Black-and-white wedding portrait of two grooms laughing together in a leafy garden. One wears a black tuxedo with a white bow tie, and the other, in a white dinner jacket with a black bow tie, hugs him from behind. Both wear rose boutonnieres, and ferns and trees frame the scene.
Black-and-white wedding photo of two smiling grooms holding hands as they walk across the lawn at the Kathedral Event Center in Hammonton, NJ. One wears a white dinner jacket and the other a black tuxedo. Behind them, a vintage car with whitewall tires is parked in front of the venue’s mid-century modern facade, with its tall lattice panels. A marquee above the entrance reads “Celebrating Maximilian & Matthew, a happy, happy day.”

2026 Wed Society South Jersey Wedding of the Year

We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Wed Society South Jersey Wedding of the Year! After three days of head-to-head voting on Instagram Stories, one incredible celebration captured the hearts of our South Jersey wedding community with its heartfelt emotion, artful details, and the amazing talent of our local wedding vendors.

Congratulations to Maximilian Rodio and Matthew Marone, whose intimate, joyful backyard wedding has officially earned the title of South Jersey’s 2026 Wedding of the Year!

Up next, this winning South Jersey wedding will move on to be considered for Wed Society’s 2026 National Wedding of the Year!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted, to our wonderful couple, and to the talented team of wedding professionals who brought this celebration to life!

A Closer Look at Maximilian & Matthew’s Wedding

After a decade of love, Maximilian and Matthew’s wedding felt like a true homecoming. They exchanged vows in Maximilian’s grandparents’ blooming backyard in Hammonton, NJ, surrounded by natural summer blooms, the soothing sounds of a koi pond and fountain, and live music. Maximilian and his mother processed to Enya’s “Only Time,” followed by Matthew and his mother to “Canon in D,” as a dear family friend officiated their emotional vows. Their stationery proudly featured the couple’s special slogan: “A happy, happy day.”

The celebration continued at Kathedral Event Center with lush florals, hundreds of candles, and elegant gold Art Deco accents. As art collectors, they surprised each other with a live wedding painter who captured their first dance as a stunning oil painting—now their first family heirloom. 

Playful touches included their three miniature dachshunds (Molly, Monk, and Marty), who inspired both the cake and signature drinks. Their month-of coordinator, Angelina of Just In Time Events, proved a true hero after their original planner unexpectedly stepped away.

When reflecting on their favorite moment, Maximilian and Matthew shared:

“Our entire day was truly magical. But Matthew’s grandfather called a barn dance on the dance floor which brought all of our guests together through dance, laughter and plenty of smiles.”

— Maximilian Rodio & Matthew Marone

 

With a celebration this full of heart, history, and joy, it’s easy to see why Maximilian and Matthew captured the hearts of South Jersey’s wedding community!

 


Other Vendors: Albert’s Limousine, Byrd Cage, Center Stage Entertainment, Ceremonious Strings, Chris Cianci Artistry, Gemella Fiori Designs, Jan’s Boutique, Just in Time Events, Lifestyles Tuxedos, The Martinn, Rob Spring Photography, SaviDog LLC, Sweet T’s Bake Shop, Taffeta Salon and Spa


 

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