Despite the obstacles and stresses, Austin and Loressa’s day came together beautifully. The Mallard Island Yacht Club in Manahawkin, NJ was an incredible waterfront venue with so many great views and places to capture their love for each other. It also happened to be the first venue Loressa visited and fit her vision of a “New England Classy” wedding perfectly.
The ceremony was special from the start as Loressa’s Dad walked her down the aisle, after having been paralyzed from the neck down just four years ago. Despite being told he would never walk again, he beat all the odds and was able to not only walk Loressa down the aisle but also dance with her at the reception. Talk about an emotional moment!
From the huge smile on Austin’s face when Loressa walked down the aisle, to their personalized vows, to the lively reception that followed, Loressa and Austin’s day was so special. Personalized touches like a champagne wall built by the mother-of-the-bride and a live painter at the reception painting a portrait of Loressa and Austin’s first dance made their day all the more unique and memorable.
The inspiration behind my day really went into mirroring the classiness of the venue. When looking for a venue, I had a completely open mind and the only criteria that it needed to meet was that it needed to be by the water. Mallard Island Yacht Club was the first venue that I toured and I fell in love with it instantly.
When planning this wedding, it felt like I was picking random pieces and details that I knew I liked but wasn’t certain if they all would mesh together. Luckily, on the wedding day, it all seemed to correlate with each other and flow nicely and didn’t look piecemealed.
I also had my family friend and youth pastor marry us. He has been a great role model both in life and with my relationship with Jesus since I was 11 years old so having him marry me and my husband was really special.
From the bride: Luckily the beauty of Mallard Island Yacht Club is the venue itself and the details that it already comes with so I didn’t have to do much to decorate my space. I did have flowers from my florist put up on the mantel at the ceremony and my mom bought fake ivy to put on the doors of the ceremony for something extra.
Additionally, we did add some personal touches to the venue in our framed pictures at the reception and our champagne wall. The champagne wall was a labor of love that my mother and uncle made from scratch.
My husband and I are not very much into cake and decided to not put so much attention on our wedding cake but rather have more dessert options. So instead of cake, we opted for a chocolate fountain, donut wall, and ice cream sundae bar.
Associated Vendors
Cinema and Video: William Avery Photography
DJ: Elite Digital Images
Transportation: Shooboo Shuttle
Floral Designer: Michelle’s Flower Bar
Caterer: Merri-Makers Catering
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Friar Tux
Veils and headpieces: Dareth Colburn Designs
Shoes: Kailee P
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Dress Store: Blush Bridal Couture
Beauty: Taffeta Hair & Makeup Design
Beauty: Razberri’s Salon & Spa
Ring Designer: Hani Jewelry
Invitation Designer: Minted
Reception Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club
Ceremony Location: Mallard Island Yacht Club
Photographer: William Avery Photography