destination long beach island weddings

Destination Long Beach Island Weddings 1

I Do - I DoThe Duchenne MomentCut the CakeBrides Want To KnowBarefoot Brides

Destination

WeddingsLong Beach Island

2 www.Mer-MadePhotography.com

Meredith M yers Winner, founder, owner and opera-tor of Mer-Made Photography began developing her passion for photography and art at a young age. Growing up inspired by Long Beach Island and Haddonfield’s artist communities she continues to draw her inspiration from majestic beaches, sun kissed marshes, moonlit sails, walking the barrier island in the sun and snow collecting images from the sea. In the mid eighties she began work-

ing for the Philadelphia Inquirer as a photojour-nalist and also worked as an Artist’s model for renowned Artist Hal Singer. She gained techni-cal expertise from attend-ing Burlington County College where she studied black and white photogra-phy. After home schooling and raising two beautiful children Meredith at-tended “The Photography

Institute” to further her technical expertise. Meredith’s Photography reflects a painters like quality and this creative talent is apparent when shooting wed-dings, events and portraits. Meredith is now impacting the wedding industry with her ability to capture your wedding with beautiful and creative images. The Mer-Made logo and Mer-MadePhotography has been revived to be part of the conceptual connection between vintage fantasy, storybook brides and the distinct beauty of the modern day bride. Keeping close at heart the beauty that surrounds us, and inspired by natural light and scenery, Meredith strives to deliver creative images that reflect your unique personal-ity and style. It is Meredith’s background that enables her vision. She incorporates a photo journalistic approach, unobtru-sively shooting your event candidly, spontaneously and joyously, capturing your wonderful moments as they present themselves. Consulting with her clients and taking the time to listen to their needs prior to the special day is important. Her ability to capture the “Duchenne” moment has brides seeking her services. Meredith invites you to visit her web site at

Mer-MadePhotography.com. and she wel-comes you to stop by her Brant Beach Location Mer-MadePhotography and Trousseau. M M

Meet the Photographer

Mer-Made “Unfolding”


Say cheese! Forcing a smile for a photograph by saying “cheese” may not give you what you are looking for!

Smiles are understood in every culture, race and religion. Smiles are internationally known. Smiling increases at-tractiveness and makes you feel better. An authentic smile, also called a Duchenne smile is a true smile using two sets of muscles. The zygomatic major muscle raises the corners of the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscle which raises the checks. Contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle also encourages crows feet. Studies show that this is uniquely associated with positive emotions. Smiling effects how we speak. A listener can “hear” a smile without seeing the speaker’s face. Researchers have identified over 50 different smiles ranging from euphoric to bitterness. Fake smiles only involve the raising of the mouth muscles. It’s a forced smile that hides true emotions. A grimace is an involuntary expression of anxiety, ner-

vousness and even embarrassment. Duchenne wrote: “The emotion of frank joy is expressed on the face by the combined contraction of the zygomaticus major muscle

and the orbieularis oeuli. The first obeys the will but the second is only put in play by the sweet emotions of the soul; fake joy, the deceitful laugh, cannot provoke the contraction of this latter muscle. The muscle around the eye does not obey the will; it is only brought into play by a true feeling, by an agreeable emotion. Its inertia, in smiling, unmasks a false friend.

Mer-MadePhotography recognizes this study and incorporates the Duchenne “moment”capturing emotion as it presents itself. This truth of expression is valuable in cre-ating beautiful, memorable and inspiring images. Whether photographing your wedding day or a special portrait session Mer-MadePhotography strives to capture “Your Duchenne moment.”

The Duchenne Moment

4300 A • First Floor • Long Beach Blvd • Brant Beach, NJ [email protected] www.Mer-MadePhotography.com

Mer-Made PhotographyYour Wedding Your Way Mer-Made

Unique as a Pearl

Photography

856-265-5838

Meredith M Winner


Getting Ready

www.LavishLBI.com

Barefoot Bride 7

I Do - I Do 12

Let’s Get Married 14

Brides Want To Know 16

Cut The Cake 32

Meet The Photographer 2

The Duchenne Moment 3

His Favorites 43


18 South Bay Ave • Beach Haven609-492-8885

www.LilyInTheValleyFlorist.com

Lily in the Valley Florist


Wicker CottageBridal Gifts

675 Mill Creek Rd• Manahawkin, NJ 08050

609-978-8233Painted

andWicker

Furniture

GiftsAccessories

JewelryHandbags

Upholstery

Custom SignsWeddingDécor

Art & Decor At Surf City1715 Long Beach Blvd

Surf City, NJ(609) 494-5038

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-Decor-at-Surf-City

Art & D cor at Surf Cityé

1715 Long Beach Blvd(between 17th & 18th Streets)

Surf City, New Jersey 08008

609-494-5038

Enjoy browsing through ourunique collection of hand crafted

gifts and artwork.

Custom pieces a specialty.

Fine ArtGiftware & Accessories

Dimensional Wall Art (Interior & Exterior)MosaicsPotteryJewelry

Hand Painted ClothingPhotographyStained Glass

Painted GlasswareAntique Furniture

Shabby Chic FurnitureRustic Furniture

Hand Painted FurnitureArea Rugs

Lampsand More!

Artwork by Lisa Ball


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Barefoot BrideKick off your shoes and sink into the sandWe are getting married on the beachBreathe in - breathe out, smell the ocean Watch my veil fly in the windListen to the rhythm of the sea

What a wonderful place to start our new livesOur memories will forever be linked to the beachLong Beach Island is in our hearts and now it is our special wedding place!


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Barnegat Light Lighthouse

Yes, you are allowed to get married at Barnegat Lighthouse.

But you are not allowed to get married inside the lighthouse. You are allowed to get married

anywhere else in the park including outside the base of the lighthouse,

the picnic area or the beach.

The Barnegat Lighthouse area is a beautiful location

for a memorable wedding.

The Barnegat Lighthouse State Park is open year round.

For more information, please call Barnegat Lighthouse State Park at

609-494-2016.

Photography by Meredith Winner www.Mer-MadePotography.com


Follow Me ToBeach Haven...

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and enjoy our beautiful beaches, our multitude of restaurants, romantic Bed & Breakfasts, Broadway shows at Surflight Theatre, two wonderful museums, and cruise the bay while watching a spectacular sunset.


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I do How did this happen?When, why, where?

She takes my breath away.

So beautiful and delicateYet strong enough to knock me off my feet.

My heart races as I try to focusbut when I look in her direction

everything’s a blur.

What does she see in me?Will I make her happy?

I want to be a better man, for her.

She is mine for the rest of my life.I’ve never felt this happy.

I’ve never known love before.

And when we are older and wiser,we’ll raise our children

and teach them to be happy.

Our kids will grow and it will betheir turn to fall in love

and blissfully marry.

We will watch our grandchildrengrow and remember this

wonderful day.

The day we started our lives.M M


I doI’ve dreamt of this day all of my life.I can’t believe I’m getting married.I truly love him.

In his eyes I see our future.The father of our children,the protector and provider.

I feel so safe when I am with him.My heart beats a little fasterwhen he walks into the room.

I’m so happy that he found me.How did he know thatwe’d be perfect together?

He reminds me of my father.Strong and dependable.And he loves me.

He will make a kind, warm daddy.I think we should have threebeautiful babies.

I’ll save my wedding dressso my daughter can wearit someday.

When my children havechildren, I’ll think backto this wonderful day.

The day we started our lives. M M


Officiant Deborah C. Whitcraf t Let’s Get Married

Mayor Emeritus, Wedding & Civil Union OfficiantMember of the National Association of Wedding

Officiants, Notary Public of the State of New Jersey

Universal Life Church The Universal Life Church has two tenets: the absolute right of freedom of religion and to do that which is right. Anything else within the law is allowed. The Universal Life Church is interfaith and non-denominational. “Do only that which is right”. Every person has the natural right (and the responsibil-ity) to peacefully determine what is right. We are advocates of religious freedom. The Universal Life Church wants you to pursue your spiritual beliefs without interference from any outside agency, including government or church authority.

Requirements for entering into a Marriage: For two persons to establish a Marriage in the state of

New Jersey, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria: Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partner-ship or marriage in this state or recognized by this state; Be of the opposite sex and be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a marriage with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.

Where to apply: The marriage license application is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, submit the application in the municipality where the marriage cer-emony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

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Sample

I, __________ take you, ___________To be my life partner and husband/wife.I pledge to share my life openly with you,And to speak the truth to you in love.I promise to honor and care for you,To cherish and encourageYour own fulfillment as an individualFor the rest of my life.This commitment is made in love,Kept in faith,Lived in hope,And renewed every day of our lives.

I, ________ take you, _____________To be no other than yourself,Loving what I know of you,Trusting what I do not yet know.With respect for your integrity,And faith in your love for me,Through all our years,And in all that life may bring us,Through the best and the worst,I will love you faithfully.

Search For Your Local Registrar• What you should bring with you

when you apply for a marriage license:

• If you are divorced or have had a marriage annulled, please bring the divorce decree or the civil annulment documents.

• If your former spouse is deceased, please bring the death certificate,

• A copy of your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport or state I.D.

• Proof of your residency.• Your social security card or social

security number.*• A witness (18 years or older) who

knows both the male and female ap-plicants.

• The $28 application fee.

*Your social security number is required by law and will be kept confidential. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

After you apply: There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date ac-cepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year. Only one marriage license may be granted from a marriage application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and an-other $28 fee remitted. The only exception to this require-ment is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the marriage application, marking one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding mar-riage licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony. M

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Vows


Where should you apply for a marriage or civil union license? If the bride is a resident of New Jersey, the marriage license must be obtained from the Registrar of Vital Statistics in the municipality where she lives. If she is a non-resident of New Jersey and the groom is a resident of New Jersey, the license must be obtained from the Registrar in the municipality in which the groom resides. (For marriage license purposes, soldiers are residents of the posts at which they are stationed.) A license issued under ei-ther of the preceding circumstances is good for use anywhere in New Jersey. If both bride and groom are nonresidents of New Jersey, the license must be obtained from the Registrar of the mu-nicipality where the marriage is to be performed and is only good for use in that municipality. A license may never be used outside of New Jersey and a license issued in another state may never be used in New Jersey. Be sure to contact the Registrar well in advance of the wedding to find out on what days and during what hours the Registrar will be in the office. The license fee is $28.00.

Who can perform a marriage or civil union ceremony? According to state law, judges of a Federal District Court, United States magistrates, judges of a Municipal Court, judg-es of the Superior Court, judges of a Tax Court, retired judges of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court who has resigned in good standing, and any mayor/deputy mayor or chairman of any township com-mittee, village president of New Jersey, County Clerks, and every minister of every religion may solemnize a marriage. When should you apply for a marriage or civil union license? A local Registrar will not issue a marriage license sooner than 72 hours after the application for a marriage license has been made, unless ordered to do so via an appropriate court order. If the marriage is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preced-ing Tuesday. If the application is made on a Wednesday or Thursday, the 72 hours will end on Saturday or Sunday, but the Registrar will probably not be available on those days or any public holiday. If both the bride and groom are unavailable to complete the application at the same time, either applicant may com-plete his/her part of the application and start the waiting

period. The other applicant must return with the same witness (who must be at least 18 years old) to complete his/her part of the application. The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be is-sued. Once the marriage license is issued, it is good for 30 days from the date of issuance. A couple wishing to have both religious and civil cer-emonies may be issued a license for both ceremonies on the basis of a single application. However, a couple wish-ing to have two religious ceremonies, and wanting to have a public record of each, may not have two licenses issued at the same time. They must apply for and use the first license. They must then return to the Registrar with the signed original marriage certificate and a witness to apply for a remarriage license.

What should you bring with you when you apply? A witness, who must be at least 18 years of age. Two forms of identification, including at least one photo ID. For example, you may use a state issued driver’s license, employment issued ID, a passport, a voter’s registration card, a U.S. military card. A birth certificate may also be used for proof of age and parentage. If one or both of the applicants are divorced, they will need to bring a copy of the final decree or decrees for ex-amination by the Registrar or a statement by the judge as to when the final decree was signed (not the date of the fi-nal hearing). Both the bride and groom will provide their Social Security numbers (Married Persons Title 37:117). Consent of both parents is necessary if an applicant is under 18 years of age. Both parental consents and judicial approval of such consents are necessary if the applicant is younger than 16. These consents should be on forms sup-plied by the Registrar.

Where should the marriage or civil union record be filed? The person performing a marriage ceremony must file the license and marriage certificate with the Registrar of the municipality in which the marriage was performed. Since failure to record the marriage may cause consider-able inconvenience at a later date when proof of marriage is needed, you should make sure that this has been done. Certified copies of the marriage event may be obtained from the local Registrar in the municipality where the cer-emony occurred or from the Office of the State Registrar of Vital Statistics.

Brides Want to Know


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Changing your surname after marriage Tradition dictates that a woman should take her husbands surname upon marriage but this is not a legal requirement and many people now decide to take another route.• The couple may leave their names exactly as they are.• The woman may take her husbands surname and drop• her current one• The man may take his wife’s surname and drop his • current one.• The woman may take her husbands surname and make• her current one into a middle name.• The man may take his wife’s surname and make his • current one into a middle name.• The couple may double-barrel their two surnames (e.g.• WAKEFIELD-SMITH).• The couple may “create” a new surname out of their• two current ones.• You may leave your names exactly as they are.

There is no legal requirement for either person to change their name after marriage and some couples decide to just keep using their current names. If you opt for this choice, you do not need to follow any procedure because your legal name is not changing. However, the woman may still wish to change her title to Mrs. even though your surnames are staying separate. Changing your last name after you get married is an old tradition that has been around for a long time. Whether the wife takes the husband’s name as tradition dictates, he takes hers, or both make the decision to hyphenate, please follow the necessary steps to make it official.

InstructionsStep One

Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate for agencies that require originals before allowing you to change your name on documents, such as the department of motor vehicles. Step Two

If you’re a man changing your name at marriage, check your marriage certificate to see if there is a space to indicate a name change. If not, you will need court papers to legally change your name. Contact a local attorney to find out the procedure for name changing in your state. (This is not nec-essary for women.)

Step Three

Request a new Social Security card or cards reflecting the name change. Call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to obtain forms and instructions. Step FourMake an appointment to visit the department of motor vehicles for a new driver’s license. Ask in advance which documents you’ll need to bring in order to certify the valid-ity of your name change. Step Five

Obtain and complete a Passport Amendment/Validation Application. Send this along with appropriate fees, your cur-rent passport(s), and a certified documentation of your name change (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate or court papers) to the nearest passport agency.

Step Six

Order replacements for checks, business cards, credit cards and other documents that contain your old name. Step Seven

Call employers and schools (if you are a student) to let them know your new name, and ask them to change it in their records. Step Eight

Change your name on your car registration, with your insur-ance and mortgage companies, and with your frequent-flier program. Step Nine

Contact the post office, utility companies and registrar of voters. Step Ten

Make the announcement to friends and family (ideally to your in-laws first), using stationery or thank-you cards with your new name printed on them, or order name-change cards designed for such an occasion.


Donegal ImportersJohn Murray has over twenty

years of proven success in market-ing and management in exporting and importing product development. His accomplishments, collective and com-prehensive knowledge and experience helped develop QVC into the worlds number one electronic retailer.

Donegal importers is based on increasing sales for Ireland based companies in the USA. Since 2008 we have placed Irish products in 140 “mainstream” retail stores in the United States that were not exposed to the Irish market.

Donegal Importers sells at fairs and festivals throughout the USA and owns a retail location in Ma-nahawkin, NJ. The majority of our sales and success have been with www.donegalimporters.com. In 2011 the demand for product grew to the point where call center support was needed. As a result we now have call center operations in Dublin, Ireland to support your questions or any concerns. Simply give us a call on the number listed on the website and your call will be routed to Dublin toll free! We think this is an important upgrade as many people have questions on siz-ing and colors as well as order status.

John Murray CEO, Donegal Importers

657 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 United States

(609) 207 7617Email: [email protected]

www.donegalimporters.com

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Captain’s InnOverlooking the Forked River

“A DREAM COME TRUE.” Your wedding reception on the shore. Fun, fine service, friendly attention and fabulous food!

• Weddings Designed Within Your Budget• Spacious Dance Floor• Private Boat Shaped Premium Bar• Wedding Cakes Baked on Premise• Waterfront Gazebo

304 E Lacey RoadForked River, NJ 08731

Exit 74 GSP

Contact Debbie609-693-3351

Rehearsal DinnersBridal Showers

Wedding Receptions

9th and Bay Ave •Beach Haven

609-492-6326

Open Year Round

[email protected]


Shower Favors • Wedding Favors • Bridal Party Gif t s

Handwhipped on Long Beach IslandPrepared To Order For Your Special Occasion

COUNTRY KETTLE FUDGEBAY VILLAGE • 9th & BAY AVENUE

BEACH HAVEN, NJ 080081-888-LBI-FUDGE 609-492-2800www.countrykettlefudge.com

1 North New York Rd Smithville, NJ 08205

609-652-7777

Weddings

The Smithville Innw w w. s m i t h v i l l e i n n . c o m


The Island Guest House Bed and Breakfast Inn by the Sea

Mark and Joanne Spulock, Ownerstheislandguesthouse.com

207 3rd Street, Beach Haven, NJ 080081-877-LBI-STAY or 609-709-5791

What could be more romantic than a beach wedding at a Bed and Breakfast Inn? Let us be your wedding or event venue. We are just steps from the ocean in Beach Haven, LBI and 5th street pavilion which is right on the beach.We specialize in “Inn-Timate” weddings. Choose a beau-tiful garden wedding for up to 175, or indoors for up to 60 in our Sea Glass Room and common areas. Catering is available, or use your own. Our specialty is our wedding cake cupcake display, baked and decorated in house. Con-sider us for rehearsal dinners and morning after breakfast. It’s all about your wishes on your special day! Accom-modations, including a full breakfast, are available in our 15 guest rooms and cottage for a true Island wedding destination. Group discounts for rental of the entire Inn are available on select dates

1-877-LBI-SUNN • www.dslbi.com

Drifting SandsOceanfront Motel119 East 9th StreetShip Bottom, NJ


Holiday Inn of Manahawkin 151 Route 72

Manahawkin, NJ 08050(609) 481-6100

Celebrate in StyleThe Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn of Manahawkin

is the perfect setting for your special day!Complete wedding packages for 75 to 450 guests

www.himanahawkin.com

Located in SPRAY BEACH on Long Beach IslandBrand New Venue For A

Destination WeddingBeautiful Sanctuary For The Ceremony

Large Social Hall For ReceptionJewish Dietary Laws Must Be Observed

For more information on having your wedding at our lovely facility, contact us today at

856-985-9969

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF LONG BEACH ISLAND

JCC

Black Tie CupcakesAngelika Yannuzzi

609-312-9119

Weddings ~ ShowersBusiness Meetings& Special Occasions


770 Route 9 South • Mayetta, NJ 08092(Stafford Township) Approx. 6 miles from LBI

(609) 978-8766

Shear Heaven Salon & Day Spa

Check out our Beautiful Pendants By “Eternity Wings” Sold exclusively at Shear Heaven & Gem Boutique

New to the collection, “Wedding Wings” Available in Platinum or Sterling Silver

with Diamonds & Pearls Visit our website or shop online at GemLBI.com

210 N Bay Ave • Beach Haven • 609-492-8866 • GemLBI.com

www.shearheaven.net

We can offer our Salon to you & your Wedding Party exclusively if booked well in advance. There will be a $100 non-refundable reservation fee

for this accommodation if booked during our regular Business hours. You are welcome to bring refreshments, photographers, and anything else to make your day more relax-ing and enjoyable.

We specialize in Private Spa Parties for Weddings, Couples or

just a “Girls Night Out.”


The Test of TimeMer-Made Photography

Angel Bridal of Haddonfield 50 Tanner Street Suite B • Haddonfield New Jersey 08033

[email protected]

wwwAngel-Bridal.net MM

Register today for our

Wedding Gown Giveaway(value $1000, visit store for details)

Must register at Angel Bridal of Haddonfield

Courtesy of EG Quin Photography of Haddonfield


72 N. Bremen AvenueEgg Harbor City, New Jersey 08215

(609) 965-2111 www.RenaultWinery.com

renault winery tuscany house vineyard golf

Weddingspicture perfect

enault Winery Resort & Golf

offers the perfect setting

to create splendid memories...

With exquisite ballrooms,

beautiful indoor and

outdoor ceremony sites

and lavish hotel accommodations,

Renault Winery Resort & Golf

is the premier destination

wedding facility.

Our professionals are waiting

to walk you through every step

of the way.

To set up your personal tour call

609.965.2111 or visit

www.RenaultWinery.com


The Perfect Ring

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My grandma lost her engagement ring by the bay. A storm was coming and she was securing her boat when her ring slipped off. Then, 20 something years later a storm cleared a section of sand. Among the debris, scattered about on the beach, was her ring. This very ring was then given to me, by my grandma whom I love!


Lisa Bennett-Luciotti, Pres

Event ManagementStarting with your vision we will create an extraordinary event while keeping your budget in mind. Event day coordination, last minute details or full event planning make your affair easier to manage.

Invitations and moreWhether you are looking for a simple announcement or elaborate wedding invitation. Perhaps you would like to update your stationary or are ready for new busi-ness forms and checks. We carry a complete line for all of your personal and professional needs.

Transportation & TravelWould you and your special someone like to elope in Las Vegas, or maybe just host your friend’s bachelor party there we can arrange everything from the time you leave your house for the weekend merriment. Design, Entertainment, Venue locatorFlowers, DJ’s, bands, even belly dancers can be de-livered to the location of your choice. Still looking for the right location at an AFFORDABLE Price….we can find a unique space that will meet your requirements.

CateringSo many choices we will assist in helping you pick the right style of fare for your important event. Kosher, American, Tappas, served or buffets, custom made selections for all seasons.

StaffingProfessional, courteous, experienced hostesses, wait staff, bartenders, grill chefs, executive chefs, available to relinquish your duties at your in home parties. We also welcome corporate accounts.


Custom Art GlassBy Amy Brooks

Commissions Welcome

Paradise Custom Stained Glass

(732) 762-0060www.paradisecsg.com

Trousseau

trousseau [troo-soh, troo-soh]n pl -seaux, -seaus the clothes, linen, etc.,collected by a bride for her marriage[from Old French, literally: a little bundle, from trusse a bundle]

“She Shoots Seascapes by the Seashore”

Cake ToppersInvitations

Custom AlbumsCustom Wedding Accessories

Creative Couture

Mer-Made Fine Art Photography

Customize your wedding! Paradise Custom Glass spe-cializes in creating distinctive stained glass windows,

functional dishes, and beautiful sculptural pieces. Unique glassware makes a great gift and may be customized to suit any decor and style. Commemorate this special occa-sion with a one of a kind pieces of glass art from Paradise Custom Glass!Mer-Made Trousseau offers custom ceramic cake toppers. Handmade to your specification, glazed and fired, these durable keepsakes will be used year after year on your anniversary. Display on a shelf throughout the year for your enjoyment. High end bridal accessories are yours to discoverer.Busy Bride’s are ready to share their expertise as you pick the perfect invitations, wedding favors and accesso-ries for your special day. Mer-Made Photography offers “Your Wedding ~ Your Way~ Mer-Made” treasure chest photography packages, allowing you to customize your wedding photography packages because you and your wedding day are “As Unique as a Pearl.

Everything Woman will custom design fascinators to complement your gown! Beautiful feather filled head pieces for brides and bridesmaids. Lovely and delicate an can be worn for all special occasions.

One of a kind Weddings

Home of the Mer-Made TaleGlamour Couture for Mer-Made Shoots

Photograpghy

and

4300 A (first floor) Long Beach Blvd. • Brant Beach, NJ 08008

856-265-5838


Invites, favors & wedding accessories by top brands such as Carlson Craft, Chloe B, Kate Aspen & Cathy’s Concepts

Shop online or By Appointment.

Save 30% off invites

with this ad.Expires July 31

[email protected]

Price Match Guarantee

IntroducingWeddings for Heroes CorpA New Jersey Non Profit Corporation

Our Mission: to provide Charitable Wedding Services Programs (awarding sponsored weddings) in the form of weddings, wedding services, wedding receptions, ceremonies or vow renewals, to combat wounded U.S. military personnel, U.S. combat vet-erans and active duty military facing hardships, or otherwise underprivileged at no cost to them. All programs are awarded by using funds donated by the general public, volunteer sponsors or volun-teer wedding vendors. We need your help, If you are a NJ wedding pro-fessional or Venue there are deserving couples wait-ing for your donation! Log on to our website www.weddingsforheroes.org to be a hero to a hero! If you are in need of our help please visit our web-site for details and upcoming events. Programs are awarded to recipients upon approv-al, in the form of a planned, coordinated wedding, wedding reception, ceremony, vow renewal or wed-ding services.

Weddings for Heroes Corp.

Sincere thanks for your thoughtful donations:

The Molly Pitcher InnSave The Date Now Event Planners

The Busy Brides HelperJewel Party Solutions LLC.

1-855-643-7637 www.weddingsforheroes.org

1358 Hooper AvenueToms River NJ 08753

Ann Coen Photographywww.AnnCoen.com

Elegant, Eclectic, Shore Weddings.

www.weddingslbi.com. 609-492-3553

Are You a Gables Bride?You found each other...and then you found the perfect place.


$2.99Daily Breakfast Special

1305 Long Beach Blvd, Ship Bottom, NJwww.sweetjennysrestaurant.com

Sweet Jenny’sBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

(609) 494-5111

Cut the cake, throw the bouquet and dance the night away!

Wonderful traditions. We all know the routine; announce the bride

and groom, first dance, eat, drink and dance the night away. It is believed that dating as far back as the 14th century, the desire to take home a piece of the bride’s luck in finding herself a groom prompted wedding guests in Western Europe to attempt to tear off bits of her dress. Groups of people would chase after the lucky woman in the hope of a scrap of cloth or ribbon. Such a keep-sake would bring good luck in love. Brides, naturally, were opposed to the idea of being chased and having their wedding garments destroyed. As such, the idea of throwing the bouquet emerged - this distracted the crowd,

hence the bride”s chance to get away unscathed. This enabled the bridal bouquet toss to be wrapped around the concept of good fortune. Now the unmarried woman whom catches the bridal bou-quet, so the story goes, will be the next to marry. Previous to Victorian times, most wedding cakes were also white, but not because of the symbolism. Using the color white for icing had a more pragmatic basis. Ingredients were very difficult to come by, especially those used for icing. White icing required the finest refined sugar, so the whiter the cake, the more affluent the fami-lies appeared. It was due to this fact that a white wedding cake became an outward symbol of affluence. Wedding cakes take center stage in the traditional cake cutting ceremony, symbolically this was the first task that the bride and groom perform jointly as husband and wife. A tradition that most of us have witnessed repeatedly. The first piece of cake is cut by the bride with the “help” of the groom. This task originally was delegated exclusively to the bride. It was she who cut the cake for sharing with her guests. Next we have the fun of heading to the dance floor where even the clumsi-est wallflower’s thrive. That may be

why, in a survey of. D.J.s, the “Chick-en Dance” charts higher than other classics such as “We Are Family” and “Respect. The tune “Chicken Dance” remained in obscurity for years after being writ-ten in the late 1950s by a Swiss ac-cordion player named Werner Thomas. When Werner was in his 20’s, he tended a flock of ducks and geese which inspired the tune and was first named “Der Ententanz” (The Duck Dance.) Mr. Thomas began perform-ing his song at his Davos restaurant around 1963 and received an immedi-ate reaction. People spontaneously “began to move with the melody.” A leg here, an arm up there kept Thomas connected to his beloved animals.


Flawless Entertainment

703 Millcreek Rd • Suite F-1Manahawkin, NJ 08050

609-713-2314609-549-5955

[email protected]

Monday- Friday 12PM-7PMSaturday & Sunday by Appointment Only

Will travel to NY, PA, DEFacebook.com/FlawlessDJs

DJ EntertainmentPhotographyVideography

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Make Every Event Flawless

$300 OFFWedding Packages

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“She Shoots Seascapesby the Seashore”

Emoceans Collection

For reservations and appointments609-242-2648

Casual Fine Dining, Dock and Dine on Deck and Bar, Banquets

361 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ Located at Southwind Marina

www.latitudesontheriver.com

“I Thee Wed”

Mer-Made Photography


Introducing Brian and Daggi BallOctober 9, 2011

Courtesy of Joe & Vickie Photography Office: 347-735-6121 (NYC). 732-798-7461 (NJ) ~Visit us online at joeandvickie.com


[email protected]

Custom Bridal AccessoriesHandcrafted Hair Facinators

Custom Designed by Jessica DiMariaUnique Gift Choices

Everything WomanA Very Unique Boutique

657 East Bay Ave • Manahakin, NJ 08050 • 609-242-5796

M M


Wedding Gif ts • Engagement Gif ts • Bridesmaid Gif ts • Wedding Favors

LBI Custom Beads • Lafco • Anthousa • Vera Bradley • Julia Knight • Harveys Seat Belt Bags

Trollbeads • Lori Bonn • Chamilia • Ed Levin • Miss Chamilia • Soldier to Soldier • ArchipelagoCa

ndy

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ppers

Bag

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hoco

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atches • Sherry T

insman •

Patricia Locke •

Mariposa

We Carry Award Winning Chocolates Come Visit Us During Chocolate Week Feb 12 - Feb 18

Open Weekends 10 - 5

Chocolate Wedding Favors

176 East Bay AveManahawkin, NJ 08008

08055-3104

609-597-4222fax [email protected]


Your Wedding and Event Specialist

Local Vendor (Barnegat, NJ)

Recommended by LBI Establishments

[email protected]/PuttinOnTheHitswww.puttinonthehits.com

M MHappily E

ver After


712 East Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-2660http://www.facebook.com/pages/[email protected]

Just Braggin Salon

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We Specialize in:The Brazilian Blowout

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Men and WomanHair Feathers

Hair ExtensionsHigh End but Affordable Hair Care

Only the best for our canine or feline friends with Pet by Paul Mitchell

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Color CorrectionsHair Relaxer

Perms

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EurowaveCantaur Body Wrap Massage

Customized makeup by Motives

Book your bridal packages today. Let us take the stress away on your special day.

Coming APRIL 2012Exclusivley at Just Braggin SalonTHE EUROVAVE MACHINE!Let us create the body you’ve always wanted.

Where Styles are Created but not Imitated


‘tilltherewas you

Photograph by Meredith Winner www.Mer-MadePotography.com


Visit any Dante Zeller location to discover more of what you’re looking for and see your Groom’s Free Preview. More colors, more styles and more confidence. Classic, contemporary

or avant garde. Bold, brilliant, or subdued. With over 20 locations in the tri-state area, its a sure thing. For the nearest location visit www.dantezeller.com or call 1-888-GET-A-TUX.

We Have Your Color &

Your Groom’sFree Preview Freehold Raceway Mall

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Nightlife Entertainment

South Jersey’s Premiere Wedding

Disc Jockey Servicewww.night l i feenter ta inmentd j .com

215-356-2312

Photo courtesy of Avalon Studios

His FavoritesIt’s not all about the bride. The groom has his say too. More

and more grooms take an active part in planning the wedding. Picking music and deciding on tux styles are traditionally the grooms domain but now more couples are deciding everything together.

Couples are having pre-wedding parties instead of separate bachelor and bachelorette parties and wedding showers that include men. They decide together on the venue and the menu, they write vows and help pick color themes. Grooms are in-cluded and their opinions are valued in all aspects of wedding planning except for the picking of the dress.

Even flowers can be jointly discussed, yet when it comes to the wedding gown, grooms are shut out. Picking the gown is the bride’s decision. She has to look her special way on her special day. Everything must be perfect. The dress needs to express her personality.

Hair, dress and makeup will be captured in lifelong photo-graphs. The wedding day will be frozen in time. Whatever dress she picks will also become his favorite. When he sees his bride for the first time in her wonderful wedding gown, the image will stay with him for the rest of his life.

31 N. Main Street Manahawkin, NJ

609-597-1430 www.moesters.com

Custom Wedding Cakes

M M

Cake Toppers atMer-Made Trousseau

4300 A First Floor • Brant Beach, NJ 08008 • 856-265-5838 Designed by Lisa Ball


Special thanks to our wonderful models; Brianna Nugent (cover), Matthew Higgins, Jane Kleber, Frank Ritacco, Katie Anderson, Jordan Rizzo (cover), Danielle Taylor, Michaela Dodi, Jonathan Dodi, Jeanie Dodi, Alex Dodi, Jessica Cattell, Jessica DiMaria, Nicholas DiMaria, Ashton Savannah & Gwen Harvey. A Sincere thank you to Pat Anderson for all of her help on our photo shoots.

Advertiser DirectoryAffordable Party Planning Services Inc 201-344-6222 www.PartyPlanner99.comAngel Bridal of Haddonfield 50 Tanner Street Suite B Haddonfield NJ 08033 856-354-6196 wwwAngel-Bridal.netArt & Décor at Surf City 1715 Long Beach Blvd Surf City, NJ 08008 609-494-5038Barbara Bew Crowley 609-296-2964 www.duoelegantsharpandviolin.comBusy Bride’s Invites and Favors 609-488-5926 www.Busy BridesHelper.comCaptain’s Inn 304 E Lacey Rd Forked River, NJ 08731 609-693-3351 www.captainsinnnj.comCountry Kettle Fudge 9th & Bay Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-2800 www.countrykettlefudge.comCustom Art Glass by Amy Brooks 732-762-0060 www.Paradisecsg.comDante Zeller Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-6222 www.dantezeller.comDonegal Importers 657 E Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-207-7617 www.donegalimporters.comEverything Woman 657 East Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-242-5796 www.everythingwoman.usFlawless Entertainment 703 Millcreed Rd - Suite F-1 Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-713-2314 Facebook.com/FlawlessDJsJewish Community Center of LBI 15 E 24th St Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-4090 www.jccoflbi.orgJust Braggin Salon 712 East Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-2660 www.justbragginsalon.comLatitudes on the River 361 Lacey Rd Forked River, NJ 08731 609-242-2648 www.LatitudesontheRiver.comLavish Salon 216 S Bay Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-9955 www.LavishLBI.comLily in the Valley Florist 18 S Bay Ave Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-8885 www.LilyInTheValleyFlorist.comLinda Moore Weddings Jim Moore Officiant 609.965.2067 www.angelofloveweddings.netMatthew T. Burton 1819 N Long Beach Blvd Surf City, NJ 08008 609-494-0006 www.mtburtongallery.comMer-Made Photography 4300 A First Floor LB Boulevard Brant Beach, NJ 08008 856-265-5838 www.Mer-MadePhotography.comMer-Made Trousseau 4300 A First Floor LB Boulevard Brant Beach, NJ 08008 856-265-5838 www.Mer-MadePhotography.comMoester’s Bakery 31 N Main Street Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-1430 www.moesters.comNightlife 215-356-2312 www.nightifeentertainmentdj.comPuttin’ On The Hits Barnegat, NJ 609-698-7661 www.putinonthehits.comSeaoaks Country Club 99 Golf View Drive Little Egg Harbor Twsp, NJ 609-296-2656 www.seaoakscc.comSmithville Inn 1 North New York Rd Smithville, NJ 08205 609-652-7777 www.smithvilleinn.comSOC Chamber of Commerce 265 W 9th St Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 609-494-5807 www.visitlbiregion.comSong of the Sea 9th and Bay Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-6326 www.songofthesealbi.comSweet Jenny’s 1305 Long Beach Blvd Ship Bottom, NJ 08008 609-494-5111 www.smithvilleinn.comTaylor Rental 176 East Bay Ave Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-4222 www.taylorrental.comThe Gables 212 Centre St Beach Haven, NJ 08008 609-492-3553 www.weddingslbi.comThe Good Life 2200 Long Beach Bvd Surf City, NJ 08008 609-494-0200 www.thegoodlifelbi.comTrolley Tours Inc 713 Old Shore Road Forked River, NJ 08731 800-468-0446 www.trolleytoursinc.comWedding for Heroes Corp. 1358 Hooper Ave Toms River, NJ 08753 855-643-7637 www.weddingforheroes.orgWicker Cottage 675 Mill Creek Rd Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-978-8233 facebook.com/pages/the-wicker-cottage

Trolley Tours Inc 713 Old Shore Road Forked River, NJ 08731

800-468-0446 www.trolleytoursinc.comMT Burton Studio 1819 N Long Beach Blvd

609-494-0006 www.MTBurtongallery.com

destination long beach island weddings

Documents

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