Rustic-modern wedding in Egg Harbor City, NJ with a surprise café ceremony

There’s something poetic about a wedding day that refuses to go by the book. Rachel and Ian’s Renault Winery wedding in South Jersey had all the makings of a dreamy outdoor ceremony…until a downpour changed everything. And honestly? It made their day even more unforgettable!

Just minutes before Rachel was set to walk down the aisle, the skies opened up in a full-blown storm. Guests got soaked. People sprinted. Plans shifted in real-time. And somehow, through all of it, Rachel and Ian stayed present.

Rather than delay or panic, the incredible Renault team pulled together a makeshift ceremony space inside Café La Fleur (yes, a café ceremony—I don’t think it’s ever been done there before!). Guests cozied in, still dripping from the storm, as Rachel and Ian exchanged vows surrounded by florals, candlelight and the kind of emotion you can’t script.

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The Morning at Château Renault

Rachel got ready in the luxury suite at Château Renault while Ian and his crew prepped across the street at the venue. The energy was calm but excited. Matching robes, laughter and a sense of “it’s really happening.” Their color palette (sage green, navy, gold, and soft pink accents) was the perfect blend of rustic and modern, pulling beautifully into the winery setting.

Rachel even had a piece of her mom’s veil sewn into her own…a quiet touch that added so much sentiment to the morning.

   

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A First Look in the Courtyard

Rachel and Ian chose to do a first look before the ceremony, and the courtyard gave us the perfect mix of privacy and gorgeous light before the skies turned. That moment? Pure joy. No stress, no chaos, just two people ready to start their day together.

We moved through portraits with their wedding party (7 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen) surrounded by the architecture, ivy, and early spring blooms that make Renault such a staple South Jersey venue. You’d never guess a storm was about to roll in.

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A One-of-a-Kind Ceremony in the Café

This part deserves its own headline, because: when the skies opened and the original ceremony setup had to be abandoned, Renault’s team jumped into action. With tables pushed aside, chairs brought in and guests relocated, Rachel and Ian were married inside Café La Fleur and it was magical.

The room was filled with people cozying up trying to stay warm since we were all soaked. Ian’s brother-in-law officiated. Rachel and Ian shared personal vows. Everyone connected and cheered loudly as Rachel made her way down the aisle (for the second time that day!).

It may not have been the ceremony they envisioned, but it was one no one will forget, and probably a first in Renault history.

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Thoughtful Details That Tied Everything Together

• Rachel and Ian had a tribute table honoring “all the love that came before us”

• Her mom’s veil was sewn into Rachel’s own

• Their moms were celebrated during the reception with a dedicated song and dance

• Grandparents were intentionally woven into the day (with time for portraits and dedicated titles as flower girls!)

• Their vendor team included:

• DJ: Jeff Scott Gould – SCE Event Groupsceeventgroup.com+1Facebook+1

• Officiant: Brian Cross (Groom’s brother-in-law)

• Florist: Savannah’s Garden Floral Boutique – Laura MulcahySavannah’s Garden

• Venue & Catering: Renault Winery Resortrenaultwinery.com+1Tripadvisor+1

• Cake: Classic Cake – Cherry Hill, NJFacebook+5Classic Cake+5Classic Cake+5

• Videographer: Christa BenshoffFacebook+2Instagram+2Instagram+2

• Hair: Hair by Katie McGeeKatie Mcgee Hair Artistry+1Katie Mcgee Hair Artistry+1

• Makeup: Kasey Bonk ArtistryInstagram+3Kasey Bonk Artistry+3Facebook+3

• Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander – The Wedding FactorSHUTTERFLY+3theweddingfactor.com+3theweddingfactor.com+3

• Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s BridalDavid’s Bridal

• Groom’s Attire: Jos. A. BankInstagram+12The Cold Wire+12Jos. A. Bank+12

• Invitations: Shutterfly

• Transportation: Mike’s Affordable ShuttleMike’s Affordable Shuttle

• Groomsmen Ties: BowieUSA on Etsy

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Why This Renault Winery Wedding Stood Out

It wasn’t just the unexpected ceremony location, or the way they (and their guests) handled the weather with grace. It was how grounded everything felt. This wasn’t a day built for show, it was built on story. And that’s what I love most.

Renault Winery might be a well-known South Jersey wedding venue, but Rachel and Ian’s day proved there’s always room for new stories here. Especially when they’re told with intention, flexibility and a whole lot of love.

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Planning your wedding at Renault Winery?
I’d love to photograph it in a way that feels real, grounded and filled with the connection that matters most. Click here to reach out. Let’s document your story—rain plan and all.