Bonnet Island Estate: Rustic Elegance at the Shore: New Jersey Wedding Photography

Whitney and Jason first connected in February 2011 online, using Jdate.  They met for their first date at Caffe Reggio in the Village and were immediately inseparable.  Over a year later, Jason planned to surprise Whitney with a trip to Captiva, Florida, when Hurricane Sandy hit the Jersey Shore.  A week later, he convinced Whitney to go on vacation anyway, where he got down on one knee on a beautifully secluded beach and asked her to marry him. They chose the scenic Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island for their special day.  The picturesque boathouse chapel was beautifully decorated with a birch huppa, flower petals lining the aisle, and candles in every window.  Whitney made a stunning entrance in her Anne Barge wedding gown, with its delicate details and flowing veil.  Florist, Katydid, created an elegant bouquet that tied in perfectly with the rustic theme of the wedding.  Two more special details were added to the arrangement in order to make it complete: a broach that belonged to Whitney’s grandmother, and a single orchid in honor of her other grandmother.  The bridesmaids were gorgeous in their blue Lela Rose gowns, while the men looked dapper in their Dante Zeller tuxedos.

With big smiles and warm hearts, the couple tied the knot before taking a stroll along the winding paths around the estate.  Inside, seating arrangements were creatively hung on an old barn door, and the beautiful reception hall was decorated with charming, rustic details.  The tables had a touch of burlap and lace mixed with pastel flowers, large glass lanterns, and delicately caged candles.  Creative Video Editing Films captured the night while Kim Sozzi and the Creations Band got the party started as soon as the newlyweds made their first appearance as husband and wife.  The lovely couple ended the night with a four-tier cake from The Bake Works.

Bonnet Island Estate~Love is a Shore Thing: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Photographers

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.

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