This romantic DIY wedding at the Allaire State Chapel in New Jersey stole our hearts with a dreamy golden hour photo shoot and an elegant reception at the Patterson Family Farm in Freehold.
A modern romance through and through, Kendall and Spencer’s love story began online while playing PlayStation! The couple initially bonded over their shared interest in gaming but soon found themselves connecting on a deeper level. After countless phone calls, video chats, and falling asleep together on the phone multiple times, they became an official couple. They navigated long-distance for 9 months before Kendall moved from Jersey to join Spencer in Iowa.
Since the beginning, Kendall and Spencer’s relationship has been anything but traditional. And their proposal was no exception! Following a move back to New Jersey, Spencer was pleasantly surprised when Kendall proposed to him on a date at Allaire State Park.
Kennie read me a beautiful note to take the moment and proposed. Of course, through tears, I said yes! We were skipping in joy for the rest of the date while we spoke about our next steps.”
– Spencer (The Groom)
Their beautiful 8-year-long love story came full circle with them exchanging vows at the site of Kendall’s wedding proposal.
The Allaire State Chapel was the perfect backdrop for their intimate fall nuptials! Beautifully captured by Christina Hernandez, highlights of the day included burgundy and gold DIY decor, romantic candles, a golden-hour newlywed’s outdoor photo shoot, and a lively reception at a rustic barn on the Patterson Family Farm in Freehold.
More sweet details from their nuptials below!
- Couple: Spencer Elias Cockman & Kendall Blessing Cockman
- Occupations: Spencer is a Condo Association Superintendent & Kendall is a Teacher
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: September 16th, 2022
- Wedding Location: Allaire State Park/Village
- Reception: Patterson’s Family Barn
- Wedding style: Classy and romantic
- Groomsmen gifts: Leather-wrapped flask with an insignia of a suit inscribed with ‘team groom.’
- Bridesmaid gifts: Small gift boxes that included a stemless wine glass, lip balm, and a couple of other goodies asking if they would be Kennies bridesmaid/maid of honor
- Gifts for one another: Scrapbook of our time together filled with all of our memories for the last 8 years taken by both of us.
- Bride’s Entrance: Classic Butterfly waltz into a lovely Canon in D
- First dance song: “L.O.V.E” by Nat King Cole
How they met…
We actually ended up meeting online through our shared interest in Playstation, where we stayed up late nights talking and falling asleep together on the phone. For 9 months, we spent all our free time making a long-distance relationship work and finding out who we were. Then when I got my first factory job in Iowa, Kennie moved out to live with me.
We’ve been together ever since. From state to state, making decisions together and making a life as we moved from two people in Tulsa, Ok, and New Jersey, to officially starting our life together in New Jersey.
Their first date…
When we finally met, we had our first date at Applebees and then went to cold stone for ice cream!
The proposal…
As the Groom, I was greatly surprised and excited when Kendall proposed to me.
We went to Allaire State Park on a small date just to walk and enjoy the village. As Kennie started asking to take pictures of me near the village forge, the funny thing was that I was so unaware of what was going on. I was actually getting frustrated with them as I was enjoying the walk until Kennie placed their phone on a nearby tree and hit record.
I instantly felt everything; sorry, happy, excited, nervous. But I knew right away, no matter what, I would say yes in ecstatic glee. Kennie read me a beautiful note to take the moment and proposed. Of course, through tears, I said yes! We were skipping in joy for the rest of the date while we spoke about our next steps.
The ceremony…
Wedding attire & shopping experience…
I had a very personable dark green tux and black dress pants to match our fall colors. Buying it from The Black Tux online was literally the easiest experience for me. It came pre labeled and easy to ship back.
Kennies dress was bought from David’s Bridal in Freehold, New Jersey. She went shopping one time with my Mother in law, tried on three dresses, and knew right away when she found the one. She did a lot of online browsing beforehand so that streamlined the process.
It was an elegant and perfect ivory A-line off-the-shoulder dress. Bringing both a sense of simple yet refined look that perfectly complemented their pearl-fashioned jewelry and chapel-length veil.
Favorite wedding memory…
Currently, I would say the best memory has to be our first look at each other.
We both took it upon ourselves that we wouldn’t see our wedding attire until the day of. And although the anticipation was killing me, unsure what dress Kennie picked out, it was worth the wait!
Another favorite memory was when Kendall played guitar for me at the reception. She learned the song just for the wedding!
I was brought to tears seeing Kennie in the most beautiful outfit. They were also wearing the pearls I got them prior and the most gorgeous heels. Then to see their reaction seeing me in my suit for the first time was magical and breathtaking in itself.
The reception…
DIY decor…
Their first dance…
Sweet details…
Advice for engaged couples…
No matter what trials you go through, together you can make it where you want to be. Although you are different people with different opinions and ways of doing things, you can make it through anything if you can work together in the love you share with one another.
Vintage bling…
And they lived happily ever after…
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Vendors:
- Photography: Christina Hernandez Artistry
- Wedding Planner: Kathy Schripia
- Catering: Tuscany’s Italian Market *mainly curated by Chef Rita & the Groom
- DJ: Brian Schripia
- Cake: Chocolate Carousel
- Officiant: Reverend Anthony Cavallo, through Allaire State Chapel
- Ceremony Music: Bridal music by Michelle through Allaire State Chapel
- Dress: David’s Bridal
- Tux: The Black Tux
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