The week leading up to Sarah and Eric’s wedding it rained.  And rained.  When it wasn’t pouring it was drizzling and when the rain let up for a bit it was still overcast and too chilly for the first week of May.  Sarah and Eric had made their plans at The Edgewater in Sea Bright and were hopeful that the weather would clear and they could get married on the beach.  Even as late as noon on their wedding day the sky was still covered in clouds and a light mist was falling.  But then, just hours before their ceremony was scheduled to start, we saw blue skies and the sun made its first appearance in a week.  And by 5pm it was beautiful!

Father Jphn Michael O'Sullivan and I before the ceremony
Father John Michael O’Sullivan and I before the ceremony

Sarah and Eric hired Fr John Michael O’Sullivan to serve as their officiant.  There isn’t a more polished or professional officiant in all of New Jersey.  Since we were early for the ceremony we got to hang out together on the beach and chat. We didn’t get too deep into theology although I’d love to sit and chat someday with him about the subject.  As we stood on the gorgeous beach with the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing into the sand, Father O’Sullivan said, “a church doesn’t have to be brick and mortar and stained glass.”  Amen to that Father!  I’ve seen a lot of churches in my life but nothing can compare to the beauty of a beach on a gorgeous day.

Sarah and Eric enjoy a kiss during their first dance
Sarah and Eric enjoy a kiss during their first dance

Sarah and Eric’s beach ceremony was perfect.  Sarah has a young son named Michael and they did an amazing job incorporating him in the ceremony and the whole day.  He poured some sand during the Hawaiian Sand Ceremony, read some vows and was part of their grand introduction.  Eric calls Michael “Mr. Fabulous” and I can see why.  He’s a great young man with a fun personality who was either on the dance floor or running around with his friends the entire night.  What I wouldn’t do to have that much energy!

The reception was awesome!  The dance floor was full pretty much packed all night.  Sarah and Eric had given me a good amount of requests going into the party and I was able to play them all as well as a few we got during the party.  With Michael and his friends there, Sarah and Eric had given me the green light on playing some line dances.  But it wasn’t just the kids who got involved in those.  Everything from “The Cupid Shuffle” to “Watch Me Whip” had the dance floor packed.  I also got to mix some great Latin music, some old school (Eric is a big Eminem fan) and some of today’s popular dance music.

It was a fun party and the feedback we received was very gratifying including this awesome review Sarah gave me on Wedding Wire:

 

Mike Walter Wedding Wire Review 5_7-16

I always loved working at The Water’s Edge but this was my first time back there for a wedding since it was rebuilt (and renamed) after Hurricane Sandy.  It was great to get back there and have another unforgettable night at that spot.  My congratulations to Sarah and Eric (and Mr. Fabulous).  I wish them all the best!