Casey and Danny at Spring Lake Bath and Tennis

Posted on October 21, 2022 by New Jersey Bride

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How did you meet?
Daniel (Danny) and I are high school sweethearts. We met our sophomore year of high school (at Mountain Lakes High School) when he sat behind me in history class, and junior year went to a party where we clicked immediately. We dated for the rest of high school and overtime we became best friends and were so comfortable with each other. We went to our senior prom together and shortly after went to different colleges – The College of New Jersey for me, and Fordham for him. Not too far, but far enough to give each other distance, make new friends, and still visit each other. We knew we wanted to move to New York City after college and did just that – living in a few apartments over the years until we landed back in New Jersey in Hoboken. Having had all of these years with Danny feels like a dream.

How did you get engaged?
Both of our families raised us in Mountain Lakes and Boonton Township, so that was always home. During the pandemic, my parents sold my childhood home in Boonton Township and made the move to Bethany Beach, Delaware. Danny knew I was a little stressed to have my parents living further but that we were excited about a new place to call home. On April 1st, we drove down to check out my parent’s newly built home, and my parents gave us a tour of the home upon entering. They opened the last door to show us and it was decorated with flowers, wedding bells, and more – and Danny proposed to me in front of my family. It was a special way to start making memories in the new home!

Details of the day!
The overall theme of our day, which sounds obvious, was a true focus on bringing our families and friends together. I love shades of blues and peaches, so I incorporated that into the overall scheme. My bridal bouquet was peachy with Eucalyptus coming from the sides. We both had very large bridal parties because we have a lot of friends from high school and college, so we went ALL in on the party! With 12 bridesmaids, they wore a light ‘mist’ dress, the style of their choosing. I had 2 MOHs – my best friend, and Danny’s sister. My bridesmaids had small, simplistic white/green mini bouquets, the MOHs had a bit larger with some peachy flowers integrated into them, and I had my big bridal bouquet which turned out so beautiful with hints of peach, blush, and greenery. My dress was a classic, simplistic, ballgown. My accessories glammed up the look. I also wore my Mom’s diamond necklace, which was her Mother’s diamond. That was my ‘something borrowed. My something blue was a beautiful Pandora diamond bracelet with a blue gem in the middle, gifted to me by my Dad. Something old – my vintage Jimmy Choos, which I was in love with. They were decked out in diamonds and very strappy to add some sass to the otherwise classic look. Danny also had a large party, where they all wore midnight blue tuxes with black lapels for a classic look. They all had boutonnieres that were simple and white.

Why did you choose your venue?
We looked at a few venues in New Jersey and didn’t have the “this is it” moment until we saw the B&T. The Spring Lake Bath and Tennis is a humble venue – from the outside, it is a simplistic, beachy club that you may not assume weddings are held at all the time. When you come in, there is a gorgeous ballroom to the right that is simple, not overdone. Then outside – the pool sets a beautiful scene, and the upper deck where ceremonies are held overlooks the ocean. It is a combination of classic and beachy – which is what we loved. I also fell in love with the idea of having dancing and cocktail hour outside under a decorated tent. The B&T has a large space for a Sperry tent so that you know you are covered rain or shine. Everyone that worked there was friendly and welcoming – never pushing us to go outside of our comfort zone – and really helping us to envision a perfect day. Our favorite thing about the venue is how it flows – from ceremony space, to cocktail hour, in the ballroom for dinner, and to the tent for dancing – everything is connected so that guests are always together and there aren’t rooms where clusters would form.

What was on your menu?
We chose a surf and turf meal – the food was simply amazing. We started with a specialty salad wrapped in a cucumber ribbon and a light vinaigrette, then a second-course penne a la vodka, and finally the surf and turf meal with steak, jumbo lump crab topped with a sear diver scallop, and a twice-baked potato. Everything was cooked perfectly and guests raved about the food. Our cake was a white cake with mocha cream inside, with a buttercream frosting. We included a cake topped with a mini Australian shepherd that looked like he was eating our cake – modeled after our little dog Wally who is quite the menace. We also had signature drinks – the Wallymelon Sugar High (named after our dog, watermelon margarita!) and a Married Mule (Moscow mule).

All about your gown!
My Justin Alexander dress was a classic, simplistic, ballgown. I would describe the bottom of the dress as flower petals – the way the dress flowed was very unique. It was a low-cut v on the top, tight around the waist – no lace or glitz – just a classic white gown. My veil, from BHLDN, had pearls from top to bottom to compliment my earrings which and a combination of a pearl base and diamonds coming down from the pearl.

What was your favorite moment?
My absolute favorite moment of my wedding was my first dance with Danny. Our big bridal parties were gathered around us forming a half circle, with guests on the other side, under a dreamy twinkle-lit tent under our greenery chandelier. The moment was so beautiful and we did a few signature spins and dips throughout the song (Harvest Moon, Neil Young). Another moment I loved – we snuck away for 15 minutes during dinner to take sunset photos on the beach. Totally worth it and the pictures came out amazing, plus we got some time to ourselves.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
The decorated tent! Our tent was such a staple – it provided such a lovely space for all guests to dance the night away, and as the sun set and it got dark, the twinkling lighting created such an atmosphere.

Did anything go wrong?
The only thing that went wrong – and I wouldn’t call it going wrong…I wasn’t planning on a dress change until the after-party at the bar. But, I ate a lot of food between cocktail hour and dinner and finally needed to break out of the wedding dress and heels and throw on my after-party dress and pearl studded embroidered converse right before the last set that the band did. I was able to dance the rest of the night away comfortably!

First dance song?
Harvest Moon – Neil Young

Any advice for future brides?
Do what you want, it’s your day! There are so many opinions about weddings. I went with my gut and it was the day of my dreams, I wouldn’t change a thing. Also, remember to take it in – let yourself be emotional.

Honeymoon Location?
We are going to Kauai. We went on a mini-moon in Sag Harbor directly after the wedding.