Karlie & Dominick

Cape May Convention Hall

June 23, 2023

The Beachside Ballroom at Cape May Convention Hall is an affordable beachside venue that offers dramatic views of Cape May’s sprawling beach. Karlie and Dominick Paoletti were wed on one of the venue’s scenic beachfront decks as the Atlantic Ocean swayed and hummed behind them. 

The Beachside Ballroom was an affordable, versatile option that gave the couple an abundance of indoor and outdoor space with which to work. Inside the ballroom itself, 44-foot, wall-length windows provide guests with unobstructed views of the ocean, creating a serene atmosphere for the reception. 

The Convention Hall is a standalone venue, which allowed Karlie and Dominick to handpick every aspect of their wedding. Karlie and Dominick had full control over their wedding arrangements, allowing them to create a personalized experience for themselves and their guests.

Rachel Ertle, the venue’s wedding planner, worked side-by-side with the couple to bring their vision to life. Karlie told Weddings by the Beach she cried the first time she saw the wedding hall decked out in the colors and decorations she had envisioned.  

“I will never forget walking into the hall on the wedding day and being brought to tears that Rachel brought my vision to life. She will always hold a special place in our hearts,” she said. 

Karlie, a Jersey girl, and Dominick, a Pennsylvania native, found love in the summer of 2020. Karlie is a lifelong Cape May County native and was excited to take Dominick to some of her favorite spots. Her first date with Dominick brought them to sandy beaches for a romantic walk, which was quickly dashed by a pounding rainstorm. They laugh at the memory; they have a “go with the flow” attitude that has made married life easy.  

Despite a brief rain shower on their big day, their outdoor ceremony went off without a hitch. As they exchanged rings against the backdrop of the shimmering sea, they knew they picked the right place. After the ceremony, guests played corn hole and other games on the deck. In her interview with Weddings by the Beach, Karlie stressed again and again that the inexpensive, versatile, and beautiful venue was the perfect choice for them.

A surprise appearance by the South Philly String Band Mummers, organized by the bride’s parents, added a fun touch to the day. Signature drinks named after their dogs, Bravo and Buddy, and a guestbook filled with Polaroid pictures were some of the small details that they weaved into the festivities.
 
The Cape May Convention Hall is a great choice for cost-conscious couples like Karlie and Dominick, who want to do much of the planning themselves with outside vendors and homemade decorations. The bride worked with her family and friends to hand-make silk flowers and other floral arrangements. 


The Beachside Ballroom accommodates 380 guests, the most of any venue in Cape May. But the venue can easily accommodate smaller weddings by sectioning off the space. 

The Beachside Ballroom at Cape May Convention Hall is a great option for locals who want an affordable beachside wedding, or for out-of-towners hoping to do much of the planning themselves. After all – that’s half the fun!