall in Cape May, surrounded by guests. The groom holds a drink while the bride points and smiles. The image is in black and white, capturing motion blur.

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