NJ Beach-Inspired Wedding at Bonnet Island Estate from The Studio Photographers

This seaside soiree is the epitome of a beach wedding. Just one look and you’ll agree that each and every detail proves that this chic theme can also encompass elegance and a new level of glamour. From Bonnet Island Estate’s stunning location to the decor, wedding attire and color scheme, every element was planned to perfection and truly brought Nicole and Matthew’s wedding to life. Is anyone else completely smitten by the table linens that are reminiscent of a mermaids tail? Fill your afternoon with a little bit of Jersey sunshine and soak up all of the gorgeousness captured by The Studio Photographers!

“We had spent the night before at a boutique hotel nearby [Bonnet Island Estate]. My girls and I spent the morning having our hair and makeup done. We then went over to Bonnet Island where we just sat around in the suites (all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen stayed on site) drinking champagne and relaxing. It was really great having the place to ourselves before the actual wedding festivities began.”

The beach has always been a big part of Nicole and Matthew’s relationship, so getting married by the water was a must-have when searching for their perfect banquet facility. Bonnet Island Estate fit exactly what they were looking for.

Nicole walked down the aisle of the Boathouse Chapel wearing a silk satin Pnina Tornai wedding gown with pearl and rhinestone belt.

The couple incorporated the groom’s Scottish heritage by hiring a bagpiper.

From the wedding day preparations throughout the ceremony and reception, David and PJ of The Studio Photographers captured Nicole and Matthew’s wedding flawlessly. “They made everyone feel at ease and didn’t make us pose for too many photos. We chose them because they often work at Bonnet Island Estate and have a photojournalistic style.”

Nicole’s bridesmaids wore short Coren Moore dresses with a seersucker sash, which coordinated perfectly with the groomsmen attire.

One of three centerpieces designed by MDS Floral Design was placed on top of beautiful iridescent table linens that gave the overall tablescape an under-the-sea feel.

“Our first dance was to “As Long as You’re Mine” from Wicked. I used to compete in ballroom dancing so we took lessons for a few months leading up to the day. The dance wasn’t overly choreographed but we had a lot of fun taking the lessons together.”

The Proposal: We actually started planning the wedding about a year before Matt officially proposed. Since I’m a wedding planner, I knew how fast NJ Wedding Venues book up and we had wanted to get married for some time. Our mothers said that we had to wait until we were 30 years old so that was 2012. However, Matt actually did propose in August of 2011 at Wicked the Musical. Before he proposed we talked about having our first dance to a song from the musical. So about a week before the proposal he asked me if I wanted to go see it with him since he had never seen the show. I bought the tickets and paid for dinner that night so I had no idea he was planning anything. We were walking around the lobby and there was a photo screen where if you stood in front of it, it looked like you were on stage. I was messing around practicing my pose when he got down on one knee just as the camera took the pictures. All our friends thought we were on stage at the show when it happened. I was completely shocked because despite knowing he would one day propose, I never imagined it the way it worked out. I don’t remember the exact moment I knew he was the one but he’s been in my life so long (9 years before we actually got married) that I can’t imagine ever being without him.
Bride’s favorite memory of the day: Holding hands during the wedding ceremony. I was laughing and crying and it just felt so right to be holding my best friend’s hand.
Groom’s favorite memory of the day: Getting to see all our family and friends having a good time celebrating our wedding that was a long time in the making
Do you have any advice for couples that are planning their wedding? I’m a bit biased but I always tell everyone to hire a wedding planner. You don’t realize how having someone for just the day takes so much pressure off and helps everything run smoothly.
What are you currently enjoying or looking forward to as a couple? We actually welcomed a son in the spring and so I am currently just enjoying our life as a family. We get to spend a lot of time together and each day is a new adventure.