Rehearsal for Wedding Party

Rehearsal Dinner for Wedding Party

The Grand Hotel Cape May

Wedding Day

Reception

Our Wedding

We met after both experiencing the loss of our previous spouses; that shared journey toward healing brought us together and deepened our appreciation for life and love. Matthew proposed at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, a meaningful moment that reflected our faith and hope for the future. Matthew is the devoted father of three children — Collin, Carter, and Caleb — who are central to our family. Our guiding scripture is “He makes everything beautiful,” which continues to inspire how we love, rebuild, and look forward to celebrating our marriage on August 8, 2026, in Cape May, NJ.

Our Hallmark Story: Beauty From the Ashes

Our Love Story

Timeline of Our Love Story

Timeline of Us

Photos of Us

Kristin's brother, Pastor Colin, will be officiating the wedding ceremony, which makes their day even more meaningful and special. He is the pastor of Triumphant Church and has always been someone they look up to for his faith, guidance, and support. Having him stand with us as we begin this new chapter together is such an incredible blessing. His love for family, his caring heart, and the way he pours into others make him the perfect person to lead the ceremony, and we are so honored to have him play such an important role in our wedding day.


Pastor Colin Tadlock

Devon is not only my cousin, but also my maid of honor, which makes our bond even more special. I truly enjoy spending time with her and creating memories together whenever we can. Having family on the East Coast means so much to me, and I love that she’s from Virginia because it keeps that connection close to my heart. She has been an important part of my life as we've gotten older, and I’m so grateful for the laughter, and support we share as family... and of course our love of everything pink! 

Devon Tinius

Collin, Matthew’s oldest son, is 9 years old and will be our Best (Little) Man. He’s our little redhead with the biggest personality and always knows how to make everyone smile. Collin is incredibly creative, full of imagination, and always coming up with something fun or unexpected. Whether he’s making jokes, sharing his ideas, or keeping everyone entertained, he brings so much energy and joy wherever he goes. We are so excited for him to stand by our side on such a special day, and I know he’ll make the role of Best (Little) Man completely unforgettable.

Collin Cresto

Noelle, Devon’s sweet little daughter, will be our flower girl, and she’ll be 2 ½ years old at the time of the wedding. She is full of personality, nonstop smiles, and the cutest little energy that lights up every room she walks into. Whether she’s being silly, making everyone laugh, or showing off her adorable smile, she always keeps things fun. I already know she’s going to steal everyone’s hearts walking down the aisle, looking absolutely precious and probably adding a little bit of toddler sparkle to the day. Having Noelle be part of the wedding makes it even more special, and I can’t wait to celebrate with her and Devon by my side.

Noelle Elsey Williams

Carter will be Ring Bearer #1, and at 6 years old, he is one of the sweetest little boys you could ever meet. He has such a kind heart and always cares so much about the people around him. Whether he’s helping others, making sure everyone is happy, or simply giving the best hugs, Carter’s gentle and thoughtful personality shines through in everything he does. We are so excited for him to be part of our special day, and I know he’ll look absolutely adorable walking down the aisle with his sweet smile and caring spirit.


Carter Cresto

Caleb, our second ring bearer, is 4 years old and full of nonstop energy and fun. He is such a little cutie and always keeps everyone entertained with his playful personality and excitement for life. Caleb loves Spider-Man and Bluey, and you can usually find him running around, playing, and making people laugh. His big imagination and happy spirit make him so much fun to be around, and we can already tell he’s going to bring so much joy and excitement to our wedding day.


Caleb Cresto

The Wedding Party

Welcome & Blessing - Bernadette Tadlock

Bernadette Tadlock is the proud mother of the bride and has been a constant source of love, guidance, and support throughout her daughter's life. Known for her warm hospitality, generous spirit, and dedication to family, Bernadette has helped create countless cherished memories for those she loves. Family and friends know her for her welcoming nature, thoughtful kindness, and ability to bring people together. As the Mother of the Bride, she is honored to welcome guests and share in the joy of this special celebration as two families come together to begin a new chapter. Please join us in welcoming Bernadette as she greets and welcomes all those attending this joyous occasion.

Scripture Reading - Joy Stanley

Joy Stanley is a cherished family friend whose faith, kindness, and enduring commitment to family have been an inspiration to those who know her. Blessed with many years of marriage, Joy exemplifies the values of love, devotion, and partnership that are at the heart of this celebration. Throughout the years, she has shared her wisdom, friendship, and unwavering support with family and friends alike. It is especially meaningful to have Joy participate in this ceremony by sharing a scripture reading, offering words that reflect the faith, hope, and love that guide a lasting marriage. We are honored to have Joy be part of our special day.

Special Reading (In lieu of the Best Man speech) - Roger Howell II

Roger Howell II is a gifted writer, storyteller, and longtime friend whose talent for crafting meaningful and memorable words has made him the perfect choice for this special role. Known for his creativity, insight, and ability to capture life's most important moments through writing, Roger has a unique gift for turning thoughts and emotions into true literary masterpieces. In lieu of a traditional Best Man speech, Roger will share a special reading written for the occasion, offering reflections that celebrate the couple, their journey, and the love that has brought them to this day. His words are sure to add a personal and heartfelt touch to the celebration. We are honored to have Roger share his talents and be part of this joyous occasion.

Maid of Honor Speech - Devon Tinius

Devon Tinius, the bride's cousin and Maid of Honor, has been a special part of her life, sharing family memories, celebrations, and a close bond that has grown over the years. As both family and friend, Devon has been a source of support, encouragement, and laughter. Known for her caring heart, positive spirit, and devotion to those she loves, Devon is honored to stand beside the bride on this important day. As Maid of Honor, she will share a heartfelt speech celebrating the couple, their journey together, and the exciting future that lies ahead. We are grateful for Devon's love, support, and participation in making this day so memorable.

Readers & Toast-Givers

Dress Code

Dress Code: Semi-Formal We're going bold! Our wedding colors are fuchsia and cobalt blue, and we're leaning into the fun, vibrant energy of the day. Feel free to join the color party with bright, bold, joyful attire—or keep it classic with your favorite dressy look.Think color, confidence, and celebration. We can't wait to see everyone's personality shine!

Please bring 2 pairs of shoes1 pair of sandals for the beach 1 pair of semi-formal shoes for the reception

Join us for a delicious meal prepared by the talented chefs at The Grand Hotel, where every dish is crafted with passion, flavor, and the finest ingredients. Enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere as you indulge in a variety of mouthwatering cuisines designed to satisfy every taste. Here are some of the dishes we have picked for our special day. (Items subject to change.) Cocktail Hour: Coconut Shrimp Macaroni &amp; Cheese CroquetteCheesesteak Pot StickersPeach BBQ brisket Skewer Chilli Lime Chicken Skewers Dinner: Buffet-Style Garden SaladFlounderChicken Francaise Prime Rib (Station) Dessert:Wedding Cake &amp; Cupcakes Drinks:Water, Coffee, Tea, etc.

Rate: $506 per night min. 2 night stay Room Blocks Available - Hotel will accept reservations made by telephone at +1 800 257 8550. Meeting attendees will reference group code 751979 when makingreservations. The reservation cut-off date shall be6/28/2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern time.

Grand Hotel of Cape May

Rate: $560 per night5 mins from the Wedding Venue* 2 night minimum required** This venue is Pet-friendly

Boarding House Cape May NJ Hotel

Room Rate Per Night: $38015 mins away from Wedding Venue

Beachside Resort

Rate: $300 per night15 mins from the Wedding Venue**This Venue is Pet-friendly

Red Roof Inn Wildwood - Cape May/Rio Grande

Room rate per night: $28015 mins away from Wedding Venue

Tangiers Motel

Where to Stay

Take time to enjoy the Jersey Shore! Cape May City’s beaches are family friendly, clean, and close to restrooms and food. They run approximately 2.5 miles parallel to Beach Avenue and are within walking distance from most accommodations. Beach tags are required (ages 12 and up) on all beaches from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day during guarded hours. They are available at all beach entrances and at City Hall. <a href="https://capemaybeachpatrol.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Cape May Beach Patrol</a>&nbsp;protects the beaches from The Cove to Poverty Beach from 10am – 5pm from July 1 through Labor Day. Lifeguards respond to water and medical emergencies. There are always several NJ Department of Health certified EMTs on duty in the summertime. Please clean up after yourself and remove anything you bring with you.

Jersey Shore - Cape May 

Climb the 199 steps up the original, cast iron spiral stairway to the top of the 1859 Cape May Lighthouse and see a staggering view of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the surrounding nature trails of Cape May Point State Park, and Cape May Point Borough. Interpretive panels on the grounds, at the base and on the climb tell stories of Lighthouse Keepers, the surrounding area, and how the lighthouse functioned historically and today. The Cape May Lighthouse is a state historic site and the third beacon at this location. Still an active aid to navigation, it was restored and is maintained by Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture). Since Cape May MAC opened it to the public in 1988, more than 2.5 million visitors have climbed to the top.&nbsp;Accessibility: <a href="https://capemaymac.org/plan/accessibility/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://capemaymac.org/plan/accessibility/</a>&nbsp;

Cape May Lighthouse

Known as the “Queen of the Seaside Resorts” for its quaint Victorian cottages and pristine beaches, Cape May is the oldest seaside resort in the country, and in 1976, the entire city was declared a National Historic Landmark. Possessing one of the country's largest collections of 19th century seaside wood framed buildings, the historic district features a variety of styles of Victorian architecture. Tour guides will explain Cape May’s history and architecture and how and why it has survived and thrives to this day. The tour is newly updated with contributions of Cape May’s Black community recently documented and entered into the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and into the National Register of Historic Places. Offered year-round either separately or as combo tours. Begins and ends at the Ocean Street Trolley Stop.Begins and ends at the Ocean Street trolley stop. Allow ample time to find parking. We cannot guarantee large parties will sit together unless they plan to arrive early to secure seats.&nbsp;

Historic Trolley Tour Cape May NJ

The Cape May County Park &amp; Zoo in the Cape May Court House section of Middle Township, New Jersey, provides free year-round admission to a collection of more than 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres of exhibits. The zoo is located at 707 U.S. Route 9 North, in the center of Cape May County's Central Park.

Cape May County Park & Zoo

The&nbsp;Liberty Bell, previously called the&nbsp;State House Bell&nbsp;or&nbsp;Old State House Bell, is an iconic symbol of&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American independence</a>&nbsp;located in&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Philadelphia</a>. Originally placed in the steeple of Pennsylvania State House, now known as&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Hall" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Independence Hall</a>, the Liberty Bell today is located across the street from Independence Hall in the Liberty Bell Center in&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_National_Historical_Park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Independence National Historical Park</a>.The bell was commissioned in 1752 by the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_Provincial_Assembly" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly</a>&nbsp;from the London-based firm Lester and Pack, later renamed the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitechapel_Bell_Foundry" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whitechapel Bell Foundry</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellfounding" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">was cast</a>&nbsp;with the lettering "Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof".&nbsp;

Liberty Bell Center

The&nbsp;Rocky Statue&nbsp;and the&nbsp;“Rocky Steps”&nbsp;are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia. The&nbsp;Rocky Statue&nbsp;is a larger-than-life bronze sculpture immortalizing the fictional character who&nbsp;has become the city's unofficial underdog mascot, the inspirational tale of a boxer, Rocky Balboa. Originally created for the movie&nbsp;Rocky III&nbsp;in 1982, this statue has become one of Philadelphia’s most famous pieces of public art. In the original&nbsp;Rocky&nbsp;movie, the fictional boxer, Rocky, ended his morning run with an ascent up the steps of the&nbsp;Philadelphia Museum of Art. This ascent has become symbolic of the city of Philadelphia and its residents, representing that an underdog can become a champion through hard work, determination, and hustle. Every year, tens of thousands of people make the same trek up the 72 "Rocky Steps," making it&nbsp;one of the world's most famous movie locations.

Rocky Statue

What to Do

Q + A

Important Parking Information

Parking is for hotel guests only. 1 Parking Pass per room. Those attendees not staying at the hotel can park on the streets or in a nearby lot. Please arrive early if parking on the street, as it can take awhile. (All vendors can unload and then must move vehicles off property.)

Please Download the ParkMobile App <a href="https://parkmobile.io/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://parkmobile.io/</a>

Please review Cape May Parking if not staying at The Grand Hotel <a href="https://www.capemaycity.com/parking-meter-information" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.capemaycity.com/parking-meter-information</a>

Parking Lot Options (5-10 min walk to venue) 

Parking Lot - Cape Island Baptist Church

112 Stockton Pl, Cape May NJ 08204

Jackson St Parking Lot

222 Jackson St Cape May NJ 08204

Cape May Parking

232 Jackson St Cape May NJ 08204

Our Certified Wedding Planner - Katlyn Mogavero

Katlyn Mogavero, director of sales and marketing at The Grand Hotel, is a highly experienced and detail-oriented event planner who thrives on the variety and challenges of coordinating more than 200 events annually. From weddings to corporate gatherings, she expertly manages multiple events simultaneously, anticipating small details others might overlook and swiftly handling unexpected issues. Her decade of experience allows her to maintain poise under pressure, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly. For Katlyn, helping clients celebrate life’s most significant moments is not just a job—it’s a passion.

For more information visit<a href="https://www.grandhotelweddings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.grandhotelweddings.com/</a>

Our George Street Wedding Photographer - Christina W.

Christina is an Ocean City-based photographer with eight years of professional experience. She has a passion for capturing a wide variety of images, focusing on people, love, and products. For Christina, photography is her primary form of expression, and what inspires her most is seeing her work come to life in print. She draws creative energy from neutral tones, soft color palettes, and nature, and she delights in capturing the details, emotions, and individuality of each person, couple, or product to tell a compelling visual story. Christina is dedicated to creating images that her clients can proudly share with family, friends, and the world.

For More Information visit <a href="https://www.georgestreetphoto.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.georgestreetphoto.com/</a>

Our Wedding Cake by D's Heavenly treatz - Debbie Riley

We’re so excited to have owner Debbie Riley with D’s Heavenly Treats create our wedding cake! Their passion for making life’s sweetest moments even more special shines through in every dessert they create. Known for their beautiful custom cakes and delicious specialty treats, they put care, creativity, and attention to detail into every design. We can’t wait to share one of their incredible creations with our family and friends on our special day.

To find out more visit<a href="https://www.facebook.com/cakaholics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/cakaholics</a>

Eric Fantauzzi of BME Event Group

Eric Fantauzzi has been with BME Event Group since 2004, but has been a Disc Jockey since 1992. His creative vision is demonstrated in his appreciation for all genres of music. His knowledge of music from different eras and genres will guarantee to entertain any party from corporate events to the most elegant weddings. With over 500 weddings under his belt, Eric has extensive experience in not only entertaining, but also coordinating and making sure each and every event runs smoothly. <a href="https://bmeeventgroup.com/eric-fantauzzi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bmeeventgroup.com/eric-fantauzzi/</a>

Our Amazing Vendors

Wedding Rehearsal

If you are part of the wedding party, we will be holding our Wedding Rehearsal on Friday, August 7th, beginning promptly at 4:00 PM. Please meet in the lobby of the Cape May Hotel a few minutes before 4:00 PM so we can get started on time. Following the rehearsal, we'll gather for a casual beachside dinner featuring hoagies from PrimoHoagies, chips, and refreshments, a relaxed beach sunset picnic to celebrate and spend time together before the big day. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

Rehearsal

Digital Wedding Program

12:00 PM - Ceremony12:30 PM - Cocktail Hour1:30 PM - Reception Dinner2:00 PM - First Dance2:30 PM - Speeches &amp; Blessing3:00 PM - Cake Cutting4:00 PM - Dancing5:00 PM - Send off