A Jersey Shore Wedding With Romance and Whimsy

Their Story

Alexa and John met at Parker House in Spring Lake in 2018. “I had just graduated college, and was just starting my career as a civil engineer and John was working in New York City, spending his weekends at a Manasquan house that he and his friends rented for the summer,” says Alexa. “Growing up, we both spent every summer down the New Jersey Shore, so meeting each other there was one of those things that just made sense.”

The Proposal

John proposed on the beach in Mantoloking, “where we spent so many beach days and had taken so many twilight walks during the hot summer months,” says Alexa. “The Shore was so meaningful to us—it was where we met, quarantined together during the pandemic, and made all of our favorite memories.” John kept it a total surprise and had their close friends and family waiting nearby to celebrate with them.

The Wedding at Mallard Island Yacht Club 

“I wanted our wedding to be whimsical and romantic. The floral arrangements were asymmetrical and organic in shape with a lot of free-flowing greenery,” says Alexa. “We dressed all of our focal points with pillars and floating candles to add to the romantic feel of the venue.”

The couple chose a color palette of neutrals, whites and light pink—with a pop of burgundy roses to add texture. “The mantle was the area that I really wanted to make spectacular since the chapel was my favorite part of the venue. The mantle was covered in both flowers and candles which created so much warmth,” Alexa says. Another beautiful touch for the chapel? A harp musician. “The ceremony truly felt like a fairytale,” she says.

Why Mallard Island Yacht Club?

“We knew that a wedding at the Jersey Shore was very fitting considering our love story,” says Alexa. “We visited many Shore venues and ultimately fell in love with The Mallard Island Yacht Club. The chapel on the bay was so beautiful and intimate. The French Riviera influence in the design of the venue, especially the cocktail hour space, was unlike anything we had seen. The enormous and elaborate bridal suite is every girl’s dream. After touring the venue, we knew that this was our venue. It was perfect!”

All About the Gown

“My Galia Lahav gown was everything I ever dreamed of in a wedding dress. The 3-D flowers and loose-fitting sleeves made it so perfectly whimsical and romantic. I knew that I did not want an outfit change but I wanted a little bit more drama for my walk down the aisle. I tried on an overskirt with the fitted dress and immediately knew this was the one. Galia Lahav made my custom overskirt to match the 3-D flowers on my dress and every detail of it was perfect. The overskirt made the look so grand, unlike any dress I’d ever seen, and was perfect for a dramatic entrance into the chapel. Once the ceremony was over, I was able to remove the overskirt and dance the night away in my bustled dress.”

Favorite Moment

Immediately following the ceremony, the couple led the recessional and then turned a corner to have a personal moment and take it all in. “We were officially married and the adrenaline rush was unlike anything else,” Alexa says. “We laughed and celebrated and soon after our siblings came over with champagne to celebrate. The nerves were gone and we were ready to party!”

What Couldn’t You Live Without?

“My amazing bridal attendants! The day is so hectic and without them, I definitely would not have been able to be as in the moment as I was. They were there every step of the way to make sure I had the best day of my life.”

Advice for Future Brides

“Work with your photographer and hair/makeup artists to leave enough time in your schedule to get ready. You’ll want to be calm and collected before you walk down the aisle.”

Honeymoon 

The couple honeymooned in Hawaii.