Abigayle and Michael’s love story is not your typical one. They met at a bar, then spent four years apart—connected by letters and longing while Michael served in the Navy as a combat medic—before finally closing the gap for good. For their December 27, 2025 wedding, they chose The Oyster Point Hotel in Red Bank, New Jersey, drawn to its sweeping 360-degree water views and newly renovated ballroom. The day was elegant and deeply personal: a black, white, and gold palette, white roses and eucalyptus, groomsmen in their navy dress blues, and a private vow exchange before the ceremony that gave the couple a quiet moment together before the celebration began. In lieu of favors, the couple made a donation to the Wounded Warriors Foundation—a fitting tribute to the journey that brought them here. Arlene Romero Photography captured their big day.
Their Story
“We met at Red Rock while Michael was a bartender. He left for the Navy shortly after to be a combat medic in 2022,” says Abigayle. “We stayed in contact through letters and decided to give long distance a try after the longing for each other got unbearable. We stayed together for four years and traveling through many states. We got married in 2025 and closed the gap.”
The Proposal
Michael proposed on December 22, 2024 at a beautiful gazebo on the water down the Shore near Bay Head. “Family and close friends joined them after the proposal for celebration at Charlies in Bay Head,” says Abigayle.
Choosing the Venue
“We chose The Oyster Point Hotel because of the magnificent 360 views of the water from the ballroom to the suites/rooms,” says Abigayle.
“All of it is newly renovated for events and guests. We were one of the first weddings hosted in the new ballroom. The food also never disappoints! The staff is friendly, inviting, and most of all helpful especially on the big day.
Details of the Day
Their color scheme was black and white with hints of gold decor. Their flowers were white roses and eucalyptus. In lieu of favors, a donation was made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.
Arlene Romero Photography
Favorite Moment
“Our favorite moment had to be early in the morning doing our private vows together. Before meeting at the altar it gave us a private moment to express our love before saying ‘I do.'”
Wedding Day Attire
“All guest were requested to wear black or navy. The bridesmaids were all in black dresses of their choosing. The groomsmen were in their navy dress blues.”
Advice For Other Couples
“Ask for help! Planning can be very stressful especially when you are in the beginning phase. Asking for thoughts and opinions is super helpful especially from people who have done it before.”
“We could not have planned our big day without the help of the my mother Connie who deserves all the recognition for her contribution to every detail,” says Abigayle.
Honeymoon
“We spent a week in Rhode Island on a small private Island. We visited the mansions in the heart of Newport, walked around the town, and went to a wonderful dinner at a place called Thames Street Kitchen, a delicious steakhouse. We took this time to relax and decompress.”
The Oyster Point Hotel. Reimagined. Refined. Tucked along the banks of the picturesque Navesink River in Red Bank, New Jersey, The Oyster Point Hotel offers more than just a ...
