Thursday, October 29, 2009

The English Manor Octoberfest…

I am completely in awe how each couple that comes to The English Manor creates unique and creative ways to add their own personalities to their wedding. It’s their own distinctive details that let the guests know the wedding they are attending is something special. While all the weddings I have personally witnessed at The English Manor are marvelous, this past weekend I had the pleasure of being able to observe four weddings that were absolutely gorgeous … each in their own way.

This past weekend started off with Lisa and Jay’s wedding. Their wedding couldn’t have been more flawless! Stepping into fall, everyone has felt the chill in the air … but last Friday the weather cooperated for Lisa and Jay and they were married outside in the gazebo. They even got to go to the beach for pictures! Everyone here at The English Manor absolutely adored Lisa and Jay’s chocolate dipped apple favors, which couldn’t be more perfect for the month of October!

Saturday began with Lacey and John’s wedding. They really got into the spirit of Octoberfest here at The English Manor with all their Halloween details. From their favors to décor … everyone was able to figure out the theme for this wedding. I particularly loved the skulls placed throughout the foyer, but my favorite detail was the carved white pumpkins they used for their centerpieces - complete with horror film table names. This wedding was terrifyingly great!

Courtney and Ted were Saturday evening’s bride and groom. We loved their use of colors… pinks and oranges! Especially fabulous was how the flowers matched the colors of the ribbons on cake perfectly. A total surprise to the guests was when Ted made his entrance into the ballroom complete with his top hat! This wedding was as sweet as the couple!

Marina and Oleg created a warming palette of colors encompassing October’s changing of the leaves for their evening wedding on Sunday. The lighting and colors were truly breathtaking. I also loved how they incorporated their heritage and traditions into their ceremony and reception. It was a great way to conclude our weekend here at The English Manor!


Congrats to all our October brides and grooms! Thank you for choosing The English Manor to celebrate your special day!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Maggie & Dan 10/17/2009




Maggie and Dan chose to do what we here at The English Manor like to call a “meet and greet”. A meet and greet is when the bride and groom are able to see each other before their ceremony. We love when brides and grooms opt to do this because it makes “the big moment” at the alter a lot less nerve-racking. Everyone was so happy that the rain stopped long enough for Maggie and Dan to capture their meet and greet outdoors! Courtesy of Lisa Truesdale, I have some pictures capturing the anticipation and bliss of the moment. Take a look at the photos and if you have any questions about arranging a meet and greet before your ceremony at The English Manor – you know where you can contact me!

Check out Maggie's review of The English Manor at weddingwire.com!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Real Wedding, Real Talk ...

Really get to know your dress.” – Mrs. Barbara Perlongo

I’ve been told the old adage “beauty is pain” and I have even said it one too many times myself, but let’s face it on your wedding day please pick a dress that is comfortable! Your wedding dress is going to look stunning, so take Barbara’s advice and really get to know the dress you pick. (This is why the best bridal advice is from brides themselves!) Barbara and Jerome, one of the charming couples that had both their ceremony and reception at The English Manor stopped by to chat with the owner and general manager, Lisa Truesdale this past Monday. Barbara said the day couldn’t have been more wonderful, but she wished she remembered a few key things about her dress. For instance, Barbara wished she knew that her dress had a little wristlet loop to slide onto her wrist. This would have made walking around with her dress a lot easier. It’s something planners and guests don’t really think about, but take Barbara’s advice and make sure you get to know your dress so you can move easily and freely throughout your reception!

On another note, everyone here at The English Manor has officially coined Barbara’s phrase “Lady of Honor” in substitution of the old phrase “Maid of Honor”. It’s about time for a change, so kudos to Barbara for the great idea!

Stay posted because I will be putting up some pictures (taken by Lisa Truesdale) from Barbara and Jerome’s wedding ceremony on October 11, 2009. Until then, remember Barbara’s words of wisdom!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Stepping into Fall in Style…

See all the beautiful fall colors from Christine and Tom’s Wedding on October 3, 2009. The mums are beginning to burst with color!


I can officially say that autumn has approached The English Manor. In the past week, I have seen many subtle changes that have left me smitten. From the use of papaya, burgundy and chocolate colors to the new fall flowers being planted on the grounds – everything has left me with that feeling that it is time to break out the apple cider and pumpkin pie.

While all the weddings of this past weekend were extraordinarily gorgeous, I just want to mention some unique details. I fell in LOVE with the latte color bridesmaid dresses from Kim and Karl’s wedding on Sunday. Not only did I adore the color, but I also loved the idea that each bridesmaid was able to pick out her own dress design. The use of orange and red with subtle touches of white in their bouquets complimented the dresses impeccably well.

Another detail that melts my heart is when couples decide to make a charitable contribution in memory of a loved one instead of the traditional wedding favor. A beautiful touch to add to your October wedding (and being that it is National Breast Cancer Awareness month) is Kim and Karl’s idea of pink chocolate lollypops in the shape of a ribbon.

These are just some of the great ideas from this past weekend and I’m sure there will be more to come!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

All Because Two People Fell In Love...

Hello and welcome to The English Manor’s new bridal blog! My name is Kelly and I just joined The English Manor team as a Wedding Event Specialist. I am so excited about my new position here at EM because I get to experience one of the most important and joyous experiences of people’s lives EVERY WEEK … their wedding day!

This past weekend, three couples had their fabulous wedding receptions at The English Manor. Thankfully, Mother Nature was on our side and two of our couples that were having their ceremony here were able to wed outside in the beautiful weather with our gazebo and gardens as their backdrop (because as all Jersey Shore residents know, this past summer season has been a washout … literally).

I would like to pass on many wishes of future happiness to Mr. and Mrs. Tim Hepworth, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Roberts, and Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Pforr. The English Manor would also like to say Happy 5th Anniversary to Joe and Crystal – we love you both!

Within the next few weeks, I will be adding EM true stories and pictures from our weddings every Wednesday, so please stay tuned! If you have anything you would like anyone to know – you know where you can find me!