Sarah & Ethan’s Wedding at The Bradford Estate in Hainesport, NJ

Some love stories start with a swipe, a five-hour coffee date, and a shared love of adventures. For Sarah and Ethan, that was just the beginning of a relationship filled with travel, laughter, good food, and plenty of nerdy fun. Their wedding at The Bradford Estate in Hainesport, New Jersey, was the perfect reflection of everything they love: a modern celebration centered around marrying their favorite person and throwing an incredible party for the people who mean the most to them.

From a heartfelt first look and personal vows to a reception full of celebration, Sarah and Ethan’s wedding day was one I loved being part of!

From a Dating App to a Lifetime of Adventures

Sarah and Ethan first connected on Hinge, bonding over their shared love of traveling, music, and all things nerdy. When Ethan asked Sarah what she was looking for on the app, her answer was simple: “Someone to drag on adventures.”

And deliver on adventures he has!

Their first date took place on Long Beach Island on Sunday, January 15, 2023. They met at The Local Market and Kitchen for what was supposed to be a casual coffee date. When the shop closed for the evening, they continued their date at How You Brewin’. All told, their first date lasted five hours. Clearly, they had plenty to talk about!

It didn’t take long for both of them to realize there was something special between them.

After their second date, Ethan headed off to Disney. Instead of being completely caught up in the magic of the parks, he found himself wishing he had stayed home to go on another date with Sarah. They spent plenty of time texting throughout his trip, and he knew he was onto something good.

For Sarah, the realization came when she had to travel for almost a month for work. All she could think about was how much she wanted to see Ethan and spend more time with him. After her red-eye flight home, the first thing she did was drive across the state to tell him she loved him.

I think it’s safe to say these two knew they had found their person!

A Christmas Proposal with a Few Elaborate Ruses

On December 13, 2024, Ethan proposed to Sarah in a way that perfectly suited their relationship.

The two had plans to visit a friend in Harrisburg, but Ethan suggested a stop in Hershey to see the Christmas decorations. While visiting Hershey Gardens, he found a secluded bench beneath a tree and asked Sarah to marry him.

Of course, the trip to visit a friend was actually an elaborate ruse. Ethan had booked two nights at the Hotel Hershey, planned fancy dinners, arranged a couples massage, and made sure the entire trip was filled with opportunities to celebrate their engagement.

And apparently, this is only the beginning of Ethan’s elaborate surprise plans!

Even picking up the engagement ring required some creative storytelling. On the day he collected it from the jeweler, Ethan told Sarah he needed to stay late at work to paint the stage. He turned off his phone, picked up the ring, and then returned home with a very convincing explanation: he had dropped his phone into a mop bucket. To sell the story, he left it in front of a fan for the next three hours.

The dedication to the cover story deserves its own round of applause!

A First Look, Personal Vows, and a Game of Rock Paper Scissors

One of my favorite parts of Sarah and Ethan’s wedding day was their first look.

After seeing each other for the first time, they took a moment to sit together on a bench and read their personal vows. It was a chance to slow everything down, take in the excitement of the day, and share words they had written just for each other before the festivities really got underway.

But before deciding who would read their vows first, they had one very important decision to make.

Rock. Paper. Scissors.

Because when you’re marrying your favorite person, even the sweetest moments can come with a little friendly competition!

I loved that this moment captured so much of their relationship. They made space for the emotion of the day while still being completely themselves. Their wedding wasn’t about following a list of traditions just because they were expected to. It was about creating a day that felt right for them.

And what better way to start a marriage than with a little laughter, a lot of love, and a game of rock paper scissors?

A Modern Wedding at The Bradford Estate

Sarah and Ethan envisioned a modern wedding with one main priority: making sure everyone enjoyed the big party they were hosting.

That focus made their celebration feel like such a natural extension of who they are as a couple. They love bringing people together, whether that’s cooking a meal for family and friends, playing board games, or heading out on a new adventure. Their wedding was another opportunity to do exactly that.

The Bradford Estate in Hainesport, NJ, provided a beautiful setting for their celebration, giving them the space to gather their favorite people and enjoy a day focused on what mattered most.

Sarah works in healthcare advertising, while Ethan is a high school math teacher. When they’re not working or planning their next adventure, you’ll usually find them cooking together, playing cooperative video games, enjoying board games, going on hikes, or relaxing with a cup of coffee for Ethan and tea for Sarah.

And yes, they cook almost every meal together!

It’s easy to see why they wanted their wedding to be centered around their guests, good food, and a great time. For them, the best celebrations are the ones where everyone feels welcome, everyone gets to enjoy themselves, and the memories last long after the party ends.

The Best Part of the Day? Getting Married!

When I asked Sarah and Ethan what they were most looking forward to about their wedding, their answers were almost identical.

Ethan’s answer? Marrying Sarah.

Sarah’s answer? Marrying Ethan.

I love when couples are so clear about what matters most to them!

Of course, they were also excited for everyone to try the food at The Bradford Estate and to spend the evening celebrating with the people who mean the most to them. After all, what’s a great party without delicious food and all your favorite people in one room?

Their wedding was a reminder that while the details help bring a celebration together, the real heart of the day is the people sharing it with you.

A Lifetime of Adventures Ahead

When I asked Sarah and Ethan what they hope their future looks like, they had two big goals: to keep dragging each other on adventures forever and to keep cooking delicious food for themselves, their family, and their friends.

Even as they get older and packing in 30,000 steps a day becomes a little less appealing, they want to keep exploring new places and trying new things together.

I have a feeling there will be plenty more elaborate surprises, spontaneous adventures, board games, and meals shared around the table in their future.

Their advice for other couples planning a wedding was just as thoughtful: make a list, stay organized, and remember to enjoy the process. They encouraged couples to move between tasks as inspiration strikes, rather than treating wedding planning like a chore.

It’s advice worth remembering. Your wedding should be a celebration of the life you’re building together, not just a checklist of things to accomplish.

Sarah and Ethan, thank you for letting me capture such a meaningful day! From your personal vows and rock paper scissors showdown to a celebration surrounded by your favorite people, your wedding was such a wonderful reflection of your relationship.

Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, delicious meals, new places to explore, and finding a reason to celebrate together every chance you get. Congratulations, Sarah and Ethan!

Contributing Vendors:
Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography

Venue: The Bradford Estate

Bride’s Dress: Jan’s Boutique – Sophia Tolli – Joy

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie in Navy

Wedding bands: custom made by Evearts Jewelers in Haddonfield

Menswear: Lifestyles Tuxedos 

Invitations: Zola

Hair & Makeup: Bride Squad LLC

Florist: Brooke’s Bouquets 

Cake: Platinum House of Sweets 

Video0grapher: Thato Dadson Images

DJ, Photo Boo0th, Lighting: Center Stage Entertainment 

Officiant: Michael Bickel, friend of couple

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Ceremonious Strings

Did you know I am a preferred vendor at this gorgeous South Jersey wedding venue? Click here to fill out my contact form to request more info!