SEPTEMBER 24, 2022

Sophia & Alex

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our love story

Sophia and Alex met on a (blind) date (or was it before that… ) for Sophia’s sorority formal at Michigan State University in 2014. Since then, they have graduated from college, medical school, and master’s programs; they have gone through periods of long-distance in both Michigan and Chicago, traveled overseas and up mountains, exploring new places, new food, and hobbies together.

When their planned two-week trip to New Zealand was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, Alex was forced to revise his original proposal plans. Two and a half months later, Alex proposed during golden hour on the beach at Saugatuck Dunes State Park in Michigan! Sophia and Alex currently reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan while Alex finishes up his anesthesiology residency at the University of Michigan.

After nearly 8 years together, Sophia and Alex cannot wait to become husband and wife and are excited to celebrate with you at their wedding ceremony and reception in September!

the proposal

As I began the 5 hour drive to Hershey from Saratoga Springs, New York, to be with my family for my birthday, I couldn’t help but drive a little faster because I knew that tomorrow Aaron was making the drive to Hershey from D.C for the weekend too. Since I had been in Saratoga completing my 11 month long dietetic internship, Aaron and I were lucky if we saw each other once a month for a weekend at a time. This was unfamiliar territory for us after attending the same high school and college together for the past 6 years! Little did I know that this weekend would be the most memorable of my life.
The next day I couldn’t sit still. Aaron and I had plans to visit Spring Gate Vineyard in Harrisburg for my birthday, but I was just excited to finally see him again. I will never forget how slow the last 15 minutes passed as I waited for him alone at the side door of my parents' house while they were “out to dinner”. Little did I know that I was actually waiting for my best friend to propose to me. Finally, he arrived and I rushed out to give him a big squeeze like you give someone special when you haven’t seen them in a long time. Finally, after we let each other go, Aaron raced back to his car as if he had forgotten something (apparently I threw him off by waiting for him at the side door, Woops!). I watched him pull out the box and take a knee to propose and in an instant I felt like the happiest and luckiest person in the entire world. He looked like he was shaking so much and I quickly said yes and hugged him as happy tears filled my eyes. His plan was so simple and perfect and it was just us, which made me feel so comfortable. There was plenty of crying, laughing, and a mini bottle of champagne that my mom set up (and hid from me) for us in the house to quickly celebrate. In the meantime, both of our families were at the Mill restaurant in Hershey who we joined to celebrate. It was an incredible weekend and I am so excited to marry my best friend and high school sweetheart!

-Rachel

Stone Harbor, NJ

Friday 9/23/22 -
Join us on 110th Street for some Bocce on the
Beach to kick off the wedding weekend from 3-6PM 

Saturday 9/24/22 -
Wedding Ceremony 3:30PM – Sacred Heart Church
(25th St W & 1st Avenue, Avalon, NJ 08202)

Cocktail Hour & Wedding Reception 5:30PM -
 Yacht Club of Stone Harbor (9001 Sunset Dr, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247)

AFTER PARTY -
KEEP THE CELEBRATIONS GOING AT FRED'S TAVERN FROM 10:45PM - CLOSE!
( 314 96TH ST, STONE HARBOR, NJ 08247) 

Sunday 9/25/22 - 
Sweet Loji Sunday Send Off 9:30-12PM -
Have some time before departing the island?
Join the newlyweds for sweet treats and coffee (117 110th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247) 



Maid of Honor: Megan McLean
Bridesmaid: Gabrielle Aldridge
BRIDESMAID:  Samantha SIRANI
BRIDESMAID: KAITLYN BETTS
BRIDESMAID: CHELSEA LOJI

 BEST MAN: COLE BLACKPORT
Groomsman: Matt Elliot
Groomsman: Phillip Flesch
Groomsman: Alex Berlin
Groomsman: Ranu Sinnah

















Wedding Itinerary

Bridal Party Lineup:

Travel & Accommodations


Atlantic City International Airport (ACY):
36 miles from destination
(~40-45 minute drive)
 
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): 78 miles from destination
(~1 hour & 30 minute drive) 

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI):
(~2 hours & 45 minute drive)

Wedding Registry:

FAQs



Formal attire. An above-the-knee hem (or any length above floor length), a pantsuit, or dressy separates is appropriate for women. Men can wear a suit, or sports jacket with a tie and dress shirt. Please no jeans or sneakers.


We recommend that you arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to make sure everyone can be seated on time and the celebrations scan started as scheduled!


We kindly ask that you do not wear colors traditionally reserved for the bride (white, ivory, blush) or the wedding party (moss green, forest green, sage). Other than that, wear whatever color(s) you would like!


Yes! As you witness the exchange of our vows and rings, it is our wish that you will be fully present and kindly switch off all devices and enjoy this special moment with us. We promise and will happily share the photos that are captured during this time with you!


To give all our guests the opportunity to celebrate without having to worry about little eyes and ears, we politely request no children under the age of ten.

Things to do:

Crate & Barrel


Some of you may ask, “Why Stone Harbor?” And we would reply, “Of course, Stone Harbor!” 

The shores of Stone Harbor have been a part of Sophia’s family life since the 1970’s when her grandparents, Herbert and Marianne received advice from a close friend that, “they need to be in Stone Harbor”. Peaceful and beautiful, Stone Harbor became a vacation destination for the Wanner family and there, summer by summer, Sophia grew up digging in the sand, swimming in the waves, and playing with cousins. It is a jewel of her heart. When Sophia introduced Alex to her extended family, it happened here, at the beach where she grew up. Alex quickly understood Sophia’s love for Stone Harbor, and they travelled here often during their courtship. It’s quickly become “their place” too.
 
Learn more about Stone Harbor’s history here:


The weekend will be busy, but you will have time to stroll the town, explore the sites, and grab a beverage and bite to eat. Exciting news! The “Savor September Wine, Beer & Food Festival” takes place this weekend!!! But there are endless possibilities suitable for all interests! 



Walk to the “bitter end” of the beach (also referenced to as the point) - but make sure it’s at low tide or you’ll find yourself lost at sea

Rent bikes at Harbor Bike & Beach Shop and bike all 7 miles of 7 mile island 

Channel your inner child and play mini golf! Our favorite is Pirate’s Island in Avalon 

Kayak in the back bay! Rentals available at Harbor Outfitters in Stone Harbor or Moran’s
Dockside in Avalon 

Bluefish, flounder and bass oh my! Charter a boat for a day of fishing at Moran’s Dockside in Avalon



Stone Harbor Pizza Pub - a contemporary pizzeria with beers on tap and “grassy” outdoor seating on the back bay 

For a healthy and energizing start to your day, visit Toastique for their superfood arrangement of gourmet avocado toasts, acai bowls, smoothies, and cold pressed juice 

Moran’s Dockside - yes you read that correctly! Their made-to-order hoagies are the best on the island! 

Run, don’t walk, to the Bread and Cheese Cupboard on 96th Street for their crumb buns - a sweet treat to start the day!



Fred’s Tavern - the long-established local spot for a casual drink! Note: Fred also has a liquor store attached for those who would enjoy a beverage at home  

Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina - margaritas with a bay view. Need we say more?! 

The Watering Hull - located above the shops in Harbor Square, this restaurant has an open and airy dining area that turns into a late night lounge 

Quahog’s Seafood Shack & Bar - A bohemian New England-style restaurant and bar featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Highly recommend their oyster shooters! 

Coffee Talk - for coffee lovers alike! Extensive variety of caffeinated beverages and bagels made fresh daily! Note: cash only and one of Taylor Swift’s early singing spots!



Springers Home Made Ice Cream - A delicious and must-have local staple! You’ll spend the extra time in line mulling over which one (or several) of their 50+ flavors of ice cream, gelato and sorbet to have! 

Sophia’s favorite flavor: Cookies In My Coffee
Alex’s favorite flavor: The Blue One 



Turtle crossing! Visit the Wetlands Institute, a non-profit organization with a two room exhibit outlining the unique marine life on the Eastern Seaboard 

Start your day off right by waking up for sunrise anywhere on the beach!
Experience golden hour on the back bay on 114th street! 

Walk the trails and listen to the birdsongs in the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary & Nature Preserve! 





Free and open every day of the year, the Cape May Zoo a fantastic activity for families and couples 

Interested in picking crabs? Head to Two Mile Crab House in Wildwood Crest  

Is there (real) golf in Stone Harbor? Yes, we have that too! There are 3 public golf courses and a few private clubs (check your local listing or club affiliation for reciprocal privileges)  


WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

 ARE THERE ANY COLORS I SHOULD AVOID WEARING?

ARE YOU HAVING AN UNPLUGGED CEREMONY?

I HAVE CHILDREN – CAN THEY COME?

WILLIAMS SONOMA

AMAZON

The Lark Motel
(www.larkmotel.com)
Address: 9800 2nd Ave, PO Box 306, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
3 night minimum 
To book, please contact Denise
at larkmotelshnj@gmail.com
or call (609) 368-2500
Note: Rooms expire on June 15th!

Nearby airports:

Accommodations:

The Reeds at Shelter Haven (www.reedsatshelterhaven.com) 
Address: 601 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247) 
Book online or via phone at (609) 368-10100

Windrift Hotel Resort (www.icona.com/windrift) 
Address: 105 80th Street, Avalon, NJ 08202
Book online or via phone at (609) 368-5175 

ICONA Avalon Resort
(www.icona.com/avalon)
Address: 7849 Dune Dr, Avalon, NJ 08202
Book online or via phone at (609) 368-5155 

Stone Harbor Motels: (www.stoneharbormotels.com)

The Dunes Motel (9801 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247;
(609) 368-4121)

The Colonial Lodge (9801 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247;
(609) 368-2202) 

The Seaward Motel (9720 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247;
(609) 368-5900) 

The Stone Harbor Inn (9700 2nd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247;
(609) 368-4422)

ACTIVE EXCURSIONS: 

GOOD EATS:

LOCAL LIBATIONS: 

SWEET TREATS:

COMMUNING WITH NATURE: 

ALTHOUGH STRONGLY DISCOURAGED BY SOPHIA’S GRANDMOTHER,
IT IS FUN TO VENTURE “OFF ISLAND” TOO! 

WHAT? THERE’S MORE?! WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO EXPLORE THE CHAMBER WEBSITE FOR A LISTING OF EVENTS: HTTPS://STONEHARBORCHAMBER.COM 

HTTPS://THESHOREBLOG.COM/HISTORY-OF-STONE-HARBOR/ 

What time should I arrive?