Happily Ever After by The SandPaper

LONG BEACH ISLAND REGION OF THE JERSEY SHORE

WEDDING GUIDE 2012

Published by:

Unforgettable

Ann Coen Photography

Oceanfront Wedding Celebrations O EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN ONE LOCATION Relaxing Over-Sized Heated Pool • Poolside Tiki Bar • Casual Oceanfront Dining • Private Beach • Oasis Of Palm Trees

On the beach-Centre & Atlantic, Beach Haven 609-492-4611 • www.seashellclub.com

The

Ann Coen Photography

Jessica Erb Photography

m magine celebrating the beginning of your new life with friends and family all weekend long, at a beautiful oceanfront resort.

Our delightful oceanfront resort affords you and your guests the convenience of on-site accommodations and the luxury of waking to the calming sounds of waves meeting the sand and the stunning beauty of the sun rising on the Atlantic Ocean. The celebration could begin the evening before with a gathering at the Tiki Bar for a welcome party with festive drinks and a casual menu.

TH E I R E X P E R I E N C “I have received compliments from literally every person that attended the wedding. Our guests keep saying that they want to visit The Seas Shell so they can enjoy the food again. As my great-aunt said, ‘you set the bar really high for your cousins/siblings.’” — Erica and Mike, 2011 Ann Coen Photography

On the beach • Centre & Atlan

Perfect Wedding

The Blonde Photographer

Ann Coen Photography

JR Guarino Photography

n the morning of your wedding your guests can enjoy fun shore activities like sunbathing, walking on the beach, collecting sea shells, volleyball, ﬁshing, shopping or miniature golf. If you ou have always dreamed of a beach wedding, you’ll be thrilled with the Sea Shell’s private beach ceremony area. With the ocean as your background, your wedding pictures will be amazing. THE RECEPTION A fabulous ﬁve hour reception is next. It begins with a pool-side cocktail hour with top shelf drinks and a delicious selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres including a fresh-shucked oyster and clam bar, and mounds of jumbo shrimp. This is followed by a mouth-watering gourmet dinner custom designed to your taste.

SPEAKS LOUDER “Great food, great wedding p planner, great service, great beachfront ceremony setup, great all night party atmosphere...An absolutely amazing wedding!” —Becky & Joe, 2011

“I think what makes The Shell so special is #1 the atmosphere...you are at the beach surrounded by palm trees and are steps from the ocean... it is literally like having a local, destination wedding because you feel like you’re in a tropical paradise... What could be better?!” — Courtney & Chris, 2011

ntic, Beach Haven • 609-492-4611 • www.seashellclub.com. For furth

Weekend Getaway

Jessica Erb Photography

ext it’s party-time. Whether you have a band or DJ, you’re welcome to enjoy the celebration till the wee hours, the room is your yours all night. MORNING AFTER BRUNCH (Included with a Saturday wedding, optional for a Friday or Sunday wedding.) It’s not over yet, the morning after your guests awaken to a wonderful, hot brunch, prepared especially for your group. It’s the perfect time for farewells, warm wishes, hugs, and good-byes. Everyone leaves with rich, endearing memories that last for a lifetime.

TH A N O U R W O R D S ““The Sea Shell staff made our wedding dreams come o true. ttr r Our wedding was beyond perfect, we could b have not asked for anything h more. Everyone is still talkm ing iin n about the food, it was a blast!” — Rob & Kasey, 2010

““Our wedding at the Shell was aabsolutely incredible, from the b beautiful ocean backdrop during o our ceremony to the accommod dating staff & amazing food duriing in n the reception. We truly were in paradise on our wedding day!” in — Amy & Brian, 2010

her information please contact us at Shellweddings@comcast.net 2012 – Happily Ever After

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

CONTENTS

AN EXTRAORDINARY LBI WEDDING ............. 6 COZY UP TO WINTER WHITE ...................... 10 DEMETRIOS KNOWS DRESSES ...................... 14 OCEAN TENTS HAS YOU COVERED .............. 16 A 'TASTE'FUL CELEBRATION ........................ 18 LOVEBIRDS FLOCK TO ROAD SHOW ............. 22 NARDI'S PARTIES ........................................ 26 KNOW YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ...................... 28 SWEETEN THE DEAL WITH FUDGE ............... 32 DIRECTORY ................................................ 34

GUIDE TO ADVERTISERS ANN COEN PHOTOGRAPHY ............. .............33 33

ISLAND CATERING ........................ ........................31 31

BEACH HAVEN CATERING CO. ........ ........37 37

JACK REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY ..... .....38 38

BOAT HOUSE RESTAURANT ...................... 40, BACK FOLDOUT

JERSEY SHORE WEDDING ASSOCIATION............................. .............................31 31

BRANT BEACH YACHT CLUB .......... ..........17 17

LA SPIAGGIA ................................ ................................33 33

SHORE THING CATERING .......... ..........12, 12, 13

BUCCANEER MOTEL ...................... ......................33 33

LAVISH SALON .............................. ..............................31 31

SONG OF THE SEA ........................ ........................24 24

CORAL SEAS OCEANFRONT MOTEL ..................................... .....................................36 36

MALLARD ISLAND YACHT CLUB ............................ BACK FOLDOUT

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE............ ............33

COUNTRY KETTLE FUDGE .............. ..............25 25

MER MADE PHOTOGRAPHY ............ ............16 16

THE STATEROOM ....... BACK FOLDOUT

NARDI'S TAVERN ........................... ...........................39 39

STAVRA KALINA ............................ ............................27 27

NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT DISC JOCKEY ............................ ............................29 29

SURF CITY HOTEL........................... ...........................55

CRUST & CRUMB BAKERY ............. .............24 24 DADDY O RESTAURANT & HOTEL ....15 15 DEB WHITCRAFT WEDDING & CIVIL UNION OFFICIANT ..................... .....................37 37 DRIFTING SANDS OCEANFRONT MOTEL ..................................... .....................................29 29

OCEAN TENTS & PARTY RENTALS ....19 19 PARTIES BY DESIGN....................... .......................39 39

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY .................. ..................37 37

RED SAILS SALON ......................... .........................27 27

THE GABLES .................................. ..................................88

ROSE GARDEN FLORIST ................. .................27 27

HOLIDAY INN ................................ ................................18 18

SEA OAKS COUNTRY CLUB ..... .....20, 20, 21, BACK COVER

INDIAN SUMMER ........................... ...........................25 25

SEA SHELL RESORT & BEACH CLUB ....................... FRONT FOLDOUT, 1 SEA SPRAY MOTEL........................ ........................35 35 SHORE SOLUTIONS ........................ ........................35 35

SURF CITY YACHT CLUB ................. .................99 TAMMY’S CAKE WALK ................. .................29 29 TASTE CATERING EXCELLENCE....... .......40 40 DANTE ZELLER TUXEDOS AT UNIFORMITY ......................... .........................39 39

Cover Photograph by Ann Coen; this page by Jack Reynolds Photography Happily Ever After – 2012

HAVE YOU BEEN SEARCHING FOR A PERFECT WEDDING LOCATION?

L O N G B E AC H I S L A N D R E G I O N O F N E W J E R S E Y

Wedding Road Show A Self Guided Wedding Planning Event within the beautiful Jersey Shore

SAVE THE DATE APRIL 22, 2012 To register for this one of a kind event, call 800-292-6372 or go to www.visitLBIregion.com Spend the day touring the area’s premiere venues, meet wedding specialists and earn prizes along the way including an

Down the Aisle in Style Grand Giveaway! FEATURING: Demetrios Bridal Gown by Demetrios Bridal, Five Tuxedo Rentals from Dante Zeller at Uniformmity, Wedding Bands by Novella Jewelry Designs, Engagement Photo Shoot by Creatively Yours Dayna.

Text “WEDDING” to 51684 for your chance to win (message and data rates may apply) Sponsored by The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce • 265 West Ninth Street, Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 in partnership with

visitnj.org Supported in part by a grant from The New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel & Tourism

2012 – Happily Ever After

ETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Welcome to the 2012 edition of Happily Ever After, designed with the coastal bride in mind. Congratulations on your engagement! We’re thrilled that you’re considering the Long Beach Island region for your picture-perfect wedding celebration. Let us help you navigate your way from the proposal to the Big Day. In this all-in-one pocket-sized guide, you’ll ﬁnd helpful information about the area’s ﬁnest wedding-related products and services, a directory of local municipalities and houses of worship, plus great recreation, dining and entertainment options for you and your guests to enjoy during your stay. With the Long Beach Island region as a matrimonial backdrop, certain elements are guaranteed: breathtaking natural beauty, sandy expanses and wooded retreats, lapping waves and fresh salt air. So not only can you count on a lovely ceremony and unforgettable party, but you can also offer your guests the opportunity for a fun and rejuvenating seaside getaway. At a time in your life when many people may be bombarding you with questions and advice, we hope you’ll turn to this book as an indispensable resource and trusted companion you’ll carry with you through the entire planning process. Happily Ever After is part of a community-wide destination weddings initiative, made possible by grant funding from the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, and a product of the joint creative efforts of the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce’s Destination Marketing Organization and The SandPaper. We are eager to share all there is to do, see and love about the Long Beach Island region. Thank you for making us a part of your journey! And may your love story continue to unfold as you and your spouse live happily ever after. Best wishes, Victoria Lassonde, editor and the entire HEA team

Ann Coen

Happily Ever After – 2012

SURF CITY HOTEL & RESTAURANT

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WEDDING PARTY FAMILY & FRIENDS WELCOME 29 Rooms & Suites Group Blocks Available

AVAILABLE APRIL TO OCTOBER

CHARMING HISTORIC HOTEL Ocean Block ~ People's Choice “BEST HOTEL” Award Winner Located one mile north of Rte. 72 on LBI

AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT SERVING LUNCH & DINNER Great American Cuisine Comfortable, Friendly Atmosphere

BEACH CLUB

Continue Your Celebration After The Reception ert rtai ainm nmen entt Ni Nigh ghtl tlly Entertainment Nightly

HOTEL • R ESTAURANT • PUB • CLAM BA AR R BEACH CLUB • LIQUOR STORE 800 Long Beach Blvd, Surf City, NJ 609-494-7281 • www.surfcityhotel.com m– Happily Ever After 2012

An Extraordinary Wedding In Quintessential LBI Style With Expert Planning and a Little Good Luck

he day a couple seals their love in matrimony is one of the most special and memorable in their lives. Throw in a candy smorgasbord, a ﬁreworks display and a surprise rainbow, and it will be one of the most memorable weddings ever. The Hughes-Boyle wedding in September proved to be a fairy tale event in all aspects. The day began with rain threatening to ruin the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour, but it seemed even Mother Nature knew of the momentous occasion. The rain held out, resulting in not only a beautiful ceremony, but also an unexpected rainbow backdrop. “The wedding was simply amazing,” said Jaimee Boyle. “It was everything I ever dreamed of, and more. We ended up with an amazing rainbow and sunset that was breathtaking!” Friends and family surrounded Mike and Jaimee for an entire weekend of wedding celebration. The private beach where Jaimee grew up held so many memories, and the day she had dreamed of had ﬁnally come. “I have dreamt about my wedding since I was a little girl, and on that day I looked around and watched my dream come true,” she said. “The real-life version was actually better.” As the wedding planner at the Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven, she is no stranger to the details of the ‘big day.’ While planning for her own wedding, she had all of the weddings booked at the Shell to plan as well. She was more than just a bride; she was superwoman. “Being a wedding planner helped immensely,” she said. “There are little details that most brides overlook or forget about because they just don’t know any better.” She also said knowing the ins and outs of planning a wedding prepared her for all circumstances. The Shell plays host to dozens

Happily Ever After – 2012

Photographs by Ann Coen

of weddings each year, and getting a firsthand view helped Jaimee to learn what works and what doesn’t. No shoes were needed as the wedding party made their way down an aisle of sand. The chosen attire for the groomsmen and bridesmaids was spot-on for the location – even Mike’s dog dressed for the occasion. Once the magical "I do"s were sealed with a kiss, Mike and Jaimee threw their hands up in celebration before making their way back up the aisle as husband and wife. After their ceremony, the Shell’s private beach was the setting for the cocktail hour as well. The air was filled with the sounds of guests enjoying themselves while a steel drum player created an island feel. For the reception, guests traveled inside. The reception hall was breathtaking; obviously no detail, from the color for the salt and pepper shakers, was overlooked. As a party favor, Mike and Jaimee had a candy buffet bar where guests could fill up their inscribed Chinese food boxes with a slew of sweet options. There was also a photo booth so guests could capture some funny moments together. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Matty and the band Hyperactive.

Ann Coen

After dark, armed with sparklers the guests traveled outside for a stunning ﬁreworks display. The sky full of colors and sparkles looked magical. Jaimee said people in Beach Haven are still thanking her for the free ﬁreworks show because they could be seen way beyond the Shell’s beach. For anyone about to tackle planning a wedding as great as hers, Jaimee offers a little advice – though she probably can’t teach a bride-to-be how to make a rainbow. “I think the key to pulling off the wedding was delegating,” Jaimee said. “Every bride thinks they can do it all on their own, but they quickly realize it’s easier with help.” But for Jaimee, that delegation didn’t happen with everything, as she admitted to having trouble releasing the reins. Mike was there by her side throughout the process, and she said anything she needed his help with, he was ready to lend a hand. “Most of the time he let me do my own thing. And if you know me, I’m a control freak, so that was the best thing he could do,” she said. Because the wedding was so large – more than 200 guests were to attend – there was a lot of organizing and planning to be done. Before the wedding, she and Mike did everything themselves, but once the big day hit, they switched out of planning mode and let others take over. “The day of, I was delegating everything to

bridesmaids and parents,” she said. “Another key was having such an amazing staff that I trust. They made it all come together without me having to oversee them.” Both Jaimee and Mike are grateful to her parents, Tom and Sherry Hughes, for not giving them a budget. She said her parents were looking forward to the wedding as much as she and Mike were. “When we started planning, they said, ‘Just tell me the grand total at the end,’” she said, laughing. Now, looking back, there is nothing she would change about her special day. She didn’t have to compromise on anything while planning the Island’s wedding of the century. “I married the man of my dreams. I’d say that’s success right there!” she exclaimed. Looking through the beautiful photos taken by Ann Coen, one is envious and can deﬁnitely see why Jaimee and Mike had a perfect wedding. “I had two favorite moments of the day,” she said. “The look on Mike’s face when he saw me for the ﬁrst time in my dress is something I will never forget. (Also) the look of happiness on my parents’ faces throughout the whole wedding, seeing everything they worked hard to help me put together, come together. Without my parents, none of this could have happened. And to know they had such a good time makes me happier than anything.” —K.B. 2012 – Happily Ever After

Ann Coen Photography

Jenna Walcott

Our beautifully restored Victorian Inn is just the right setting for an enchanting wedding and reception.

LBI I DO O A PLACE TO WED AND WOO 212 Centre Street, Beach Haven H 1-888-LBI-GABLES H 609-492-3553

gableslbi.com • weddingslbi.com 8

Happily Ever After – 2012

Celebrate new beginnings on the bay...

Surf City Yacht Club

weddings rehearsal dinners private parties seating for 120 guests

Surf City Yacht Club • 9th Street on the Bay Surf City, NJ 08008 • (609) 494-1532

www.scyc-nj.org 2012 – Happily Ever After

Winter White: Cozy Up To Off-Season Options Cold Weather Is Quite Conducive to Romance

he well-known beauty of Long Beach Island in spring, summer and fall has made it a destination for weddings, vacations and other special events. But wintertime on the Island – with its snow-covered beaches, bare branches and uncongested roads – offers a singular beauty and some surprising advantages reserved for a select few. If a bride’s heart isn’t set on frolicking barefoot in the surf on her wedding day, a beach-y wedding in January or February can offer a world of creative possibilities – and more romance than you can shake a peppermint stick at. With comfort and warmth as their mainstays, the businesses that choose to remain open in the off-season aim to counter the frigid outdoors with inviting spaces, decorative schemes and sense-pleasing offerings. To that end, a winter wedding on LBI is “really a cool concept,” in the opinion of wedding planner Arlene Schmid of Parties by Design. The Gables Inn, a historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Beach Haven, readily transforms from summertime seaside retreat to winter wonderland, for elegant cold-weather occasions with guest lists ranging from intimate to 125. In combination with the flickering flames, the added light and heavenly aroma of a wood-burning fireplace keep the atmosphere cozy. Thematically, there are any number of ways to go, Schmid said, from understated with subtle touches of shimmer and shine, to positively resplendent with jewel tones and sparkle galore. For the bride who wants to keep it simple, a little twinkle goes a long way, especially because early sunset means a candlelit glow is a given

Happily Ever After – 2012

after 4 p.m. The time of year really lends itself to the decor, Schmid continued. For example, birch branches can be wound together with strands of white lights and/or tulle to form arches over the walkway from the street to the inn’s entrance. Often, the colors of choice are deep hues of burgundy and blue, accented with silver or gold. Specks of glitter pick up and reflect ambient light. For a more frozen look, try icicle lights in conjunction with the creative use of mirrors. One wedding a few years back really ran with the “winter wonderland” theme to dazzling effect, achieved through the use of ice sculptures, artificial snow a n d s n ow f l a k e lights projected on floors and walls. The wet bar itself Photographs by Ann Coen was an ice carving – delivered in a refrigerated truck and soldered onsite – radiant with lit-up snowflakes frozen inside. The newlyweds rode off in a Cinderellastyle carriage drawn by two white horses, zigzagging through Beach Haven up and down the side streets (since horse travel on a county road is prohibited). A climate-controlled tent with glass panel “walls” or draped fabric can turn an outdoor space into a comfortable environment – the Gables’ back yard, the large deck off the Brant Beach Yacht Club, or the parking lot outside the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences (a unique venue for the right type of bride, Schmid remarked). Tenting can allow a couple to take advantage of the opportunity to expand the usable space. Other wintertime options, be it for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception or lodging, include

A‘Taste’ful Celebration Customizes Every Detail

Choose the Menu Selections, Let Caterer Do the Rest

aste Catering is in a unique position as the ofﬁcial caterer of two exclusive Long Beach Island wedding venues as well as a casually elegant waterfront restaurant. Taste is the ofﬁcial caterer for Mallard Island Yacht Club and The Stateroom, both at the gateway to Long Beach Island. In Beach Haven, where Taste is headquartered, The Boathouse restaurant is an enchanting setting enhanced by its bayfront location. Among the well-reputed vendors with which Taste has an affiliation is the Cake Boss, of TLC network fame. Brides can have a confection that takes the cake as created by Buddy Valastro. Invites the catering company, “At Taste Catering, we are dedicated to exquisite culinary presentations, and our careful attention to every

single detail enables you to enjoy being a guest at your own wedding!” This November, Taste LBI event coordinator Nicole Myers experienced just that. Taste, of course, was her caterer of choice at The Stateroom when she became the bride of Alex Karas on the distinctive date of 11-11-11. The young couple chose an exciting new menu trend that mingled well with the Stateroom’s comfortable yet intimate open layout on the first floor. Guests could freely partake of appetizer and entrée “stations” of “comfort foods” buffet-style. A mashed potato martini bar, for example, was a festive gathering place for filling the glass with an assortment of mashed potatoes and toppings. On the sweet potatoes, brown

the Engleside Inn in Beach Haven; the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin; Mallard Island Yacht Club, in the bay to the north of the Route 72 Causeway in Stafford Township; the Stateroom in Ship Bottom; and some lesser-known spots, such as 101 Centre Street, a B&B in Beach Haven, and a couple of private residences in Surf City and Loveladies. When it comes to recommending vendors and ideas, “wedding planners are a great resource for hidden treasures on LBI,” Schmid said. From her perspective, helping to plan a winter wedding, whether simple and organic or glitzy and glamorous, is an exciting change of pace – an opportunity to think outside the box and ﬁ nd different ways to incorporate the ﬂavor and feel of the beach without overdoing it. If a couple wanted to incorporate a festive Christmas-y feel, they might decorate with reds, greens and gold, perhaps holly berries and evergreens. For the DIY bride, Schmid suggests taking advantage of post-holiday clearance sales for decorative items and discounted accessories. Additional advantages to a winter wedding on LBI: less competition for vendors’ time and

attention during the planning process; better rates and availability for lodging; and hassle-free driving and parking for guests. At the Gables, a variety of separate dining rooms and indoor and outdoor settings, including a closed-in front porch and a backyard garden, means a couple can really customize their wedding experience from ceremony to party to wedding-night accommodations in the five uniquely designed and furnished guest rooms upstairs – cocktail hour in here, dessert station in there, in-laws in this room, children in that room, bar area, entertainment and dance floor, and so on. “You figure out how you want to use it, it’s yours,” marketing director Sandy Goldsborough said. As part of its expanding wedding business, the inn has created weddingslbi.com, a web site specifically for prospective Gables brides, in order to showcase more photos of the venue as well as sample menus to give couples an idea of what to expect. The Gables is located at 212 Centre St. For additional information, visit gableslbi.com or call 609-492-3553. — V.L.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

2012 – Happily Ever After

For All Your Wedding Needs

“Shore To Please” 609-290-3508 12

www.shorethingcatering.com Happily Ever After – 2012 shorethingcatering@yahoo.com

Beach Front Wedding at

The “Converse Estate” A Piece of LBI History

w w w. l b i c o n v e r s e e s t a t e . c o m

973-632-2735

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Lighting Sound Design Audio, Video Photography DJ/Emcee 2012 – Happily Ever After www.productionsbymk.com • 609-506-8428

How Dreams Materialize: Demetrios Knows Dresses Designs for Every Season and Every Kind of Bride

reece-born bridal dress designer Demetrios (who prefers to be known by his first name only) shares some insight into his ever-changing yet timeless collections. A gown from the Destination Romance collection will be included in this year’s Wedding Road Show grand prize package. The gown guru’s eponymous brand is an industry leader in bridal design and manufacturing, with 23 retail salons located throughout the country, many of them inside Macy’s. The salons nearest to LBI are in Bayville, Linwood, Marlton, Cherry Hill, Manalapan and Edison. Happily Ever After: Who is the Demetrios bride? Demetrios: The Demetrios bride wants to look extra special on her wedding day, yet also wants to have a gown that reflects her personality and that she feels comfortable in. Through our many divisions we make it easy for every bride, no matter what her style or budget, to ﬁnd that perfect dress. HEA: How important is the gown’s role in the overall wedding? D: The ﬁrst thing the bride envisions when she gets her ring is what gown she will be wearing when she walks down the aisle. The details and style of the gown are usually the bride’s inspiration when choosing her venue and the formality and theme

Happily Ever After – 2012

of the wedding. The gown is the focal point of the wedding day and therefore plays a very important role. HEA: How does a woman’s personal connection with her wedding dress relate to her emotional connection with the place she’ll be wearing it? D: When the bride knows that she has found the perfect gown, everything else usually falls into place. Once she has the vision of how she will look, she can then create the entire theme – from the venue to the flowers, bridesmaids’ gowns, even the food. Demetrios’ magazine For the Bride, published by Barnegat Light resident Kevin Phillips, celebrated its 20th anniversary issue in Fall 2011 with a look back at two decades of “I Do”s. From Demetrios’ perspective, the Road Show provides an opportunity for brides to experience ﬁrsthand the beauty and peacefulness of Long Beach Island and how it may lay the foundation for their future. “This place is about family. Families start with weddings,” he said. For more inspiration, visit demetriosbride.com. —V.L.

Feel like you just stepped into the coolest of retro cool

daddy O

Available For Private Parties & Catered Events

Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners and Sunday Brunches Have it at our place or weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cater it at yours. Come see our beautiful Boutique Hotel, with 22 of arguably the most chic rooms on LBI. Hotel Room Wedding Blocks always available.

Open Year Round

Visit www.daddyohotel.com to view menus, pictures and rates. Call 609.494.1300 to speak to one of our specialists.

daddy O

restaurant & boutique hotel

4401 Long Beach Blvd. Brant Beach, NJ 08008 609.494.1300 2012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Happily Ever After 15

Rain or Shine, Ocean Tents Has Your Big Day Covered Sturdy, Elegant Weather Protection and Party Rentals

ove the outdoors? Want to pledge your love to each other in a place special to you rather than in a wedding palace or hotel? If you have a beautiful lawn with room for a tent or want to have your wedding outdoors at a venue such as the Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club, Tuckerton Seaport, Laurita Winery or the Noyes Museum of Art, then Ocean Tents in Manahawkin will make your day as seamless as possible. “We offer a free wedding or event planner so you won’t have to hire a party (or wedding) consultant,” said owner Joseph Peregman Sr. “We will give you a CAD – computer aided three-dimensional drawing – that will show the exact blueprint of where the table and chairs are, the dance ﬂoor, the buffet. It’s going to show

Happily Ever After – 2012

everything, including how the traffic will flow. It’s like a blueprint. “We can even take a picture of the setting, and I can show how the tent will look in that setting.” Holding wedding events under tents can be elegant, with carpeting and wooden dance floors, chandeliers and all the sparkle a bride could want. The tents come in a variety of sizes. The free consultation will help decide the correct size. Peregman has the latest look in tents, from clear-roofs to sailcloth. The sailcloth tent, the newest type in the business, has really taken off. “Once the bride sees how the sailcloth tent looks lit up at night, that’s the tent she is going to want. You can see it lit from half a mile.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Brant Beach Yacht Club 59th & Bayview Ave, Brant Beach, NJ 08008 Phone: 609-494-4485 Website: bbyc.net or Email: bbycof¿ce@comcast.net The beautiful Brant Beach clubhouse offers seating for parties up to 200. The main banquet room has a large dance Àoor with two walls of windows looking out onto a wrap-around open-air deck situated at the water edge of Little Egg Harbor Bay.

The clubhouse also features: Two full service bars - inside and out, a full restaurant-quality kitchen, a gas ¿replace in the adjoining Commodore’s Room, along with too many special features to mention, making this venue the perfect place to hold your dream wedding. Please call 609-494-4485 for more information on celebrating your special day at the Brant Beach Yacht Club. 2012 – Happily Ever After

TASTE CATERING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 sugar and marshmallows hit the spot. Whipped warm white potatoes became a delicacy when topped with caramelized onions, capers, bacon or gravy, or all of the above. A “slider” station attracts those who love the scrumptious small sandwiches. They could be customized to the liking from a bar of condiments. A taco station is fun and festive, as well. “It’s a popular trend, customizing your own food, and having comfort foods to choose from,” said Karas. The ability to peruse and choose from delightful themed food bars continues on to dessert and coffee. Portion-sized Viennese baked goods, mini ice cream cones, cannolis and cream puffs make the wedding confections a course to remember. A flambé station finishes a dessert with flair. On the way out, guests at the Karas wedding were gifted with a warm chocolate chip cookie. Moester’s Bakery of Manahawkin has created many spectacular sweets, while other brides choose the Cake Boss himself, direct from his booming business, Carlo’s Bakery

in Hoboken. An online description of Taste Catering adds, “We work hard to make your event unforgettable, pairing extraordinary service with fresh, seasonal and creative food which is as gorgeous as it is delicious. Our eye for detail translates into our foods, where presentation means much more than the culinary standard. We will provide you with the most decadent meal and memorable experience on your wedding day. “After many years in business, we have developed very close and positive working relationships with the area’s premier wedding vendors, which allows us to execute your perfect wedding flawlessly. We can transform your event into the most memorable dream, leaving absolutely nothing behind. At Taste Catering, our staff has extensive experience in planning wedding receptions and is always very flexible with any special needs you may have. Because after all, the event is all about you!” Below are details of specific venues, as provided by Nicole Myers Karas. Karas may be reached at Nicole@tasteoflbi.com, phone 609-494-9950. Mallard Island Yacht Club “Mallard Island Yacht Club, surrounded by

Beautiful Beginnings

start at the

“Where Every Occassion is Special” 151 Rt. 72 E • Manahawkin 609-597-9133 (ask for Banquet Manager)

Happily Ever After – 2012

the beautiful Barnegat Bay, captivates guests with incredible surroundings and attention to detail. From the spectacular views to the luxurious interiors, this is a place where hopes and dreams become reality.” The boathouse chapel, surrounded by water on three sides, is a stunning setting for the ceremony. Then move on to a lavish cocktail hour in the dramatic sanctuary and picturesque croquet lawn. Sweeping bay views provide a magnificent backdrop. The spectacular ballroom boasts panoramic waterfront views while accommodating up to 250 guests and truly escapes the ordinary. The ballroom and its dramatic dance floor are complemented by the Tiffany blue tray ceiling, ivory damask linens and golden Chivari chairs that make any bride feel like royalty. The “crown jewel” of the estate is the 3,000-square-foot bridal suite that takes up the entire fourth floor. Full-length windows look out on unsurpassed views of the bay and landscaping. The focal point of the room is the king-size bed draped in handmade curtains and gathered silk ceiling, Karas said. From the bridal suite, the bride can even peek in on the groom’s shack, which sits dockside on the marina level.

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“Taste Catering provides the gourmet culinary expertise and impeccable service that you would expect at such an upscale location,” noted Karas. The estate also offers overnight accommodations in lavishly appointed suites for up to 24 guests. “From the moment you tour the facility to the second you walk down the aisle, our professional staff will be there to ensure every detail is tended to and you are having the time of your life,” Karas said. The Stateroom The Stateroom of Long Beach Island is a premier setting for weddings on the Jersey Shore that offers accommodations for up to 275 guests, located just three blocks from the ocean. “From the moment you enter our lush and tropical patio, the stage has been set for your beachy-romantic wedding. From two built-in ﬁreplaces that can be ﬁlled with candles to add that extra touch of romance, to the tropical furniture with bright cushions, the Stateroom is sure to impress,” Karas described. “On the lower level of the venue, where cocktail hour is held, your guests will experience a casual,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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In April, Lovebirds Flock To Wedding Road Show

A Streamlined Tour of the Area's Matrimonial Offerings

ave the date, brides-to-be! The fourth annual Wedding Road Show is scheduled for Sunday, April 22. This free and unique wedding planning event, presented by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach Island Region Destination Marketing Organization, features a series of open houses, demonstrations and gourmet tastings in the greater LBI area. As explained by Lori A. Pepenella, destination marketing director for the chamber, the chamber created the event to introduce and showcase the LBI region of the Jersey Shore as a premiere wedding destination. “Modeled after the wedding fairs of the United Kingdom, the brides and members of the bridal industry that attended were able to tour the elegant banquet halls, accommodations, restaurants, salons, photographers’ galleries and other services, while meeting with management to discuss their needs fi rst-hand.” This year’s Wedding Road Show starts at one of three registration sites: Tuckerton Seaport, Holiday Inn Manahawkin or the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce in Ship Bottom – where brides and their entourages can gather beginning at 9:30 a.m. on April 22. Participants will receive detailed maps and programs to create their own touring schedule until 4 p.m., said Pepenella. “Brides have an opportunity to take a self-guided tour through the area’s fi nest venues, meeting, greeting and eating their way through wedding locations and services,” including accommodations, restaurants, caterers, planners, florists, photographers, apparel, invitations, transportation, favors, jewelry, cakes, and salon and spa services. A new LBI Wedding Road Show phone app can also help brides during the wedding planning event. (See related story.) Currently, venues include the Boathouse Restaurant in Beach Haven, the Brant Beach

Happily Ever After – 2012

Jack Reynolds

Yacht Club, The Gables in Beach Haven, the Sea Shell Beach Resort and Beach Club in Beach Haven, the Stateroom in Ship Bottom and the Surf City Yacht Club. Tour-only locations include daddy O Restaurant and Hotel in Brant Beach, the Surf City Hotel and, after 2 p.m., Bonnet Island Estate and the Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin. “At every registered stop the bride visits,” Pepenella added, “she will acquire a signature from the vendors located there, and the more signatures she receives, the more entries she will have for the grand prize.” The 2012 grand prize is all about fashion, including a choice of a wedding gown from New York City-based Demetrios Bridal’s “Destination Romance” Collection, ﬁve tuxedoes from the Premiere Line at Dante Zeller

Jack Reynolds

ew this year, a Wedding Road Show mobile phone app will help bridesto-be during this unique event in the greater Long Beach Island area on April 22, and throughout their entire wedding planning process. The free custom app, available for all phone platforms, was developed by N.J.-based Shore Mobile especially for the Wedding Road Show – presented by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce and the LBI Region Destination Marketing Organization – so that brides can have wedding-related services right at their ﬁngertips. “This was created to add a new dimension to wedding planning and the Wedding Road Show event,” said Lori A. Pepenella, the chamber's destination marketing director. The app will feature a participant’s “own mobile storefront to help map, contact and

get key information for decision-making,” as well as a “mobile wedding service registry, so the bride can seek just what she is looking for and get special discounts texted directly to her from local wedding service providers.” As Pepenella noted, “This technology will help identify today’s brides and speak to them directly,” both during the Wedding Road Show and after the event but before walking down the aisle. “It is a great way to plan your wedding in the area, whether you are a hometown bride or coming from across the country.” The technology was made possible by a destination marketing grant from the N.J. Division of Travel and Tourism, and through the Long Beach Island Region DMO, the chamber's tourism arm. Learn more about the free app at visitLBIregion.com, or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 609-494-7211. —J.K.-H.

Tuxedo at Uniformity in Manahawkin, and wedding bands by Novella Jewelry Design and Engagement Photo Shoot by Creatively Yours Dayna. Brides-to-be and their guests can register for this free event at visitLBIregion.com. Individuals can also enter the “VIP Experience” contest on NJWedding.com to win a kick-off prize package that includes an overnight stay in a double room at daddy O on April 21, as well as welcome gifts sponsored by the web site. The contest is open now and

runs through April 2012. Wedding Road Show 2012 media sponsors include New Jersey Bride Magazine, NJWedding.com, WedAlert.com, Magic 101.1 FM, and Demetrios Bridal. The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism is a presenting sponsor, along with the Chamber of Commerce and the LBI Region DMO. For more information on the Wedding Road Show, call 609-494-7211, visit LBIregion.com or search “LBI Region” on Facebook or Twitter. —J.K.-H. 2012 – Happily Ever After

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For a Proper Sendoff, Plan a Party at Nardi’s

Island Hot Spot Sets Stage for Night to Remember

efore a couple exchanges marriage vows, it is customary for one last, single hoorah – a bachelor or bachelorette party. On Long Beach Island that often times means gangs of women clad in weddingthemed garb and groups of men wishing their bud bon voyage. Nardi’s Tavern in Haven Beach is no stranger to the rowdy groups, and it’s no wonder with all they have to offer. For the classic farewell to single life, Nardi’s is a great venue for a night of partying. With two fully stocked bars, ample dance space and great entertainment, the night is sure to prove eventful. Nardi’s plays host to a variety of patrons, so when choosing the bar for a bachelor or bachelorette party, a couple need not worry about the crowd being too rowdy or stuffy. Betsy Harty, manager at Nardi’s, explained that the diversity of the clientele keeps patrons coming back year after year. “It’s just a great atmosphere,” she said. “Nardi’s caters to a wide range of ages. We have (ages from) the 20s up to the 70s here, and it’s a nice mix.” With an atmosphere that is neither too young nor too old, a harmonious balance is struck for pre-wedding celebrations. Harty went on to explain that people have had all sorts of events at the bar prior to getting hitched. Sometimes the parties just show up, but Nardi’s also has the option of renting space out just for the party. The upstairs rooms of the bar can become

Happily Ever After – 2012

a private place to give a proper sendoff to singledom. Guests can choose to have a cash or open bar and have food. “It’s whatever they choose,” Harty said regarding planning the perfect private party. “It’s nice because we have a whole different bar, their own bathrooms, and there are two rooms. It’s nice for people who want to do that sort of thing.” Another plus to renting out the space is partiers can drink with their friends at their own bar and still join everyone else downstairs for all the great music and dancing. Nardi’s prides itself on always offering the best bands and music. As if the space and entertainment weren’t enough, there is the famous Nardi’s Party Bus. “The pink bus is another big draw for part i e s ,” H a r t y stressed. “If they get here, then they can get a ride back and they don’t have to drink and drive.” The bus allows partiers to let loose and Jack Reynolds have fun while still making sure that everyone will arrive home safely. Whether you want a rowdy party with your own bar or just want to hit the club with some close friends, Nardi’s can meet the challenge. What better way to bridge the gap between single and married life then to spend it at a tavernthat can ﬁt in with both lives. —K.B.

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For a Picture-Perfect Day, Build Rapport, Be at Ease Jersey Shore Native Ann Coen Is a Wedding Specialist

ne of the keys to health is good communication between patients and their primary care physicians. There must be trust between a client and an attorney – lying to your lawyer is akin to obstructing your own justice. It is difficult to find a competent and trustworthy auto mechanic, one who will warn you of a real problem instead of recommending, say, a brake job thousands of miles before it is necessary. So, why should the relationship between a couple and their wedding photographer be any different? Indeed, one of LBI’s preeminent wedding soul of her business, Ann Coen Photography, photographers, Ann Coen, says that the absolute is the Long Beach Island beach wedding. And key to good wedding photos is a comfortable photographers who aren’t familiar with workrelationship between the subjects and the per- ing at the shore, she said, discover that beach weddings come with their own particular set of son behind the camera. challenges. “You should establish “The beach is not the a good relationship before easiest place to shoot,” the wedding,” said Coen, Coen said. “There’s the a Jersey Shore native and sun, the wind, people in former staff photographer the background (we won’t for the Asbury Park Press even mention rain). It can who has been specializing be complete chaos. A in wedding photography local photographer will for seven years. “I sugbe familiar, for example, gest engagement pictures, with the light.” even if they have been It isn’t a good idea, engaged for a while. That Photographs by Ann Coen said Coen, at least phoallows the couple and the photographer to get to know each other, and tography-wise, to get married outside at noon. the couple can get comfortable in front of the The sun’s glare can be a killer – both for photos and for fair-skinned guests. camera.” “I think people really need to look at the That’s very important because it keeps the couple from reacting as most people do when time of day,” she said. “Noon is the worst lightthey know a photographer is present – putting ing of the day.” Coen said there are plenty of other reasons on a forced smile (at least thinking “cheese” if not actually saying it), directly facing the why a midday beach wedding has its pitfalls. “People say, ‘Let’s get married at the Pearl camera and, well, posing. Not what you want, Street Pavilion (in Beach Haven) at noon on a not for posterity. It also helps, said Coen, for a photographer Saturday in June.’ There might be three wedto be familiar with the setting of the wedding. dings at the Pearl Street Pavilion at noon on a She’s shot weddings in Atlantic City, Asbury Saturday in June,” she said, saying it is difficult Park and New York City, but the heart and CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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PHOTOGRAPHER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 in those circumstances simply keeping other brides from slipping into the background. Then, of course, there’s the weather. “You can have a 75-degree day in May or you can have a 40-degree day. They (couples) are really putting themselves out there when they decide on the beach.” There are dangers for a bride, said Coen, even on the nicest of days. Does the wind ever stop blowing on LBI? “The women work for hours on their makeup and hair and then the wind hits them!” OK, we will mention rain after all. Windblown hair can perhaps result in a wild, carefree, even sexy look. But rain-drenched hair … That’s why Coen always suggests couples planning a beach wedding book a backup plan. She has shot a lot of weddings, she said, at the quaint Spray Beach Chapel. Coen said the Long Beach Island Historical Museum in Beach Haven, too, is a wonderful spot. “They’re two blocks from the beach,” said Coen, “so you can always easily walk to get beach photos. But that’s one of the problems with LBI: there aren’t a lot of places like that, especially for people who don’t want to be married in a church.” Still, getting married on a beach is many a couple’s dream. So Coen has some suggestions for those who dare to risk the chance of a rainout, a greenhead invasion or a tsunami. “Color is important. It’s great when brides have some color in their bouquet, when the bridesmaids’ dresses are colorful. If everything is white, especially if it is a sunny day, it washes out.” Coen also recommends a couple not make choosing a photographer an afterthought. “If the photography is really important to them, they should meet with the photographer ﬁrst before setting their plans.”

Happily Ever After – 2012

Photographs by Ann Coen

There is a new type of pre-wedding photography, uh, developing – what some call the “sniper shot.” That’s when the groom-to-be hires a photographer to snap the scene when he proposes. “I’ve done one, and I was asked to do another but couldn’t because of a conflict,” said Coen. “The one I did was a friend of mine. He told me he was going to propose the next morning, that the couple would be walking on the beach and that he would propose at a certain street end. I was there, hiding in the dunes. I don’t think I’d do this for just anybody – it was December and it was freezing! I was hiding 45 minutes! But you can get some great, candid shots.” As with a good doctor, lawyer or auto mechanic, people would be foolish to lose contact with a good wedding photographer with whom they have established a rapport. After all, as the old trope says, “first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage.” Coen – and her clients – have already reaped the benefits of a close relationship. “I have a four-session package following a baby,” she explained. “It starts with maternity pictures, you know, of the big belly; they’re very popular. Then I follow a child through the first year.” Coen, despite her brilliance (samples of her work can be found at anncoen.com), has been specializing in wedding photography for a relatively short time. Because of her close relationship with her subjects, however, she imagines working with them for years to come – through high school graduations, college graduations and, well, the circle may go round and round. “I can’t wait until I photograph the weddings of the kids of people I photographed at theirs,” Coen said, laughing. Coen can be reached at 609-713-7958 or 609-339-9233 or by e-mail at ann@anncoen. com. —R.M.

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Couples Sweeten the Deal With Country Kettle Fudge A Classic Seashore Treat Accentuates the Occasion

f a wedding is the ultimate declaration of love, what better way to complement the day than with the ultimate sweet indulgence? Country Kettle Fudge is a Long Beach Island tradition that began 50 years ago, so it’s no wonder why, for so many, fudge and saltwater taffy recall happy, carefree summer vacations with loved ones at the beach. “Fudge is a reminder of the shore,” according to Carolyn Kasunich, general manager of the Bay Village complex in Beach Haven where Country Kettle is headquartered. As she has observed, couples who choose to marry on LBI may have met and fallen in love here or shared special occasions here. Fudge often plays a role in instances (e.g. courtship, celebrations) when life’s sweetest memories are made. Now the same specialty treats that have satisﬁed generations of Island visitors are becoming increasingly sought after as all-occasion party favors. The growing demand has been especially noticeable in recent years, Kasunich said, since the community-wide destination wedding initiative has brought that portion of Country Kettle’s business to the fore. The annual Road Show brings scores of brides-to-be into the shop to get ideas and inspiration. Some couples choose to incorporate fudge and taffy in the welcome bags waiting for their guests at their hotels, or in the bachelor and bachelorette parties, or as thank-you gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. With their iconic logo and “Long Beach Island” on the labels and ribbons, Country Kettle products are not only delicious treats but also souvenirs – couples may save bits of packaging for a shadowbox or scrapbook. They can choose to have the Country Kettle labels adhered to the top or underside of the box lids, so they can customize the look of the favors if they prefer to do their own thing to the outside of the boxes. Another idea is to place little bundles of taffy inside champagne glasses at the table settings. Or use the bags of taffy as

Happily Ever After – 2012

anchors for the place cards, attached to the ribbons. The stand a r d f avo r is a quarterpound square Photographos by Jack Reynolds of fudge neatly tucked in its box. Alternatively, couples may want a party tray of assorted bitesized fudge squares, or they can buy it in bulk by the pan and chunk it up however they like. As for flavor choices, His and Hers is a popular way to go. Seasonal flavors are available (pumpkin and cranberry in the fall, orange creamsicle in the summer), but for the most part the flavors of choice for weddings are relatively basic – vanilla and chocolate, maybe triple chocolate. Kasunich said they steer brides toward simple flavors, because the majority of people won’t prefer the more unusual flavors, and anything with nuts can be an allergy risk. Also if the fudge has chunks in it, the slice may not be straight and clean, which may be more important to some couples than others. If the Country Kettle menu doesn’t offer an overwhelming array of choices, it’s because, frankly, it doesn’t need to. “What we already have is what we consider to be perfect,” Kasunich said. The existing offerings have always met the needs of even the most discerning customers. Simply put, “they want the product,” according to fudge shop manager Frank Demmerly, who is engaged to be married in March. Decorative accents and frills are, at best, unnecessary and might even detract from the pure richness of the taste. In the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the shop is less busy with the walk-in business of summer visitors, fudge shop staffers can devote extra time and attention to filling wedding orders, assuring the highest quality product. Sales associate Jasmine Rivera said working on wedding favors is rewarding because it feels special to be a behind-the-scenes part of such an important day in a couple’s life. —V.L.

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