Stefani & Kevin at Bonnet Island Estate

Stefani & Kevin

BONNET ISLAND ESTATE MANAHAWKIN, NJ 8.28.2020

Photography by Nicole Klym Photography

Stefani and Kevin were college neighbors at James Madison University. They met in 2010 and began dating in 2011. “Kevin took me to the Camden aquarium for our first official date. Afterwards, we went to eat at Bahama Breeze where we still continue to go for some special occasions,” Stefani shared. Eight years later in August 2019, the couple went back to their alma mater to reminisce. Stefani and Kevin took a drive through the scenic Skyline Drive and stopped at their favorite overlook they frequented when they were students. As they were taking in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley, Kevin got down on one knee and proposed with a family heirloom engagement ring. On the drive back into town, they stopped at all of their favorite spots, including CrossKeys Vineyards, Billy Jack’s–their favorite Irish pub and dive bar in downtown Harrisonburg–and ended the night on a rooftop bar.

A Coastal Celebration: Stefani and Kevin always knew they would one day get married by the beach. Bonnet Island Estate offered the classy, beach chic style they were looking for in a wedding venue. The two wed inside the boathouse chapel during an unplugged ceremony officiated by one of their closest friends, Joseph Kuykendall.

The Whole Package: “Nicole was incredibly helpful throughout our entire wedding planning process. Her attention to details and preparation made us so comfortable on our special day. She depicted the day as bright and cheery as it was,” Stefani raved about her wedding photographer.

Princess Diaries: “I tried on about seven dresses. The first dress I tried on was the dress I chose in the end. I think I was too overwhelmed to know it was the one at that point. After I had tried a few more on, my mom went back to the rack and said, ‘Let’s try this one again,’ and voila, I loved it!”, Stefani recalled of finding her Sareh Nouri gown. The elegant number featured a scoop neckline and ball gown skirt with tailored pleated princess seams, a signature bow, and chapel train. She accessorized her look with a cathedral veil, simple earrings and her mom’s diamond tennis bracelet, which served as her something old and borrowed.

Covid Challenges: Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, the couple couldn’t utilize the beautiful ballroom, so their reception took place outside on the veranda overlooking the bay. Tables were decorated in crisp white linens with tall and low floral arrangements made of lush greenery and white florals displayed in gold vessels to match the gold Chiavari chairs. “Planning a wedding during a pandemic is definitely not ideal, but we were determined to plan a safe celebration for all and optimize on spreading the love and joy during these difficult times,” the bride shared.

Island Vibes: Stefani’s parent’s lived in Bermuda, and Stefani and Kevin were lucky enough to visit them often. The couple brought fun island vibes to their reception through their signature drink of choice for guests to enjoy. The Bermuda Rum Swizzle–also referred to as Bermuda’s national drink–was made to order and included rum, grenadine, bitters, orange juice, and pineapple juice.

Ceremony & Reception Location: Bonnet Island Estate Caterer: Merri-Makers Catering Officiant: Joseph Kuykendall Photographer: Nicole Klym Photography Cinematography: Creative Vision Media Entertainment: Paris NY Floral Designer: MDS Floral Designs Cake Designer: The Bake Works Shuttle Service: Mike's Affordable Shuttle Service Wedding Gown Designer: Sareh Nouri Veil: Castle Couture Shoes: Jimmy Choo Formal Attire: Black Vera Wang Matron of Honor’s Dress: Amsale Invitations: Paige Tuzée Favors: Homemade Hair Stylist: Samantha Fazzina Makeup Artist: Make Me Up Eva Jeweler: Castle Couture Food Truck: Valducci’s Pizza Truck Mini-Moon: Harborside Hotel, Maine