If you don’t already know, weddings at Clarks Landing Yacht Club are known for their picture-perfect panoramic water views and an ambiance where classic “sophistication meets the sea.” In other words, a locale that will make all your seaside wedding portrait dreams come true. Don’t believe us? Well you’ll just have to scroll through the gallery below from this nautical and timeless wedding captured by Popography. Not only did this darling duo hit the jackpot with a stunning wedding day, but they were also previous winners of the Contemporary Weddings Magazine honeymoon sweepstakes, where they escaped to the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino for their honeymoon! Congratulations again to Emily and Donald!
From the bride…Donald and I met through friends in November 2012. On our two year anniversary, he proposed at one of our favorite places. Wildwood Crest is a place we both hold dear to ur hears as we both coincidentally spent vacations there each summer with our families growing up. We went down to Wildwood Crest to celebrate our anniversary, but we had a string of unfortunate events since our arrival. The day before he proposed I actually begged him to cut our trip short and go back home. He convinced me to stay and stick it out for one more day. Early in the morning on our two year anniversary, the clouds and rain cleared (after a whole weekend of bad weather) and Don insisted on us going for a walk on the beach. We were walking along the shoreline when he said, “Let’s look for seashells.” I promptly said, “There are no seashells in Wildwood. I’ve been here my entire life.” Don suddenly began to point to something in the distance claiming it was a seashell. After I looked to protest that there was nothing there and turned around, Don was on one knee and proposed. I felt shocked, excited, and emotional all at the same time.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding?
We wanted an elegant and timeless design with nautical touches. Our colors were seafood green and shades of pink.
Tell us about your experience of finding your wedding gown. Did you immediately know this was your gown?
I actually had a very difficult time finding a wedding gown. As I tried on gowns, I began to figure out what I did not want. I was looking for a traditional lace gown but also had some type of beading that would sparkle. Those are really the two sides of my personality and style-traditional meets fun sparkle. I went to many wedding gown stores throughout NJ and NYC for numerous months. I felt like I was rushed in and out due to the strict appointment schedule and I was just another bride they were seeing that day. I Do..I Do.. in Morristown was a breath of fresh air. They intently listened to what I was looking for, were understanding and helpful, and never made me feel rushed. They truly understood that wedding gown shopping is a process and should be a conscious decision and not something that should be rushed or overwhelming. When I put on my reception gown for the first time, I knew I had to have the dress. The exquisite beading was absolutely stunning and it had just the right amount of sparkle to it. However, I felt the dress did not have the traditional look I was seeking for our religious ceremony at church. Since I couldn’t find one gown that had the right amount of traditional lace with beading and fun sparkle I wanted, I decided to splurge and purchase two gowns to fit both looks. Once I decided I was going to purchase two gowns, the decisions were easy.
What was your favorite memory of the day?
Meeting Don at the end of the aisle and having the most fun and amazing time of my life with my husband, family, and friends. A wedding is really the only time in your life when everyone you know, love, and care about are together at the same time. It was so heartwarming to have everyone special to us there celebrating our marriage and it is a time of our lives that I will always cherish.
Ceremony Location: Saint Peter’s Roman Catholic Church / Celebrants: Father Michael Lorentsen and Father Taras Svirchuk / Reception Location: Clarks Landing Yacht Club / Photographer: Popography / Cinematography: Endless Wave Productions / Entertainment: The Rhythm Shop / Photo Booth: JS Photo Studio / Dance Lessons and Choreography: Diana Toni / Floral Designer: Wallflowers / Cake Designer: Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe / Limousine Service: Great American Trolley Company / Wedding Gown Designer: Justin Alexander / Bridal Gown Sash: Giavan / Veil: Marionat Bridal Veils / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Formal Attire: Hollywood Tuxedos / Invitations: The Papery of Shrewsbury / Favors: Whale’s Tale / Hair Salon and Makeup Studio: The Art of Beauty / Jeweler: Adlers Jewelers / Honeymoon Location: Aruba
