After a rough few weeks for many people on the shore who experienced heartbreaking devastation in their beloved towns it was so wonderful to go back to this day down the shore for the wedding of Amy & John. This couples deep love of the natural beauty of their home state was something they wanted reflected in their simple, chic and elegant shore wedding. They choose The Bonnet Island Estate in LBI for it's serenity and natural wildlife setting and enlisted local vendors like Michelle of MDS Floral Designs and Merri-Makers Catering to create their farm fresh NJ theme. Amy choose a silk charmeuse gown from Nicole Miller that caught the breezes. She looked simply statuesque with a single orchid in her hair and simple pearl rope necklace and wedding bands by David Yurman. Her bridesmaids wore stunning vibrant blue dresses from Alfred Angelo from One Special Evening in Toms River with custom jewelry from Femmegems who they found on Etsy . MDS Floral Designs created lush bouquets of soft blues and greens with white lace binding to echo the breeze and soft waves. The bridal party was greeted with gift bags with wine, cookies from The Jersey Cookie Girls and other local themed treats. John chose a soft brown Michael Kors suit with tie by Burberry. He had his best man help with his custom vintage map cuff-links and they relaxed with thick pints of Guinness their favorite brew.
During the ceremony warm candlelight and simple starfish accents where set in the natural stone fireplace in Bonnet Island's rustic blue barn with soft green and blue wreaths of sea grass. Guests were greeted with programs by E. Kendig Design and beautiful pashmina shawls "A layer of warmth in the Jersey breeze". For the reception MDS Floral Designs created nosegays of white flowers and sea grasses bathed in candlelight with burlap table clothes and starfish accents. Merri-Makers Catering went the extra step to create a beautiful menu that highlighted local meats, fish and New Jersey farm fresh vegetables. The Bake Works created a lovely tired cake with orchid accents. The Chris Michaels Band kept the whole wedding party on the dance floor throughout the night. It struck me how cared for this couple was, how many people where touched by this couples friendship. The natural beauty of our landscape, what it has to offer and the love shown that day are wonderful reminders of the heart of the shore.
