Real Weddings
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A Coastal Wedding Featuring an Oyster Shell Seating Chart

Posted on January 14, 2025 by New Jersey Bride

Carlie and Vincent wed on November 10, 2023, at Bonnet Island Estate.

Their Story 

One morning in December, the pair met over the strongest cup of espresso.

“After that morning, we knew there was no chance we were letting each other go,” says Carlie. “We began building our lives together and creating endless memories.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

“With every chance the weather and tide allowed, we found ourselves fishing on the water. At the shoreline we combed through miles of beach sand looking for sea glass or old treasures from the ocean that washed up.

If they weren’t on the water, they were in search of some homemade ice cream.

The Proposal 

Fourth of July started as an early morning fishing trip on Corson’s Inlet and turned into “the most perfect proposal.”

“One of us was determined to catch the most fish, the other had a ring in their pocket waiting for the right plane to fly above us,” says Carlie.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

“When the time came, Vincent pointed out the banner flying over our heads that said ‘Carlie will you marry me?’ and went down on one knee.”

Carlie went fishing for a bass and caught a rock!

Details of the Day 

Their theme was coastal, vintage and romantic. The color palette focused on antique white, black, shades of tan, hints of pink and colors inspired by the ocean.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

They also incorporated antique gold, silver and pearls. The flowers were white calla lillies, cream and pink antique roses and baby’s breath.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

[RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Venues in New Jersey]

Choosing the Venue 

Both growing up at the Shore with wetlands as their backyards, they knew Bonnet Island would be the perfect place to “capture our love for the marsh reeds in addition to the elegance and romance the estate emanates.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

“Our greatest inspiration for our wedding details was Bonnet Island Estate itself,” says Carlie. “After touring the estate, the vintage aesthetic decor with a nautical twist was a dream and we wanted to build on that.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

Favorite Moment 

“Our first kiss as a married couple,” says Carlie. “Inside a warm candlelit boathouse chapel on a blustery, rainy day was the perfect and most intimate setting to marry the love of your life.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

“The kiss that concluded the perfect ceremony was the best moment of the day.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

Detail They Couldn’t Live Without

Beautiful oyster shells were incorporated throughout their wedding day.

The bride and bridesmaid were covered in pearls.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

The seating chart featured hand painted oysters from Maryland accompanied with a tobacco shooter, and antique oyster cans made for a true oyster lover aesthetic.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

Advice For Other Couples 

“It’s never too early to start the planning process,” says Carlie.

“Creating a dream wedding takes organization and dedication. Completing all the important steps early on puts you ahead of the game and provides optimal and necessary time to relax prior to the big day! When it comes to your wedding, be unique, be bold, start a new trend!”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

Honeymoon

The couple chose Charleston, South Carolina as their honeymoon destination.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Susan Elizabeth Photography

“Charleston is truly the most romantic and colorful, loaded with charm,” says Carlie. “We stayed one week at the upscale and elegant Charleston Place Hotel.”

the details

Reception Location

Bonnet Island Estate

Photographer

Susan Elizabeth Photography

Bride’s Gown

Allure Bridals at Kleinfeld

Bridesmaid Dresses

Beverly Hills Heiress, Lulus, Hello Molly, Windsor

+ more