A Classic, Romantic Wedding Focused on Family and Faith

Kristin and Michael tied the knot on June 30, 2023 at the Hamilton Manor.

Their Story

The couple met in college at Monmouth University. “I remember meeting him during his interview for Student Government Association; he spoke about being a twin and how much his family meant to him,” says Kristin. “We became best friends soon after and were inseparable, serving as New Student Orientation partners, co-hosts for university pep rallies, and more.”

After graduating, they even worked together at their alma mater in the Admission Office. “We were best friends for many years before, eventually, Mike asked me on a date, and the rest is history!” says Kristin.

The Proposal

Every summer, Kristin’s family vacationed in Long Beach Island. Mike grew up just a few minutes from Long Beach Island. “Family is so important to both of us,” says Kristin,” and we both have incredible memories with our families in LBI.”

Mike popped the question at sunset on the jetty at the Barnegat Lighthouse in LBI. “Immediately after he proposed, I heard loud cheering,” recalls Kristin. “Mike had rented out the gazebo and orchestrated for all of our family members to be present to share in the celebrations with us.”

Then, they all headed to the couple’s favorite LBI restaurant, Blue Water.

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Choosing the Venue

“As soon as we walked into the elegant, stunning ballroom at the Hamilton Manor, we were blown away,” says Kristin. “We decided to have our cocktail hour in the barn that they have on site, which allowed our guests to enjoy a different atmosphere and the gorgeous outdoor space they have on the premise.”

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“Their staff is truly top notch. We even had them out on the dance floor with us on the night of our wedding! They became part of our family.”

Details of the Day

The couple wanted a traditional, classic and romantic wedding that focused on incorporating their families and faith as much as possible.

“Getting married in the Catholic Church was very important to both of us, and when we walked into St. Mary’s Church in Bordentown, we knew the stained glass windows and long aisle were the perfect backdrop for their wedding ceremony,” says Kristin. “We were married by a priest who happened to serve at both of their childhood churches.”

For their summer wedding, the couple chose florals in white and blush accented by greens. The bridesmaids were dressed in dusty rose, while the groom and his groomsmen were dressed in navy.

The tables had tall candelabra centerpieces and greenery. Instead of menus on each table, they decided to have thank you notes to their guests, ensuring they knew what a special role they play in the couple’s lives.

“We each got ready with our families in our childhood homes. My mom and my sisters (also my MOHs) helped me get dressed, I did a first look with my dad and my brother, and my cousins were my bridesmaids,” says Kristin.

“On my bouquet, I had a pin with photos of my grandfather, grandmother and my cousin, who have all passed on.” For their cake cutting song, they played “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke, one of Mike’s dad’s favorite singers. Unfortunately, Mike’s dad passed away seven months before the wedding.

Their signature drinks were the Silver Squad Sangria (named after their New Student Orientation group in college) and the Barnegat Bourbon in honor of the Barnegat Lighthouse where they got engaged.

Their Menu 

“The food was delicious at the Hamilton Manor!” says Kristin. Their guests enjoyed maple glazed braised short rib of beef, slow roasted chicken breast, and eggplant rollatini stuffed with fresh ricotta cheese in a tomato basil sauce.

Their cake was half funfetti and half oreo. “One of our favorite dessert options was our donut wall!”

The Bride’s Gown

“From an early age, I always envisioned myself in a princess ballgown with a sweetheart neckline on my wedding day,” says Kristin. “When I tried this Essence of Australia gown on, I completely fell in love.”

“It was romantic and classic with the most beautiful floral appliques and sparkling sequin details covering the dress. With the buttons all down the back and the long train, nothing else compared.”

“It was the perfect fairytale wedding look that I was dreaming of, and when my 94-year-old grandmother said ‘Va Va Voom,’ we all knew the searching was over.”

Favorite Moment 

“Mike and I chose not to do a first look, and one of my favorite moments was seeing him for the first time when I walked down the aisle with my dad,” says Kristin.

“We both also loved our reception entrance. We got to come out from the second floor while the rest of our bridal party entered from the first floor. When we walked out and looked down at all of our loved ones cheering for us, we both had chills. Mike describes it as ‘walking into heaven.'”

First Dance Song 

They danced to “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Tim Halperin, which is an acoustic cover of “You Make My Dreams” by Hall and Oates.

“For years, Mike and I loved listening to the original version of this song together, so when we heard the acoustic version, we knew this was our song for our wedding dance,” says the bride. “We transitioned the song into the original Hall & Oates version after our first dance and invited all of our family and friends to join in our first dance with us. It was perfect!”

Advice for Couples

“Enjoy every minute of the planning process AND your wedding day. It is such a special time in your life, and it goes by so quickly!”

Honeymoon 

They started out in London, England, where Mike studied abroad. Then, they headed to Italy where they visited Venice, Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. “It was truly a dream!”

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