STP Weddings
- Aug 24, 2016

Kate & James' July 4th Weekend Wedding

In our opinion, the best way to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend is at the beach! Our clients Kate and James felt the exact same way and that’s why almost a year ago we began helping them plan their patriotic and fun Fourth of July wedding weekend!

Photos by Endless Wave Studios

Kate and James wanted their guests to enjoy their entire weekend by the beach so guests were in arms length of all the sights and sounds that make the Jersey Shore exactly what it is. Many guests booked rooms at the beautiful Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park, NJ, while others rented beach houses in the surrounding area for a real Jersey Shore experience. They kicked off their wedding weekend hosting welcome drinks at one of their favorite places by the beach; The Columns.

Photo by Endless Wave Studios

Kate and James grew up enjoying the Jersey Shore so it was a no brainer when they were picking their ceremony location. They wanted to pick a place they both had fond memories of and they landed on the Gazebo at the Bradley Beach Boardwalk in Bradley Beach, New Jersey. Bradley Beach is a quintessential Jersey Shore town with white sandy beaches, unique restaurants and a boardwalk to stroll on day and night. The ceremony location didn’t need much decor considering the beach was its backdrop, but beautiful bunches of baby’s breath lined the gazebo in the form of garland made by the talented Nancy from the Barlow Flower Farm. Guests were greeted with mini American flags to wave proudly in the air after the Bride & Groom sealed their marriage with a kiss and headed back down the aisle! Despite the rain that started during the ceremony, everyone in attendance (and especially the bride & groom) was all smiles for Kate & James!

Photos by Endless Wave Studios

After the ceremony, the wedding party snapped some photos in Asbury while guests were transported to the reception to get the party started. The couple decided to get married by the beach, but enjoy their reception under a tent in more a park like setting. The reception was held at Windows on the Water at Frogbridge in Millstone, NJ. The venue is a gorgeous location for all of the

perks of an indoor wedding outdoors! The cocktail hour room is filled with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the park like setting that includes a large lake and fountain. Guests enjoyed the signature drinks by the bride and groom and the delicious passed and stationary appetizers. Cocktail tables were decorated with wine bottles lined in twine and filled with delicate roses.

Photos by Endless Wave Studios

Kate and James decided to keep their beach theme going by having escort cards made into their favorite New Jersey beaches. The escort cards matched with the vintage beach postcards placed on each table that were created by the bride’s cousin, owner of Extra Fancy. As guests entered the tented reception they were greeted by the beautiful Edison bulbs hanging from the ceiling and the elegant, but rustic tablescapes of mason jars filled with hydrangeas and votive candles with rose heads. Each place setting had a unique twist on the typical dinner menu. The dinner menu was printed on a bread bag that was filled with a delicious mini loaf of crunchy bread for each guest to enjoy. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of the Pete Saunders Band while they wore fun patriotic glow wear and slap bracelets. If they took a break it was only to take a picture in the photo booth or grab a drink from the bar.

Photos by Endless Wave Studios

As the reception began to wind down Kate and James wanted to make sure guests didn’t leave hungry. They live in Brooklyn and they wanted to bring a part of their favorite city to all of their friends and family. They had pizza delivered from their favorite pizza place in Brooklyn, Spumoni Gardens, for each guest to eat on their way out! They also left with an adorable personalized stemless wine glass to cheers to such a great night! It was a spectacular Fourth of July wedding weekend and we were so happy to be a part of it! Congratulations Kate and James!