They Met in Middle School so a Yearbook Guestbook Was The Perfect Touch at Their Palace at Somerset Park Wedding

When Desiree and James chose The Palace at Somerset Park for their March 21, 2026 wedding, they were looking for somewhere that felt timeless and the elegant venue delivered from the moment they walked through the doors. Beautifully photographed by Kelly Sea Images, their spring celebration was soft, romantic and deeply personal throughout: a palette of lilac, gold and ivory carried across delicate florals by Laila’s Bloom, lilac Azazie bridesmaid gowns, and Desiree in the Luna gown by Kitty Chen. But a favorite detail was the guestbook a yearbook, chosen as a nod to the middle school friendship that started it all, and the most fitting way to mark just how far they’d come since 8th grade.

Their Story

James and Desiree met in middle school. “Our story really began in 8th grade when we started sharing classes and became close almost instantly,” says Desiree. “We talked all the time, FaceTimed every day and built a friendship that became the foundation for everything that followed.”

The Proposal

“James proposed at Cattus Island in Toms River, surprising me with a breathtaking path of 200 roses leading to the bay,” says Desiree. “As we reached the end, he got down on one knee and asked me to spend forever with him. Every detail reflected the thought, love, and care he put into creating a moment I’ll never forget.”

Choosing the Venue

“We chose our wedding venue because the moment we walked in, it felt like the perfect place to begin our next chapter,” says Desiree. “We loved the atmosphere, elegance and warmth of the space, and the incredible staff made us feel welcomed from the start. We could instantly picture our family and friends celebrating with us in a place that felt timeless.”

Details of the Day

“Our wedding day was inspired by a timeless, romantic style with a soft color palette of lilac, gold and ivory,” says Desiree. “We incorporated elegant details, delicate florals, and meaningful touches throughout the day. Our guestbook was a yearbook, symbolizing our journey from middle school best friends to husband and wife.”

Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment was seeing everything finally come together after a year and a half of planning,” says Desiree. “Watching all the details I had dreamed about become a reality, while surrounded by the people we love most, was incredibly special. It was the moment I could truly take it all in and appreciate the love and effort that went into creating our perfect day.”

Wedding Day Attire

“I wore the Luna gown by Kitty Chen, which was the perfect combination of timeless and romantic,” says Desiree. “James wore a custom suit he designed through Indochino, making his look truly personal. My bridesmaids wore beautiful lilac dresses from Azaie, and our groomsmen wore classic gray suits from Dante Zeller.”

Advice For Other Couples

“My biggest advice for other couples is not to overthink every little detail. I spent so much time stressing about making everything perfect, when the day finally arrived, I realized the small things didn’t matter,” says Desiree. “Your guests will remember the love, happiness, and moments shared most. Trust your planning, enjoy the process, and soak in every moment.”