Their Story

Kristine and DJ DeBenedict, who wed at the Brant Beach Yacht Club on September 9, 2023, originally met in high school. They remained acquaintances through the years, “bumping into each other around town and exchanging quick hellos and brief catch-up conversations,” Kristine says.

“Fast forward to 2021 I had just returned home from living in Australia for two years and we reconnected,” Kristine says. The pair hit it off and went on their first date at Yankee Doodle Tap Room in Princeton—which turned into a 10-hour full day together.

The Proposal

DJ proposed on September 17, 2022 after the had lunch at Yankee Doddle Tap Room, the site of their first date, in a nearby park.

“Princeton will always hold such happy memories for the two of us,” she says.

Details of the Day

DJ and Kristine love two things most in life: their dog Luna and the beach, especially Long Beach Island, where they spend a lot of time (both of DJ’s parents live their full-time, and he grew up going there). They incorporated both into their big day, and say they “couldn’t have picked a more perfect setting” for their wedding than Brant Beach Yacht Club surrounded by their friends and family.”

The couple used boho beachy colors (lots of tans and pinks) throughout the day, including the Azazie bridesmaid dresses and the groom’s suit. Flowers were blush and white and included majolica spray roses, ranuculus, white lisianthus and champagne roses.

All of the beautiful signage was personalized and created by Krstine’s maid of honor.

Choosing the Venue

“I have always dreamt of a beach wedding,” says Kristine. “When my husband and I walked into Brant Beach Yacht Club after touring a few other venues, we instantly looked at each other and said, ‘this is it.'”

 Favorite Moment

Kristine says her favorite moment was the ceremony.

“Having my bare feet in the sand, the bay within steps of us, and seagulls’ distant sounds in the background made everything feel so perfect and coastal. We said our own vows, too, which was extra special and important to me.”

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

The couple incorporated many personalized details to include their pooch Luna.

The couple had her on their cake as a personalized figurine, on the cocktail napkins and in photos with them that were placed on the mantle. “She is the love of our life and if she wasn’t still at that puppy stage we would’ve had her there as a larger part of the day, but I was afraid she would jump on me and rip my dress!” Kristine says.

But Luna did end up spending time with DJ on their big day. The week before the wedding she came down with kennel cough and had to be rushed to the emergency veterinarian. “We were supposed to have her away at puppy camp all weekend for our wedding, but since she was just getting over being sick she was actually with my husband all morning and early afternoon the day of while he and the guys got ready at my mother-in-law’s house,” Kristine says.

“So, in the end, Luna was there on our day and got some time with her Dad before we said I do.”

Advice for Other Couples

“Do what makes you happy! Don’t worry about ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ or what everyone else has done. Make your wedding day special and unique to what speaks to you as a couple,” says Kristine.

Honeymoon

The couple spent two weeks in Hawaii, hiking, surfing, snorkeling, having sunset dinners and more.