All men out there, take note, for this is how a true gentlemen treats his lady! This Groom wooed his love with manners and sweet gestures galore, popping the question with champagne and a message in a bottle. Their love story came to fruition at this glam New Jersey summer celebration, bursting with balloons, sequins and smiles – all captured through Kay English’s lovely lens and Michael Simon’s cinematography. More in our VAULT!
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From Kay English… It was October 2012, Jeff and Mary Bridget were both off to the Far Hills horse race in New Jersey, commonly known as The Hunt. Filled with fall attire and boozy picnics set up throughout the infield, Jeff and his buddies planned an elaborate tailgate party for the day’s event. Jeff isn’t afraid to admit he knew Mary Bridget would be there and intended for the two of them to be introduced by a close mutual friend. They were inseparable the entire day, and Jeff even met and mingled with Mary Bridget’s family later that night. They’ve been a couple ever since.
Jeff planned a summer trip to Antigua in July 2014 in celebration of Mary Bridget completing her first year of teaching. On the second night, a surprise dinner on the beach awaited Mary Bridget but a special stop was made along the way. Jeff had planned for the waiter to nonchalantly ask them to walk out to a peninsula that projected into the ocean to capture a picture during sunset. At the end of the stepping-stones Mary-Bridget stopped short of a champagne bucket filled with flowers and a message in a bottle, etched in her name. Jeff trying to keep his cool walked over and read the intimate letter aloud to her. He spun around making his way down to one knee and cast his view upwards to meet hers. One last question, and as she said “Yes”, he was thankful he could finally show her the ring (and that he didn’t drop it). As for the ring, Jeff wanted to create what he felt exemplified Mary Bridget – timeless and classic. So from sketch to fruition, he spent months prior to the trip with a jeweler designing a custom band and selecting a diamond. Notable is the attention to detail, particularly the band that is hand-engraved with the coordinates of the Hunt, where they had first met.
In July 2015, the wedding took place at the private and stunning Bonnet Island Estate in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. The couple searched for a venue that would bring to life their rustic yet elegant taste. They took full advantage of the tranquil panoramic bay views and the natural wildlife marsh that Bonnet has to offer. The breathtaking boathouse chapel was the perfect backdrop for their ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour held under the bayside veranda and reception within the exquisite stateroom. The venue was exclusive for guests, even the immediate family and wedding party were invited to stay overnight at the estate.
The pair incorporated personal touches during every step of the wedding. The nautical theme was subtle and rich in taste beginning with the bride and groom’s attire. It seemed fitting they chose a string trio for the ceremony, a steel drummer for cocktail hour and a 9-piece band that kept guests dancing into the wee hours of the night. Mary Bridget, being from North Carolina, spoiled guests with Southern comfort foods including the couple’s favorites like shrimp n’ grits during cocktail hour and a surf n’ turf for dinner. Both keen on every little detail, Jeff and Mary Bridget took pottery classes to build sand dollars inscribed with their wedding date and bought French doors from an antique shop to display the reception seating within the windowpanes. Mary Bridget having a niche for calligraphy created most of the décor herself and with family. The day was filled with beautiful floral arrangements of neutral shades blended with peach and blush, picture-perfect weather, and most importantly many meaningful moments.
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Photography: Kay English Photography | Cinematography: Michael Simons Video Productions | Floral Design: MDS Floral Designs | Wedding Dress: The White Gown | Cake: The Bake Works | Invitations: Perfectly Invited | Hair: Dana Triano | Band: Craig Scott Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Suitsupply | Transportation: Arrive In Style | Venue: Bonnet Island Estate