Nicole and Jae's love story began at Delaware Law School in 2016. It was during their first year when fate brought them together after completing their Civil Procedure Midterm Exam. As they celebrated their accomplishment with drinks, Nicole was introduced to Jae through a mutual friend. Their connection was immediate, spending the night lost in conversation and laughter.

From that moment on, Nicole and Jae became inseparable. Their relationship blossomed effortlessly, fueled by their incredible chemistry and deep friendship. In December 2017, Jae finally asked Nicole to be his girlfriend, marking the official start of their journey together.

For Nicole, falling in love with Jae was effortless. She found herself drawn to everything about him. Jae's ability to balance her, his unwavering support, and their natural connection made him her perfect match. Likewise, Jae was captivated by Nicole's sweetness, kindness, and unwavering support. She was not just his partner but also his best friend.

Their realization that they wanted to spend their lives together came in different moments. For Nicole, it was the day she met Jae, feeling an instant connection that transcended time. For Jae, it was a serene Valentine's Day spent with friends at a local winery. Returning home to find Nicole sleeping on the couch, he knew then that she was the one he wanted to spend forever with.

The Proposal:

When Jae decided to propose, he orchestrated a perfect day in March. While Nicole got her nails done, Jae discreetly picked up the ring from his family's home. Their plan was to spend the day at a winery with their families. Before leaving, Jae asked Nicole to join him for a walk with her family dog.

As they strolled along the beach, Nicole couldn't shake the feeling that something special was about to happen. With tears in their eyes, Jae poured his heart out, expressing his love and gratitude for Nicole. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jae got down on one knee, asking Nicole to marry him.

Overwhelmed with joy, Nicole said yes, surrounded by their families who had been watching from afar. It was a moment filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a beautiful future together. Little did Nicole know, Jae had planned every detail of that magical day with love, culminating in a proposal that would forever be etched in their hearts.

Here are our favorites from their exquisite Union Trust wedding beautifully captured by Ralph Deal Photography.

Getting Ready
Bride/Groom
Ceremony
Reception

Getting Ready

An artistic arrangement depicts objects grouping wedding day essentials and celebrations as a cohesive aesthetic collection. This includes an elegant floral themed engraved wedding invitation beside a seating chart postcard of the venue. Next to it are a pair of champagne-colored bridal high heels and two glimmering bands.

In a captivating close-up shot, the wedding bands, engagement ring, and a pair of flower-shaped diamond earrings are showcased with exquisite detail and elegance.

An artistic still life photo arranges a groom's wedding day essentials that includes a handsome pair of men's well-shined black leather oxfords, a watch with a dark leather strap and white clock face, and two boutonnieres.

Sunlight streams brightly upon an ethereal wedding gown hanging in a massive window, putting the dazzling centerpiece dress on display.

Radiant and filled with anticipation, the woman smiles as she stands in her white satin robe, moments before her wedding.

In a heartwarming scene, the bride receives assistance with her wedding dress from her mother.

the bride and her mother share smiles filled with joy and anticipation moments before the wedding

Here is an alt text suggestion: A groom and his best man prepare together on the big day, putting final touches in place. Standing before an expansive window, the groom, dressed sharply in a black suit, looks downwards with a serious yet anticipatory expression as his best man concentrates on straightening the groom's necktie.

In a moment of quiet confidence and anticipation, the groom looks directly at the camera, exuding charm and sophistication in his dapper black tie and suit moments before his wedding.

Dressed impeccably in his dapper black tie and suit, the groom gazes thoughtfully out the window moments before his wedding. With a mix of excitement and anticipation, he takes a moment to reflect on the journey that has led him to this day.

Groom wears a crisp white shirt and black bowtie under a black suit, while fixing his boutonnière.

Bride and Groom

With an air of elegance and poise, she radiates beauty and tranquility, surrounded by the vibrant colors of nature.

the elegant bride takes center stage, holding her bouquet with grace and poise

In a serene and picturesque setting, the bride stands gracefully in the middle of a lush garden, her veil gently billowing in the breeze

the elegant bride takes center stage, holding her bouquet with grace and poise. The delicate petals of her bouquet complement her radiant complexion, while the lush green foliage adds a touch of natural elegance to the ensemble.

In a tender moment captured on camera during their first look, the bride smiles radiantly while her groom looks away waiting for his bride to show up.

the bride bursts into laughter upon seeing her groom during their first look.

the groom is overcome with tears, his eyes glistening with emotion during their first look

following their first look, the bride smiles radiantly as she embraces her groom

In a deeply emotional moment following their first look, the groom's eyes well up with tears as he is overcome with emotion.

In a scene filled with excitement and anticipation, the bride eagerly shows off her bridal gown to her groom after their first look.

In a captivating moment captured against a backdrop of an elegant steel gate, the bride gets a tender kiss on her forehead from the groom.

the bride receives a gentle kiss from her groom

In a picturesque scene, the bride and groom strike a pose for the camera, with a gigantic white concrete pillar of the First Bank of the United States providing a stunning backdrop.

In a picturesque scene, the bride and groom strike a pose for the camera, with a steel gate providing a stunning backdrop.

the bride and groom strike a pose for the camera, with a steel gate providing a stunning backdrop

In a captivating moment captured against a backdrop of an elegant steel gate, the bride and groom share a passionate kiss.

the groom smiles warmly at his bride, his eyes filled with love and adoration

In a romantic moment against a backdrop of rustic red bricks, the bride and groom share a tender kiss.

the bride and groom strike a pose against a backdrop of rustic red bricks

In a beautiful portrait, the bride and groom stand together, their love evident in every glance and touch. The bride's gown flows gracefully around her, while the groom's suit exudes timeless elegance.

the bride stands amidst the grandeur of towering pillars of the First Bank of the United States, her radiant smile illuminating the scene. Her veil gently teases the camera, adding an ethereal touch to the composition

the bride stands amidst the grandeur of towering pillars of the First Bank of the United States, her radiant smile illuminating the surroundings. With grace and poise, she commands attention, exuding confidence and beauty. Her veil, gently teased by the breeze, adds an ethereal touch to the composition, enhancing the sense of romance and allure

the bride beams with a radiant smile against the backdrop of towering pillars of the First Bank of the United States

against the backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom plants a deep and tender kiss on his bride's lips. Their love is illuminated by the grandeur of the architectural marvel, as they embrace amidst the timeless elegance of their surroundings

the groom smiles affectionately at his bride, his eyes filled with love and adoration

the bride and groom stand together, their love evident in every glance and touch

Against the majestic backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom and bride strike a captivating pose. They stand at arm's length from each other, their eyes locked in a gaze filled with love and affection.

the bride beams with joy, her smile illuminating the scene as she poses gracefully in front of towering pillars of the First Bank of the United States

Against the backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom and bride share a tender moment as they gaze into each other's eyes.

the bride and groom are captured alongside their wedding photographer as he diligently goes about his work

Against the majestic backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom and bride share a tender moment as they gaze into each other's eyes.

Against the majestic backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom and bride strike a pose for the camera.

Against the majestic backdrop of towering columns at the First Bank of the United States, the groom and bride strike a pose by looking away from each other. Despite their gaze being directed elsewhere, the grandeur of their surroundings enhances the elegance of the moment.

Wedding at Union Trust

With her heart aflutter and a radiant smile gracing her lips, the bride walks down the aisle, escorted by her proud parents.

As his bride gracefully walks down the aisle, a wide smile spreads across the groom's face, illuminating the entire room with pure joy.

In a poignant moment during their wedding ceremony, the bride and groom exchange vows and place their wedding bands on each other's fingers, symbolizing their commitment and love.

The Union Trust, captured from a far distance, stands as a majestic testament to grandeur and elegance.

The wedding reception at Union Trust is set in a stunning outdoor location, surrounded by natural beauty and elegance. The venue provides a picturesque backdrop for the celebration, with lush greenery and charming architecture creating a romantic atmosphere.

As the music fills the air with anticipation and excitement, the groom walks down the aisle with a beaming smile.

In a tender moment captured up close, the bride and groom hold hands during the ceremony, their fingers intertwined in a gesture of love and unity.

Amidst the cheers and applause of their loved ones, the bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple.

With gentle reverence, the groom tenderly lifts the bride's veil and leans in to plant a tender kiss on her lips.

As the wedding ceremony concludes, the newly married couple walks hand in hand down the aisle, basking in the warm glow of congratulations and cheers from their delighted guests.

The bride and groom stand at the center of their bridal party, They exude happiness and excitement as they celebrate this special day together.

The bride shares a joyous pose with her bridesmaids, surrounded by laughter and camaraderie.

The groom shares a joyous pose with his groomsmen, surrounded by smile and camaraderie.

Against the iconic backdrop of Philadelphia City Hall, the groom carries his ecstatic bride at the heart of the street, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city.

against the iconic backdrop of Philadelphia City Hall, the bride and groom stand at the heart of the street, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city

In a picturesque moment against the iconic backdrop of Philadelphia City Hall, the bride and groom shares a tender kiss at the heart of the street, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city.

Wedding Reception at Union Trust

The presidential table is adorned with exquisite flower and candle decorations, creating a romantic and elegant ambiance. Beside the presidential table, the wedding cake stands as a centerpiece of the reception, its tiers adorned with intricate designs and delicate details.

The table decor exudes sophistication with floating candles casting a soft glow and gold-plated cutleries gleaming under the ambient light.

The newlyweds' champagne glasses gleam with elegance, adorned with their engraved names and wedding date, symbolizing their union and marking this momentous occasion.

The presidential table is adorned with exquisite white florals and flickering candles, creating an ambiance of elegance and romance

Long glass vessels elegantly hold floating candles filled with delicate white florals.

A wedding reception list of guests is beautifully printed on a large acrylic frame, creating a stylish and modern display for attendees.

An ice sculptor skillfully carves the letters of "LOVE" from a block of pristine ice, creating a stunning centerpiece for the wedding reception at Union Trust

wedding is adorned with intricate white floral designs and delicate details.

Gold-plated cutlery gleams beside a handwritten thank-you note delicately placed atop each plate, a thoughtful gesture from the newlyweds expressing gratitude to their cherished guests

As they make their entrance to their wedding venue, the newlyweds share a quick yet tender kiss, expressing their love and excitement for the celebration ahead.

The newlyweds raise their hands in jubilation as they make their grand entrance to their wedding venue, exuding excitement and happiness.

The newlyweds take to the dance floor for their first dance, their movements graceful and tender as they sway to the music

The newlyweds take to the dance floor for their first dance, their eyes locked in a tender gaze as they move together in perfect harmony.

The newlyweds take to the dance floor for their first dance, their eyes locked in a tender gaze as they move gracefully together.

the newlyweds share a heartfelt laugh, Amidst the lively chatter of their guests

With heartfelt sincerity, the guest shares anecdotes and stories that reflect the deep bond and connection they have with the bride and groom.

the bride takes her father's hand as they step onto the dance floor together

Amidst the laughter and lively conversations, guests raise their glasses in toasts to the couple, expressing their heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes

As the music fills the air with its melodic charm, the groom takes his mother's hand, and they step onto the dance floor together

the guest raises their glass in a toast to the newlyweds, wishing them a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter

The newlyweds share a special moment as they cut a slice from their wedding cake

After indulging in their wedding cake, the newlyweds share a tender kiss

In a candid moment, the newlyweds and guests look up at the camera, their faces alight with smiles and excitement.

Let's Talk About Your Wedding!

"I highly recommend hiring Ralph Deal as your wedding photographer! Our pictures turned out beautifully and we got all of the shots that we wanted. Ralph was such a great communicator leading up to the wedding. We had several meetings to discuss what we wanted for our wedding, which was extremely helpful. Ralph wanted to know every detail about us and the wedding day and was very thorough. I especially recommend Ralph because he made the day run so smoothly. Because my fiancée and I didn’t want to do a first look, we had a very tight amount of time to get our pictures taken in.

Ralph was so good at directing us, our bridal party, and our families so he could quickly get the perfect shots. We spent the 2 hours between the mass ending and the reception starting getting all of the photos we wanted. Ralph was so efficient that we didn’t miss 1 minute of our cocktail hour! Ralph is not only a great photographer, but a nice and fun person to work with. I feel like we got to know Ralph and he got to know us. It was so nice working with someone who made us feel so comfortable.

And like I said, our pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
I’m so glad we had Ralph as our photographer to capture our day!"

-Grace Abbott

Contact Ralph Deal Photography

Getting Ready

Bride/Groom

Ceremony

Reception

Getting Ready

Bride and Groom

Wedding at Union Trust

Wedding Reception at Union Trust

Let's Talk About Your Wedding!