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Julia and Matthew at Deep Cut Gardens and The Rum Runner

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Julia and Matthew at Deep Cut Gardens and The Rum Runner

Posted on December 10, 2021 by Allison Dupree

How did you meet?
Matthew and I met in college our freshmen year. We both grew up in Middletown, NJ, and went to the same high school, but since we were in different age classes, we never crossed paths till we both attended NJIT. My sister and Matthew were friends in high school and she actually mentioned to Matt that he should date me, but he wasn’t looking for a relationship at the time! We were only friends in college and our friendship turned into a relationship in the summer of 2017 after Matt graduated. We spent all summer together attending beach concerts and going hiking and realized we were right for each other.

How did you get engaged?
The summer we fell in love, Matthew and I spent almost every weekend walking and getting ice cream in Atlantic Highlands, NJ. The night of May 10th, 2019, Matt wanted to take me on a date and propose on the pier where we both told each other we wanted to be more than friends. His plan didn’t work out that well when the weather decided to change and pour rain! I was not in the mood to go out at all and practically forced Matt to just get Wawa and sit in the car by the pier and eat. I was wearing sweats, no make-up and was completely out of it! I started to get annoyed when two hours passed, the rain kept pouring, Wawa subs were eaten and Matt refused to leave Atlantic Highlands. Finally, he decided to ask me to marry him right there and then in the car, by the pier, pouring rain! It was so romantic and perfect! 5 minutes didn’t pass before the rain stopped and the weather cleared up. What are the odds!

Details of the day!
The wedding day started with getting ready at my house with my bridesmaids. The theme of the wedding was a classic bohemian. The bridesmaids wore burnt orange/cinnamon dresses and our flowers were white roses and eucalyptus. The hairstylist and makeup artists got us ready and we headed to the ceremony which took place in a public Monmouth county park known as Deep Cut Gardens. I hired a vendor to come and set up chairs for the ceremony near the rose garden pergola. The photographer met us there where we had our first look and family & wedding party photos taken. Our officiant was perfect. She incorporated our love story in the reading and had everyone laughing, smiling, and crying. It was an emotional and amazing moment.

We then left the gardens and made our way over to The Rum Runner. Cocktail hour was amazing with a variety of passed hors d’oeuvres from clams, to bacon-wrapped scallops, beef sliders, ricotta crostini, and so much more! Once salads were passed, Matt and I had our first dance followed by my father-daughter dance. The rest of the night followed with amazing food, dancing, and Polaroid pictures on the flower wall backdrop my friend and I made for the wedding! Everything was perfect, intimate, and memorable.

Why did you choose your venue?
We chose to have our ceremony at Deep Cut Gardens because it is BEAUTIFUL. The nature of the garden and roses is breathtaking and so romantic. Obtaining the public park permit was so easy and the park rangers were so responsive and helpful. We choose our wedding venue because we wanted to have a small intimate wedding. Our guest count was 55 people. We wanted to have a small wedding with only immediate family and our closest friends due to Covid. The Rum Runner was very accommodating and amazing to work with. They allowed so many modifications to the menu and floor plan and communicated extremely well with us. The whole planning process was seamless.

What was on your menu?
Our wedding menu consisted of the following hors d’oeuvres: Clams, ricotta crostini with pistachio and honey, crab cakes, beef sliders, bacon-wrapped scallops, potato bacon sliders, chicken kabobs. Our dinner menu consisted of: farm-fresh salad with mixed greens, apples, feta, cranberries, and balsamic drizzle. Guests had a choice of chicken Francaise, salmon, or steak. Dessert consisted of the homemade baklava I brought in and Greek sugar cookies, along with mini assortments that the venue provides and our wedding cake. Everything was amazing!!

All about your gown!
My gown was a simple white dress with long sleeves, off the shoulders, and buttons all along the back. It was elegant and simple, which was exactly what I was looking for. When I put it on, it just felt right and I knew that it was the right dress for me.

What was your favorite moment?
My favorite moment was walking down the aisle and realizing that I am about to marry my best friend. Knowing that I was sharing that special moment with my closest family and friends was amazing!

One detail you couldn’t live without?
My grandmother’s ring! Before she passed, it was the last gift she gave my mother, and told her to wait until I got married to pass it down to me. Wearing that ring felt as though she and my grandfather were with me that day, protecting me and making me feel safe throughout the whole event.

Did anything go wrong?
Yes! Since our ceremony was at a park, we brought our own speaker to play the ceremony music. The speaker was not working and we could not get the music to work on any of the cars because the Bluetooth was not working!! We tried for 10 minutes until I said enough I just want to get married!! The guest hummed the traditional wedding song and we walked down the aisle! It was heartfelt and made the ceremony even more special, but I still wish the music worked.

First dance song?
Have I told you lately, Rod Stewart

Any advice for future brides?
Don’t stress and make sure you make a checklist. I had a checklist of everything I needed that day. Having that checklist made me pack my charger, lipstick, speaker, hair ties, marriage license, checkbook, anything I need the day of beforehand. It came in so handy so I didn’t have to stress that I forgot anything!!

Honeymoon Location?
Arizona! We decided to keep it in the United States to be extra careful with Covid. We are flying into Phoenix and staying in Scottsdale, Sedona, Page, and glamping right outside of the Grand Canyon. I can’t wait!

the details

Hometowns

Middletown NJ

Ceremony Location

Deep Cut Gardens

Reception Location

The Rum Runner

Photographer

Dylan Kret

Officiant

Love & light Officiants

Bride’s Gown

David’s Bridal

+ more

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Julia and Matthew at Deep Cut Gardens and The Rum Runner

the details

Hometowns

Ceremony Location

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Videographer

Favors

Rentals

Honeymoon

Brides Jewelry

Brides Accessories