Julie and Richard- Congratulations! New Jersey Bride “Real Weddings”
Julie Harms to Richard Galbraith
The Seaview Marriott Resort, Galloway
By Gena Ansell-Lande- NJBride
Julie Harms readily admits it was her husband Richard Galbraith’s New Zealand accent that initially sparked her interest. And after a three-year courtship, the couple made their love official with an elegant wedding held September 14, 2007, at the Seaview Marriott Resort in Galloway. Julie, a project manager from Marlton, and Richard, a director of Corporate Information Technology from New Zealand, found their way to one another with the help of some mutual friends. Their courtship was an unforgettable one, which culminated with Richard proposing in front of the Eiffel Tower. “We got engaged over Thanksgiving while on vacation in Paris,” says Julie, “and had just ten months to plan the wedding.” Luckily, she enlisted the help of wedding planner Kristin Rockhill of Details of I Do in Princeton to help with the planning.
Julie had envisioned an understated yet elegant wedding. “I wanted everything to be casually elegant and very low-key,” she says. Using a palette that included soft, muted colors like peach, pale pink, and ivory, she was able to make her vision a reality. However, it was her selection of floral arrangements that made a lasting impression on the guests. Kristin incorporated a variety of antique-inspired flowers for the bouquets. “We used peach and pink avalanche roses accented with sweetpeas and wrapped in the fabric from Julie’s dress,” says Kristin. A small locket containing photographs of Julie’s grandparents adorned her bouquet. The bridesmaids carried large bouquets of clustered antique-green hydrangeas with pink tips. Julie wore an ivory Monique Lhuillier strapless lace gown, which contrasted nicely with the black strapless dresses that she chose for her bridesmaids.
In true fairytale fashion, the couple exchanged vows under a big tree with flower balls hanging from weeping branches. Julie provided some comic relief for her guests when she accidentally said, “for Richard or poorer” instead of “for richer or poorer” while reciting her vows. As guests moved on to the reception, they were met with black-and-white toile linens in a room highlighted with pink accent lighting. The centerpieces consisted of unique glass vases with white branches, hanging flower balls, and glittering jewels. The four-tiered cake was decorated with green ribbon and the same antique-green hydrangeas the bridesmaids carried. Julie’s favorite part of the wedding was getting everyone together to celebrate. “Richard’s family lives in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and our friends live all over the country so it meant a lot to have everyone travel to New Jersey for our big day,” she says.
In lieu of favors, the couple made donations to the ALS Association as well as the Cancer Society of New Zealand. After a two-week honeymoon in the Maldives, they are now at home in Marlton.
Story by: details of I do
