Kaitlin and Tim began crushing on each other nearly 15 years ago amidst the drama of high school; they met in the high-stakes world of high school theater. After graduation, the couple fell out of touch with one another until a fateful meeting at a bar in West Chester, PA.
Tim had a bored, mopey look about him as he glanced around the bar. But he saw a familiar face: Kait’s. He called out her name, and she stopped dead in her tracks. She walked over, they caught up, and you can probably guess the rest, given the couple’s prominence in our wedding guide.
Tim got on one knee and popped the question nearly a decade later.
They immediately reserved the Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor for November 20, 2020 – their 10th anniversary. The florist, photographer, and entertainment were all booked. Favors were ordered. Then COVID struck, and hopes of a 2020 wedding were dashed completely. The couple eloped in 2020 so their original wedding date remained unchanged, but the big celebration would have to wait another year.
But when the long-awaited day finally came, it was everything they hoped for. Kaitlin and her bridesmaids started their day in the Reeds’ Salt Spa for hair, makeup, and light snacks. The groomsmen began to arrive at the Bridal Suite where they got ready and shared a celebratory toast.
Then the time came for Tim to meet his bride for their “first look”. Tim was led to the streets of Stone Harbor, where he was instructed to avert his gaze. Kaitlin came up behind him and surprised him with a theatrical embrace. They shared their first looks, first kisses, and first hugs. Right after, they headed over to the Wetlands Institute, located just outside of Stone Harbor over the 96th Street Bridge.
The Wetlands Institute is a year-round research center that does cutting-edge preservation work to keep the wetlands healthy. The building, with its wetlands trails, swaying marsh grass, and views of the back bay, was an ideal spot for memorable photos. The couple returned to the Reeds after their photos were taken, and it was time for the ceremony to begin.
Guests took their seats, the wedding party marched in, and the renewal of vows began. In what felt like an instant, the ceremony was done, and the party ventured inside for a wonderful cocktail hour. Adam Johnson, the DJ with EBE Entertainment, took up the mic and began the introductions. Every couple had their own entrance, which included a couple dressed like Phillies players, a couple dancing to a song released just that morning, and a dinosaur chasing an intrepid explorer.
Then the doors closed again, and a cover of Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by MUSE began to play, and for the first time, the new Mr. and Mrs. McGee were announced. The night went off with barely a hitch and wrapped up in the Stone Harbor Pizza Pub next door.
It would be another year before the couple got to experience their honeymoon in Los Angeles – complete with a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, and tickets to see MUSE in concert. Though the wedding didn’t come quickly, it is just the first chapter in what they hope to be a long and happy marriage.
