Therese Marie Wagner Photography » The Bonnet Island Estate

Bonnet Island Estate: A Tasting

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:09:04 +0000

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.

www.mdsfloraldesigns.com

Stephanie Somodi: Designing the Most Inviting Day

The Cake Studio of Ocean City

Signature Floral & Event Design by Katydid

Merri-Makers Caterers

Stephanie Somodi: Designing the Most Inviting Day

Premier Tour of The Ashford Estate

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:14:33 +0000

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!

The 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.

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

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

From 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.

The 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!

A 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.

The 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.

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

The sunsets on the estate took my breath away!

Bonnet Island Escape

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:38:14 +0000

Jessica & Michael met on holiday in the Bahamas. She lived in New York; he lived in New Hampshire. Despite geographical differences they both knew it was love at first sight and two weeks later they had their first date. It was fitting that the two choose The Bonnet Island Estate on LBI to wed. The private island escape was such a peaceful backdrop with its lush grasses and wild birds it was as if the couple was still on holiday.

Michelle Santanello of MDS Floral Designs made elegant & airy bouquets wrapped in blush silk and sequins. Hand painted signs led the way to the ceremony.

The pre-wedding outfits were just way to cute!

Stephanie Somodi of Designs by Stephanie incorporated Jessica’s blue & green theme in an elegant design for the invitations, programs, and menues. Jessica’s hairpiece was antique silver with pearl.

The bridal gown by Michelle Roth available at Kleinfeld Bridal caught the light so beautifully at every turn.

Bubbles added a touch of whimsy & joy after the ceremony.

We fell in love with the twobirds bridesmaids dresses, one dress can be worn 15 different ways! Each girl wore her dress in a different style to complement their shape and they look so so comfortable. The flower girls were twirling all day long!

Jessica’s mother & stepfather gaze at the newlyweds.

Michelle of MDS Floral Designs used crisp pinks and greens to create a warm & welcoming atmosphere complemented by candlelight and hand painted signs with sweet phrases. The bride’s mother Charlene helped to plan every perfect detail aided by the fabulous Day of Coordinator Heather Furgeson. Merri-Makers Catering provided exquisite food and service as always!

Who else but french luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin could have made the bride’s ravishing red heeled stilettos?

The bride and her mother danced a mother daughter dance while watching a video montage of Jessica’s father, a firefighter that passed away in 9.11.01. Jessica’s engagement ring holds the diamond that her father gave to her mother.

Premier Event Rentals set up a fun photo booth complete with great costumes for the guests to enjoy.

A romantic sunset stroll on the reed covered banks of Bonnet Island completed the day!