When Shannon first emailed me shortly after her and Jeff were engaged, I was completely flattered. She had seen a previous wedding I had photographed for a family friend and she KNEW that I was the photographer for her – she hadn’t even picked at date or location yet. A few weeks later she emailed me a link for a venue she was looking at. The Mallard Island Yacht Club in New Jersey is a dream destination for any bride. I can’t even begin to describe in words how absolutely amazing this location is. Situated on the Barnegat Bay, the luxurious mansion overlooks the water and it’s wrap around balcony provides magnificent sunset views. The elaborate interior and crystal chandeliers make it the perfect location for a elegant ballroom wedding, complete with 3 sets of glass french doors that open up to a terraced, black and white dance floor. And the bridal suite? There are no words to describe the bridal suite that takes up the entire 3rd floor of the mansion and has 20+ foot ceilings. It is crazy, beyond words, beautiful.
Shannon and Jeff selected this location because they really wanted to create a unique experience for all of their guests. Attention was paid to every single detail. I especially loved their guest favors – Candy Carmel Apples! What a great idea for a fall wedding! They selected a peacock theme and wove the feathers and colors into every element of the day, even right down to their wedding cake. The wedding cake in and of itself was completely unique. Designed and created by Buddy Valastro, better known as TLC’s Cake Boss, Shannon and Jeff and their wedding cake will be featured on the show in January.
Shannon looked stunning in her Maggie Sottero dress – I swear she looks like she is straight out of European Vogue in some of the photos. She was just radiant and Jeff was totally in awe. I can’t express how wonderful it was to be a part of this amazing wedding because I know how much thought and planning was put into everything and to see it all come together was truly awesome. Every guest at the wedding kept looking at each other like “this is insane!!!”
Take a look for yourself and don’t miss the slideshow at the very bottom of the post. It is probably one of my favorites that I’ve put together in awhile.
Enjoy!
Jeff and Shannon’s wedding bands were designed by Gold Tinker, a European boutique jewelry store in New Jersey.
This is the crazy, insane bridal suite…Ah-mazing.
LOVE the flower girl’s shoes.
She is GORGEOUS!
And Jeff is quite handsome if I do say so myself.
This is the boat house where the ceremony took place.
One of my favorites from the day.
Cutest flower girl ever!
Married!
Delicious, natural light.
The Girls.
The Guys.
The Bride and Groom…
…in love…
…and having fun…
…and enjoying this gorgeous sunset. WOW.
Shannon and I put together a custom guest signature book from their engagement session. I adore these books because realistically, think about it. In 10 years, do you want to pull out a book with names? OR do you want to pull out a beautiful book with well wishes and gorgeous engagement photos?
Those yummy candy apples I was talking about.
This next one was captured by my associate for the day, Bruce Caucutt Photography. If the name sounds familiar, it is because we have the same last name – Bruce is my dad and he came all the way from Wisconsin to photograph with me. I’m a better photographer today because of him and I can’t thank him enough for shooting with me for this wedding.
Here’s the cake that will be featured in January on TLC.
Gotta love cigars at weddings. Always makes for great photos.
At the end of the night, we had to go up to the Bridal Suite and have some fun on the bed!
AHHH! Perfect end!
Thank you Shannon and Jeff for having Bruce and me come to New Jersey to celebrate with you! Your wedding was breathtaking!!!
Vendors
Taste Catering (The Boathouse Restaurant)
♥ Jeff & Shannon, it was a joy co-shooting your wedding with Michelle. The venue was AMAZING !! Michelle and I talked about it late into the night and the next day driving back to Alexandria.
I always have fun when shooting with Michelle, but when the Bride and Groom are “in the zone” as much as the 2 of you two were – it is an added bonus! The 2 of you really had the chemistry going and it showed. I can’t thank the you, the venue, and, of course, Michelle enough for allowing me to be a part of your special day.
The care and commitment to all of the superb details was evident to me throughout the entire day and evening.
Michelle, you continue to amaze me as I watch you “connect” with your couples such as Jeff and Shannon. The care, quality, and love of your art truly shows through with each and every wedding you shoot. Thanks for letting me be a part of this one. ♡
Michelle, The pictures are unbelievable! Everytime we look at them we are in awe of the results of your hard work! Thank you so much, we will cherish these moments forever!
Michelle – you’re wedding photos are so gorgeous!!
Karen, Thank you! How are you doing??? Are you still in Boston?
The pictures are magnificent!
It was a day that will always be remembered through your
beautiful photos.
Thank you Michelle for a fabulous job of capturing Shannon and Jeff’s special day!
THE PHOTOS ARE BEAUTIFUL1!!!!
Great images. Beautiful. Look like a great couple. Love the ring shoot.
Perfect! Wow…
I feel like your pictures just keep getting better and better. You always seem to take my breath away!