Weddings Of Distinctions: The Ashford Estate: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

Weddings of Distinctions premier venue The Ashford Estate was just as romantic as I remembered it!  I had the pleasure of attending their tasting with the fabulous Merri-Makers Catering on Sunday with some of the other top vendors in the wedding industry.  Here are some great new wedding ideas!

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Kate Duffy of Katydid Signature Floral and Event Design

Featuring invitations by Stephanie Somodi: Designing the Most Inviting Day

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Michelle Santanello of MDS Floral Design

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Magnolia: Exquisite Florals and Event Decor

Featuring invitations by Stephanie Somodi: Designing the Most Inviting Day

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Bonnet Island Estate 2013 Tasting: Bonnet Island Estate Weddings

We had a wonderful time this Sunday at the amazing Weddings of Distinction venue The Bonnet Island Estate.  This beautiful private estate in Long Beach Island is a serene retreat for your wedding.  Merri-Makers Catering with over 30 years of catering perfection offered a tasting for their brides to be.  Chef McCann, winner of the national 2006 Chef of the Year by International Caterers Association, offered up a scintillating selections of appetizers, salads, entrees and deserts.  Sweet favors by The Bake Works were handed out to guests.  A selection of Weddings of Distinctions best vendors was also on hand to offer advice and show their products. Bonnet_01Bonnet_02Bonnet_03Bonnet_04

Katydid Signature FLoral & Event Design created a lush English romantic table with ivy details, mercury glass vases and silver candlesticks.  The table paired beautifully with invitations by Stephanie Somodi of Designing the Most Inviting Day.  Her classic nautical invites and new silk boxed invites are just stunning.  For something different Katydid also created a modern ice blue table collection which we paired with Stephanie Somodi's gray raw silk boxed invitation with art deco mirror inserts.

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Michele of the award winning  MDS Floral Designs created open & airy table settings. Her first setting inspires romance with classic ocean pastels and elegant high orchid centerpieces.  Another setting was a nod to rustic elegance with burlap table runners and blue antique bottles filled with sweet nosegays.  Invitations by Stephanie Somodi completed the look with soft blue invites with beach details.

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Magnolia Exquisite Florals & Event Design went for a rustic country feel with white washed lanterns and birch candles which paired wonderfully with Stephanie Somodi's formal invites in rust tones with tassel accents.  For a different feel Magnolia also showcased a whimsical beach table with shell accents.

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The Best of 2011: New Jersey Wedding Photographers: New Jersey Portrait Photographers

It has been a beautiful year and we have been blessed with amazing clients!  It is always such an special feeling to be invited into the most important moments of someones life: their wedding, the pregnancy, the first child, and the growing families.  Here are some of our favorite memories from this past year..... 2011_012011_032011_042011_052011_062011_072011_082011_092011_102011_112011_122011_132011_142011_152011_162011_172011_182011_192011_202011_212011_222011_232011_242011_252011_262011_272011_282011_292011_302011_312011_322011_332011_342011_352011_362011_372011_382011_39BO_312011_412011_422011_432011_442011_452011_462011_472011_482011_492011_502011_512011_522011_532011_542011_552011_562011_572011_582011_592011_60BO_182011_622011_632011_642011_652011_662011_672011_68

Bonnet Island Estate: A Tasting: Bonnet Island Wedding Photographers

It is always a treat to visit one of our favorite Weddings of Distinction venues The Bonnet Island Estate. Even in the winter there is something so deeply tranquil about the location with its bay views abundant wildlife and gentle breezes. To make things even more blissful we were joined by some of the most talented vendors as they created a feast of inspiration for the bride and grooms to be.  Merri-Makers Catering offered up exquisite food & service.  Stephanie Somodi owner of Designing the Most Inviting Day showcased a beautiful variety of invitations from rustic seaside bliss to black tie elegance.  The truly talented floral team at MDS Floral Designs created an amazing range of tabletops from French Country to crystal & blue beach chic.  The Cake Studio of Ocean City impressed us with his detail and imagination.  Kate Duffy of Signature Floral & Event Design by Katydid outdid herself once again with tables of modern romantic elegance and rustic country charm.  Thank you to the exceptional staff of The Bonnet Island Estate for creating another memorable experience. Bonnet_01Bonnet_02Bonnet_03Bonnet_04Bonnet_05

www.mdsfloraldesigns.com

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Stephanie Somodi: Designing the Most Inviting Day

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The Cake Studio of Ocean City

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Signature Floral & Event Design by Katydid

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Merri-Makers Caterers

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Premier Tour of The Ashford Estate: Weddings of Distinction: New Jersey Wedding Photographers

It was an honor to attend the premier tour of The Ashford Estate, a pristine new luxury venue in Allentown, New Jersey from founder Chris Vernon.  Guests were treated to divine food stations by Main Street Catering,  hors d’oeuvres by Merri-Makers,and mixology by Marsilios.  Vernon also choose to unveil his newest project Weddings of Distinction to hand selected wedding vendors from the area.  Weddings of Distinction will be a collection of the finest destination wedding estates in New Jersey and Long Beach Island known for their exquisite staff & finest vendors.   These estates include The Bonnet Island Estate, Mallard Island Yacht Club, The Stateroom, and now The Ashford Estate.  Please enjoy the tour!

Ashford_1The Ashford Estate could only be described as height of elegance.  The reflection pool with cypress trees and Grecian columns create a monumental yet peaceful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony, situated next to the beautiful antique pole barn for indoor ceremonies.

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Ashford_02The Conservatory overlooks a picturesque pond with a floating gazebo, fountain, and stone bridge.

Ashford_04A tour around the property leads from one breath taking scene to the next.

Ashford_05From the moment I arrived upon the lion~clad iron gates and tree lined drive I knew this estate was the perfect setting for a romantic retreat.

Ashford_06The Tiffany blue french style bridal suite is light and airy with dramatic mirrored french doors leading to the grand staircase and hand painted domed ceiling.  Perfect for bridal portraits!

Ashford_07A palm tree lined path leads guests along to the grand ballroom with custom Fennelli lighting.  Looking out the windows it seem as if the ballroom was placed in the middle of a Tuscan vineyard.

Ashford_08The dramatic entrance leads the way to a beautiful wood appointed library on one side & parlor room on the other.  Lush fully mature trees and maticulously manicured gardens create a tranquile & refined atmosphere.

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Ashford_10The rooms are elegantly apponited with warm & inviting fireplaces and beautiful views.

Ashford_11The sunsets on the estate took my breath away!