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It was a message on her birthday that brought Jessica and Doug together. Doug's friend in college, Lauren, is Jessica's best friend and she posted a birthday message for Jessica on her birthday. Doug saw it and thinking he might have recognized Jessica, messaged Lauren about her. Soon afterwards, Lauren introduced the two and they hit it off!
Those early dates were truly magical. It was during the height of the pandemic, so the two went for many walks in different parks, had lots of outdoor dining experiences and many long conversations. And when Doug planned his first picnic with Jessica and brought along fun, 'get to know you' questions he found online, they both discovered just how perfect they were for each other.
And speaking of perfect, the two couldn't have had a more wonderful wedding day! Jessica and Doug's full wedding event took place at the luxurious Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin, New Jersey. This gorgeous waterfront venue overlooks the serene Barnegat Bay and features the perfect mix of nautical theming and glamour.
Jessica got ready in the elegant Penthouse suite, an entire floor with the same breathtaking views as the rest of the resort. After her hair and makeup were complete, she dressed into her beautiful wedding gown, an exquisite dress covered in lace with a deep-V neckline and a slim fit and flare silhouette. And look at the lace illusion back and side cutouts! Absolutely stunning!
Jessica's bridal party dressed into their lovely gowns in various shades of peach and blush, while Doug prepared with his groomsmen in the separate rustic Groom's Shack onsite. They all wore beachy light gray suits, Doug with an ivory necktie and boutonniere to distinguish himself from his groomsmen.
Jessica and Doug met up for their first look as soon as they were all dressed and ready. It was such a romantic moment, as they kissed and embraced there in the location where they would soon hold their ceremony. Photos took place afterwards onsite by our friend and an absolutely awesome photographer, Jeff Tisman and team. A few of both the fun and the very dramatic, formal photos from the day are up on his instagram!
Then it was time for the wedding ceremony to begin. The couple's lovely covered, outdoor ceremony was officiated by Doug's good friend, John, who also served as a groomsman on this special day. Friends and family read beautiful writings and poems, then Jessica and Doug exchanged rings, recited their completely personalized vows and were officially married!
Jessica and Doug's reception then took place in the grand two-story ballroom at Mallard Island Yacht Club. Newtown Floral Company provided the beautiful fresh flower arrangements in peach, blush and white, with those perfect feathery accents, which lined the guest tables and overflowed on Jessica and Doug's sweetheart table. The space simply beamed with natural light when the evening's celebration began.
Jessica and Doug entered the ballroom and danced their first sweet dance of the evening. The blessing and toasts followed, then we were treated to those lovely parent dances before the floor was opened to everyone after dinner. DJ Joe Bertolini, another of Doug's good friends since college, rocked the house and kept everyone on their feet all night!
This truly was such a fantastic, mid-September bayside wedding day and we were so delighted to be back at the shore and to be working with such a sweet couple. Congratulations and best wishes to Jessica and Doug!
Photographer: Jeff Tisman Photography - New Paltz, NY
Floral Design: Newtown Floral Company - Newtown, PA
Hair Stylist: Shelby Carr Hair - Belmar, NJ
Makeup Artist: Hannah Scaturo Beauty - Cranford, NJ
Entertainment: DJ Joe Bertolini
Cake: The Bake Works - Northfield, NJ
Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club - Manahawkin, NJ