Jersey ‘Love Byrds’ Incorporate Their Last Name Into Fun Decor

Their Story

Gia and CJ tied the knot on May 20, 2022 at the Grove at Centerton. The couple met in May 2014 through a mutual friend in Wildwood. “Over the course of the summer, we continued to get to know each other over long nights out, early morning sunrises and lazy beach days,” Gia says. “Feelings grew strong over the next five months, and we officially became boyfriend and girlfriend in October 2014.”

After graduating from college a year later, Gia moved in with CJ in Wildwood and “we began to build our life together.”

The Proposal

On December 21, 2020, right before Christmas, Gia had planned for the couple to have dinner at Congress Hall in Cape May. “Naturally I had no clue what was coming, since I was the one that planned the dinner,” she says.

After dinner, they took a walk down the Washington Street Mall to look at the Christmas lights and take a photo in front of the tree in Rotary Park. That’s when he proposed.

Choosing the Venue

They loved the elegance and “touch of rustic vibes” that the Grove at Centerton exuded. They also liked that the venue offered a large ballroom with a big dance floor but also other spots for guests to hang out if they wanted, like an outdoor space and another bar area.

Details of the Day

“We chose a spring wedding because CJ’s job is pretty demanding in the summer, and in the fall, well, football,” says Gia.

The couple chose bright-colored spring flowers, mostly pink tones, as well as candles and bird cages. “Our last name is Byrd, so I felt it was only appropriate,” says Gia. They also had a “Love Byrds” sign where guests could take photos, as well as a photobooth.

They incorporated several personal touches, such as a table of photos of loved ones who are no longer with them, some charms on Gia’s bouquet of close relatives who have passed, and a ring Gia’s pop-pop left when he passed as her “something blue.”

After the reception, they held an afterparty in the venue’s tavern/bar area and gave out breakfast sandwiches as a midnight snack.

Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment was our first look,” says Gia. “It was a great opportunity to just take each other in and appreciate each other before the craziness of the day began.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without 

Their own personal, written vows. “It made the ceremony that much more special and personal to us, and I loved sharing our feelings and story with our family and friends,” Gia says.

Advice for Other Couples

Don’t get too caught up in the details.

“It’s OK if you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend an extra $300 on a name gobo or cold sparklers. I promise you, your guests won’t leave saying, ‘Wow, their name wasn’t even on the wall!’ The day is about you and your spouse, and your guests will remember the amazing time they had celebrating you!”

Honeymoon 

Gia and CJ vacationed at Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. They even met a few other couples from different states whom they still keep in touch with.