Real Weddings
  • Home
  • Real Weddings
  • An Elegant New Year’s Eve Wedding at the Shore Focused on Faith & Family
»NULL

An Elegant New Year’s Eve Wedding at the Shore Focused on Faith & Family

Posted on December 23, 2024 by Lisa A. Flam

Sarah and Justin tied the knot in an elegant New Year’s Eve wedding on December 31, 2023 at Clarks Landing Yacht Club.

Their Story

Sarah Price and Justin Strickland’s first date wasn’t your typical hour-long dinner. After connecting on Bumble while living in Nashville, the pair ended up spending seven hours together during that initial meetup, talking about everything from playing college sports to her dog, Vandy, and discovering that both highly value family and their Christian faith.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

“We really just clicked,” says Sarah, who hails from Avon-by-the-Sea. “It was just endless conversation, and we connected on a lot of different things.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

After a month of dating, Sarah was nervous about telling Justin that she needed to return to New Jersey temporarily for intensive medical treatment. “He took my hand and said, ‘I’m on your team, and we are in this together,’ ” she recalls. “That was the moment where it clicked for me that I don’t just like this guy, I love him.” She describes Justin as kind, patient, selfless and the ultimate teammate.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

The Proposal

On February 13, 2023, on their back stoop at sunset, Sarah found rose petals on the ground and a “marry me” sign. Justin got down on one knee to propose as a photographer and a drone captured the moment. Afterward, Justin had their families there to celebrate. “It was perfect,” Sarah says.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

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

Details of the Day

The couple tied the knot in an elegant New Year’s Eve wedding on December 31, 2023.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

The bride’s vision of a warm and inviting yet showstopping winter event featured baby’s breath, white spray roses and greenery, with touches of gold.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Their theme of “faith and family” was woven into the ceremony and reception through readings, poems, songs and special touches including a “generations of love” photo display. The wedding party consisted of just family members, and the bride’s beloved Uncle Tooph served as the officiant.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

The couple and their 140 guests danced the night away in the ballroom until just before midnight, when everyone counted down to 2024 as they watched the ball drop and celebrated with hats and noisemakers.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Sarah gives credit to her parents, Kristin and David Price, and the Clarks Landing team of Kristin Chironna and Judy Warburton, for the incredible day. “Everyone made us feel so special,” she says. “I have such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.”

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Bridal Style

Sarah wore a stunning Rivini by Rita Vinieris ballgown with a long-sleeved floral lace top with a high neck (which reminded her of snowflakes). It was the first dress she tried on. “I always wanted to look like a princess,” the bride says. She later changed into a gold party dress by Love by Pnina Tornai, perfect for dancing.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Favorite Moment 

The couple’s favorite worship singers, Michelle Schorp and Jordan McCullough of Zeal Church in Nashville, sang a mashup of several songs during the reception, a surprise from Sarah’s parents. “It was such a breathtaking experience,” Sarah says.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Special Detail

Sarah carried a keepsake made by her grandmother in her pocket the whole night, featuring swatches of wedding gowns worn by the women in their family and the name of a poem read at the wedding of Justin’s grandmother.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Advice For Couples

“As much as you can, enjoy it and savor all the little details,” Sarah says.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Honeymoon

After a trip to Saint Lucia, Sarah, 30, and Justin, 34, are at home in Neptune.

A Clarks Landing Yacht Club wedding.
Heyn Photography

Sign up for our Something New newsletter for weekly wedding ideas, inspiration and advice from expert NJ vendors, New Jersey Bride’s editorial team and real couples—sent right to your inbox!

the details

Reception Location

Clarks Landing Photography

Photographer

Heyn Photography

Officiant

Christopher “Uncle Tooph” Shannon (bride’s uncle)

Bride’s Gown

BRIDE'S GOWN: Rivini by Rita Vinieris // BRIDE’S RECEPTION DRESS: Love by Pnina Tornai

+ more