A Delaware beach introduction led to a Jersey Shore wedding for Rowan and Kaitlyn.
Though the two lived blocks apart in Center City Philadelphia, they didn’t meet until mutual friends rented a house 125 miles south in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
Kaitlyn first noticed Rowan playing spike ball on the beach. “He was diving all over, really putting on a show.”
Rowan said he immediately noticed his friend’s cute red-haired cousin. “Her smile … I mean, she was just beautiful.”
A physician with a suddenly elevated heart rate, Rowan knew the only prescription was more Kaitlyn. Back in Center City they met for drinks at a rooftop bar. They’ve been inseparable since.
Engaged two years later, the thirty-somethings intended to elope to Italy “but our moms said if we did, they were coming, too,” Kaitlyn said. “So, we decided to have a wedding in Cape May, which is a place special to both of us.” Kaitlyn’s family has owned a West Cape May home for decades; Rowan’s family has property in Cape May Court House.
Kaitlyn and Rowan had a place in mind for their 80-person reception right from the start: Taco Caballito Tequileria, owned by friends Lauren Cavallo and Ross Hammer. The popular oceanfront restaurant and bar at the corner of Beach Ave. and Decatur St. offers two full bars and a balcony overlooking the beach with incredible oceanfront views. The bride appreciated the décor. “It has a dark and moody vibe made for a good time.”
The wedding weekend began with a Friday afternoon ceremony at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Cape May Point, attended by 26. Many more friends and family members welcomed the newlyweds shortly thereafter when they arrived at the Brown Room in Congress Hall. Everyone enjoyed dinner and dancing downstairs in the Boiler Room before Kaitlyn and Rowan ultimately retired to Congress Hall’s Presidential Suite.
With Friday’s ceremony in the books, Saturday was celebration day. The revelry began with drinks at the Rusty Nail. The newlyweds departed for Taco Caballito early to enjoy a private, pre-reception photo shoot. Said Rowan: “Having the space to ourselves and getting to enjoy a drink together before the party was special. We knew we had picked the right place to celebrate with friends and family.”
Their guests still rave about the food, which was served buffet style and kept available for the entire reception. Taco varieties ranged from coconut shrimp, mahi mahi and chicken tinga to smoked brisket and brussel sprout, complemented by chicken taquitos, quesadillas and Mexican street fries. Kaitlyn called the food “amazing,” just like every aspect of their Taco Caballito reception.
“Their team blew it out of the park,” said the satisfied bride. “They were on top of everything and made it so easy. They gave us all the ideas and contacts. I can’t say enough about the whole experience. It was perfect.”
