Jun 24, 2021

Feels Like Home // Lauren + Alex

We’re so overjoyed that the new wedding season is really getting into full swing now, and with it already feeling so much like summer on this beautiful day, it was simply made for a wedding event ‘down the shore’! We were looking forward to working with this couple and their lovely bayside wedding location was just icing on the cake!

Lauren and Alex met at work as they both gained employment at the same bank in Manhattan after graduating college. As with many relationships, they began just as friends at work and eventually started dating. We love how Lauren described how she knew Alex was ‘the one’ for her, as she said she feels more like herself with him than with anyone else. He just ‘feels like home’. Love sure feels like that, and we know the love and affection shared by the two of them will only grow stronger over the years.

Lauren and Alex got ready on the morning of their wedding day at separate private residences in Long Beach and Beach Haven, New Jersey. And all the wedding party’s chosen ocean blues were so lovely and so apropos for this beachy wedding event! Lauren’s bridesmaids wore pretty light blue dresses, beautifully matching Alex in his summery light blue suit. And his groomsmen coordinated so nicely in dark suits with lighter blue ties.

Then Lauren, with help from her mother and sister, dressed into her beautiful Lela Rose strapless gown that featured an A-line silhouette and an amazing 3D floral appliqué skirt. It was such a romantic, light and airy bridal style, perfect for this shore wedding event and for Lauren! She accessorized with Jimmy Choo shoes and had a long veil fastened to the back of her chic and modern updo (practically a must hairstyle for those photos later on the beach!).

Once everyone was dressed and ready, it was time to head to the church! Lauren and Alex’s ceremony was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Beach Haven. Carrying a lovely, lush all-white bridal bouquet, Lauren walked down the aisle with her parents at her side to join Alex at the altar. Their traditional wedding ceremony was officiated by Father John Frambes, who led the two as they recited their vows to each other, exchanged rings and became husband and wife.

We loved the photo shoot that followed the ceremony! It was so much fun to film while photos were taken on the beach by associates from Christian Oth Studio. And what a pleasure it was to work with this team. The couple obviously truly enjoyed posing for photos in the warm sand, too! Additional photos with their wedding party were taken on the dock and in the gardens at their venue. And even Lauren and Alex’s sweet little pup got in on the action!

Then, Lauren and Alex’s reception kicked off at Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin. Natural light poured into the venue, which was beautifully decorated by Katydid Signature Floral & Event Design. Crisp, white linen-draped reception tables were lined with white peonies, fluffy blue hydrangea blooms and tall, flickering white candles. The flowers and décor definitely fit perfectly with the bayside, summer-like resort location.

In honor of Alex’s Ukrainian heritage, the couple was sure to have the special wedding bread, Korovai, along with salt, honey and wine on the table at the reception. Every item holds unique symbolism: the beautifully crafted bread represents nature’s bounty with the tree of life symbolizing life, love, hope and the building of a home together in the center, the salt is a necessity of life, honey symbolizes the sweetness of life and wine represents prosperity. And lovely embellishments on the bread include braids, wheat stalks, fruit, herbs, nuts and flowers, all with their own special meaning.

Lauren and Alex entered their venue’s ballroom and shared their first dance… complete with a perfectly executed dip! We loved seeing the newlyweds and their friends and family enjoying themselves so much! Afterwards, Lauren and Alex were given beautifully prepared toasts by Lauren’s father and her sister, her maid of honor and by Alex’s best man, his brother.

Those sweet parent dances followed and in between dinner and the formalities, Elan Artists’ Fortress rocked the house! Lauren and Alex and their guests stayed on the dance floor all evening long!

Kudos to Daryl Valdivia and his assistants at LLG Events for helping Lauren and Alex plan and coordinate such a flawless wedding event. We enjoyed every minute of their fantastic wedding day, a day simply overflowing with joy, romance and love. Congratulations to Lauren and Alex!