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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Published: The East Coast Bride: Bonnet Island Wedding Photographers

Congratulations to Shannon & Bob your gorgeous down the shore wedding is featured today on The East Coast Bride!  It was a picturesque day on the Bonnet Island Estate in LBI as the gorgeous couple tied the knot.  Shannon was lovely in a lace Monique Lhuillier and Jimmy Choo's with flawless makeup from Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs. The breathtaking flowers were by MDS Floral Designs and ocean themed invitations by Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day really captured the day. Merri-Makers Caterers offered superb food and excellent service as always.   Manhattan City Music Band made for a raging party night.  This crowd could dance!! Screen shot 2012-05-23 at 9.31.58 AM

Style Me Pretty: Congratulations Stephanie & Pete! : Bonnet Island Wedding Photographers

We were just trilled to hear that Stephanie & Pete's gorgeous Bonnet Island Estate wedding will be featured today on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book Blog!   As Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book is an exclusive thoughtfully edited listing of only top quality vendors we are very honored to be included! Picture 9

Bonnet Island Estate: A Modern Beach Wedding in Blue: Bonnet Island Photographers

The breeze floated gently through delicate layers of chiffon and late blooming floral bushes at The Bonnet Island Estate. Stephanie looked fresh, modern & elegant in a stunning Mikaella gown with just the right touch of sweet ruffling in the back.  Jeweled Badgley Miscka shoes, dramatic drop earrings and a single rhinestone starfish hair pin underneath her sparkling veil completed her take on a modern beach bride.  The make up by Lara DiPeitro was soft, natural and refined which emphasized Stephanie's gorgeous big brown eyes.  Pete and his groomsmen looked dashing in their Jean Yves Tuxes in a classic grey a true compliment to Pete's red hair.  The couple chose St. Thomas of Aquinas Church just steps away from the family beach home in Beach Haven.  These Siena College grads meet freshman year and were fast friends all through school.  Senior year they began dating and the magic began.  Pete is a true romantic at heart and proposed under a full moon at the Hoboken Riverfront were they now live.  They walked hand in hand to a nearby restaurant were both families were waiting to celebrate.

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Avenue Flowers brought a crisp and clean romantic feel to the bridesmaids flowers with white hydrangea, lavender roses and just a touch of green all tied together with periwinkle ribbon.  Smith Letterpress carried on the elegant modern theme with beautiful invitations with a surprise touch of deep purple inside the envelopes and botanical accent sketches on letterpress paper.Stephanie_05Stephanie_06Stephanie_07Blue-GreenGoldLogo-2

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Avenue Flowers greeted guests with a bright, airy and eclectic mix of green & white floral arrangements and fresh green apples in varying silver vases.  As the night drew on crystal balls & chandelier trails caught the setting sun creating a magical modern day story tale effect. Stephanie_31Blue-GreenGoldLogo-2Stephanie_32Stephanie_33

Stephanie's dad fondly remembered the frantic streak of red as he met his ever energetic future son in law for the first time.  Pete quickly found a place in their family & Stephanie found her place in his.Stephanie_34Stephanie_35The Christopher Michaels Band had such fun entertaining this daredevil crowd of dancers with a wonderful selection of horns, talented signers and hand drums.  Pete got the dancing award!Stephanie_37Stephanie_36

As the night drew on, dusk set over the ever peaceful waterfront estate while the sweet couple stole a tender moment.

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Wind & Lace: A Bonnet Island Romance: Bonnet Island Estate Wedding Photographers

Congratulations to Shannon & Bob! It was a picturesque day on the Bonnet Island Estate in LBI as the gorgeous couple tied the knot.  Shannon was lovely in a lace Monique Lhuillier and Jimmy choo's with flawless makeup from Jeanine Mangan Makeup Designs. The breathtaking flowers were by MDS Floral Designs and ocean themed invitations by Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day really captured the day. Merri-Makers Caterers offered superb food and excellent service as always.   Manhattan City Music Band made for a raging party night.  This crowd could dance!!

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Mallard Island Yacht Club: Mallard Island Yacht Club Wedding Photographers

   

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We were so honored to attend the first tasting at Mallard Island Yacht Club, the new sister estate to our beloved Bonnet Island Estate!  Right on the water on Barnegat Bay this stunning 18,000 square foot yacht club is just divine.  A charming boathouse with a stacked stone fireplace stands at the end of the pier, a perfect place for a romantic ceremony.  Every detail, like the boathouse's wavy pane glass windows and pumpkin-pine flooring that were taken from a 1600's farmhouse,  is absolutely exquisite.  

 

 

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In the main ballroom the dramatic Tiffany blue ceiling creates old-fashioned romantic atmosphere.  Katydid Florist  the arrangements for this table very clean and modern in design, with a strong black white and green theme in vintage silver vases.

 

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We just loved the Groom's Shack which has a 'colorful' history as an army barracks and clam shack.  With its rustic leather and tartan chairs and nautical theme it is just the place for a boys club.  Below, MDS Floral Designs provided a Mackenzie-Childs inspired tabletop with sunflowers, yellow roses, and purple accents.

 

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With showcases from some of our favorite vendors like MDS Floral Designs and Katydid Florist and exquisite food by the nationally renowned Merri-Makers we are just so excited to shoot there this summer!