Jersey Shore Wedding | Bonnet Island Estate

It was one of those September days that felt more like June. The sun was shining and it was warm enough that when I woke up early that day, I opened the balcony door of my hotel room, so that I could let the warm breeze come in and watch the waves crashing onto the beach.

One of the weird things about me, is that I instantly can tell how a wedding day is going to go, as soon as I wake up- before I even get out of bed. Seriously. So I woke up that morning, and my second shooter wasn't feeling the best, but I knew it was going to be a good day. We went out for breakfast, went for a walk on the beach, put some music on and got ready for the day.

Most of my brides get really close to me during the planning process, and come to me for every little detail. Which I love. I love the planning and styling aspect of my business. But Jamie wasn't that bride. She came to me if she needed me, and it was usually quick.

I had met Jamie and John only once before- when Jamie was a bridesmaid in another one of my weddings. I already loved her from our previous phone and email conversations, but at this wedding, Earth Wind and Fire's September came on, and Jamie spotted me from halfway across the dance floor and she ran to me and she said "Listen! This song! The 21st night of September!!! OUR WEDDING DAY!!!" And she had the biggest smile on her face. And she went back to dancing with her soon to be groom. And I just stood there and watched. She was absolutely elated. And I realized, that she didn't care about the details of her wedding the way most of my brides do. She just wanted it to be here so she could marry John.

So back to wedding day. We arrived a few minutes early and went inside to greet everyone. And there she was, like it was just another day. She was just blissfully content.

And John. The first thing he said to me was "Have you seen Jamie? How is she?"

Ugh. I love love.

Anyway. Let's get to the pictures.

So this venue, Bonnet Island Estate in Mannahawkin, NJ is incredible. The bridal suite is actual wedding goals. And so is the ceremony space.

Take a look!