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Mary Beth and Patrick both weathered hardship in the years leading up to their marriage. Patrick, better known as “Pat,” cared for both of his parents, his older brother, and his then-fiancé until each of them passed in turn. Mary Beth endured the horrible wreckage that Hurricane Ida left in its wake. Most Americans are familiar with the damage that Ida brought to Florida, but less known is the intense flooding that wracked the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. It was here that Mary Beth’s home was completely flooded.
But even the most difficult of seasons come to an end, and Mary Beth and Pat left this time of hardship to find a joyous union at the Peter Shields Inn in Cape May. Mary Beth and Pat were both previously married and met on a dating app after many years of being single. Neither one was looking for another long-term commitment, but the sparks were immediate and their synergy undeniable.
After that terrible hurricane, Pat “rescued” Mary Beth from the debris, and she moved right into his house. And after the death of his family, Pat, who was adopted at a young age, reunited with his birth parents. He found a welcoming new support system, and his new-found sisters were able to attend his wedding.
Mary Beth said that they spent much of their courtships on Cape May County’s breezy peninsula; both she and Pat have cherished childhood memories here at the shore. Pat’s grandmother had a home in Sea Isle City, and Mary Beth’s grandmother spent many summers at beach homes in Ocean City. The couple is drawn to the county’s rich history, small-town charm, and the county’s competitive restaurant scene.
Their reception and ceremony took place at the Peter Shield’s Inn, a big name in the local food world. It was important for both Mary Beth and Patrick to serve guests “outstanding” food, so this was the perfect spot. Peter Shield’s Inn hosts guests year-round in the walls of a towering, historical Victorian mansion. The Inn – with grand white beach-facing columns – is unmistakable. If you ask a local for a list of the best places to eat in Cape May City, and Cape May County more broadly, Peter Shield’s Inn is always at the top.
Visiting friends and family were wowed by the beauty of the location and many said that the food was the best they have ever eaten at a wedding. The ceremony itself took place on the regal front steps of the Inn, where a family friend gave a beautiful blessing to wish the newlyweds a joyous union.
Their big day was a beautiful celebration of love and family. The couple’s grown children served as wedding attendants, and Mary Beth’s father walked her ‘down the aisle.’ The couple overcame significant challenges to find each other and to heal the wounds of the past, and their big day was a perfect culmination of their courtship.
