Tis the Season …

I absolutely LOVE the holiday season. It really is “the most magical time of the year”. Poinsettias, wreaths, icicles and lights … you name it and we have it! Not only is December the most magical time of year, but it is the perfect month for romance. The dim lighting and heat created by our fireplace adds the right touch of warmth to a cold and chilly night. It provides the perfect ambiance for a winter wonderland wedding! This past Saturday, on December 4th, Michele and Mario were married in our Grand Ballroom. It was a beautiful ceremony and the night continued with a fun and festive reception. Michele and Mario added their own holiday cheer by decorating our fireplace with stockings and pictures of family and friends. In our Grand Ballroom, red table runners added the perfect pop of color and guests were greeted with ornament place cards. All in all, it was a truly festive celebration!

Photos Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

Trotting Down the Aisle ...

This past Saturday, Christina and Hunter celebrated their vows under our beautiful garden gazebo OUTSIDE on the 20th of November … can you believe it?! A fun and shabby chic horse-themed reception followed in our Grand Ballroom. Being that Christina is a vet and avid horse lover, how could they not incorporate horses into their reception? Everything including their place cards, table names and favors was centered on the couple’s shared affection for these lovable animals. Traditional and playful fashions mixed together for this fabulously fun theme, which was sophisticated, but had some homegrown style. Sean Patrick was nice enough to give me a sneak peek of the photos and here is one of my favorites!


Photo Courtesy of Sean Patrick Photography. Stay tuned for more photos from this fabulous reception!

One Fine Day...

This past Sunday, Christine and Kristopher were married in an outdoor ceremony followed by a warm and inviting ballroom reception. It was the perfect autumn day for the couple to exchange vows beside our gazebo with the natural beauty of the fall leaves. They continued their autumn theme throughout their reception with wrought-iron pumpkin and acorn centerpieces. Their guests enjoyed dancing the night away as the stars illuminated the Grand Ballroom. We wish Christine and Kristopher all the best in the future!

Here’s a few autumn pictures of their beautiful day … a perfect 60 degrees!

Photos Courtesy of Blue Coast Photography.

DIY Bride …

If you don’t know what DIY stands for, I’m going to leave you with an awesome life lesson today. DIY or Do It Yourself, is a crazy term that most of us are scared to use. Fear not though, once you see the awesome details from Katy and Scott’s wedding reception, you are going to want your wedding to be DIY from head to toe. First off, I almost freaked when Katy brought in her place cards (see image below) and once Debbie saw their programs she knew I would fall in love… and I did. Head over heels in LOVE.

Here's a picture of their place cards ... they were transparent and lit up with the lights on our place card table. It gave each place card it's own glow as the sun set in the evening.

Here’s a picture of Katy and Scott’s programs that I’m currently drooling over. Their programs came complete with a tissue for “tears of joy”. Definitely a steal-worthy idea!

Happy Halloween!!!

This year Halloween came early! Chris from Unforgettable DJ's brought his son Jacob to visit the EM for some Scooby snacks!

Simply in Love ...

Just when we thought each weekend couldn’t get any better, we were all proven wrong. This past weekend was uber exciting and I completely adored each of our couples. From heart-melting nuptials to receptions beyond beautiful, I just want to send my congratulations to all our newlyweds! We wish Rebecca & Mike, Kelly & Chris, Amanda & Robert, and Alison & Matt all the best!

To further add to my excitement, I was lucky enough to score some photos from A Beautiful Day Photography of Kelly & Chris’ wedding this past Saturday. I was absolutely giddy when I came across this photo of the bride and groom in the photo booth! Not only do they look madly in love, but this photo is a perfect depiction of how much fun they have with each other. Premier Event Rentals supplied the photo booth for Mr. & Mrs. Riolo’s wedding reception and it couldn’t have been a bigger hit! If you’re looking to add a unique touch to your wedding reception, this is a great idea that you cannot go wrong with! I LOVE it!

Photo Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

Behind the Scenes ...

Here at The English Manor, we are always excited to meet new couples and I don’t think we could ever tire of being a part of a bride and groom’s special day. In lieu of my usual posts featuring all the amazing wedding day details, today I’m going to give you a sneak peek of how The English Manor could be of assistance to you prior to your wedding day. (Stay tuned though because later this week I’ll be sharing all things fabulous from this past weekend's weddings!)

After booking The English Manor for your reception (and possibly ceremony), you may wonder what happens next? Keep in touch with us! We are always here to help throughout your entire planning process… you can use us as little or as much as you like! For instance, maybe you would like to use our gardens for engagement photos or perhaps you would like some local vendor recommendations? Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call!

Here’s a picture of April and Lee who just recently booked their September 2012 wedding here at The English Manor. We are so excited for them and can’t wait to see how all the details will come together!

Our Wedding Event Specialist, Nancy with April and Lee. Thumbs up!

Fall into Autumn…

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 pumpkin, 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 hit-up one of our local pumpkin patches. Being that it is October and Halloween is fast approaching, I just had to share with everyone Katie and Jon’s candy station. What a fun idea and the perfect compliment to the autumn season, but remember you can incorporate a candy station into your wedding reception any time of the year!




Photos Courtesy of Joe Calaminici

Stepping into Fall in Style ...

If you are anything like me, you are going to fall in love with each of the four weddings that I’m showcasing today. Sharon and Ken were married this past Friday and I absolutely adored how they infused their heritage into their wedding reception. A tea ceremony was performed in the ballroom prior to their ceremony, complete with a stunning red dress on Sharon. They also incorporated origami as a stylish touch at their place card table. This unique detail was continued as their guests entered the ballroom with origami cranes on each table.

I should also mention that Sharon and Ken had two very special guests in their bridal party, Teddy and Dakota … their dogs! Teddy and Dakota escorted the two flower girls down the aisle beautifully. Here are some pictures of Sharon and Ken’s event courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

Photos Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

On Saturday, we started the day off with Joanna and Josh’s ceremony and reception. As always, I’m just itching to share my favorite detail of their wedding reception … their centerpieces. Joanna and Josh used our candelabras and provided their own fresh flowers and the end result was stunning. Check them out!

On Saturday evening Kate and Danny had a beautiful outdoor cocktail hour followed by a fun filled fête. This wedding was one occasion where adding the extra half hour really paid off. Their guests danced for 5 ½ hours! If you know your guests are dancing queens, then you must steal Kate and Danny’s idea. They provided flip-flops for their guests. This is an affordable idea and after a few hours of dancing your guests will be happy to switch into something a little more comfortable.

On Sunday, Stephanie and Jason’s vibrant, yet rustic colors made me remember why I love this time of year. Their use of pinks, yellows and oranges were the perfect segway from summer to fall. It was a mixture of both seasons that coordinated perfectly. Here are some pictures of this photogenic bride and groom's ceremony and their gem of a wedding cake courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

Photos Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

It's all in the details...

This past weekend was filled with all things spectacular and by spectacular I don’t mean show stopping and flashy. Instead I’m talking about ridiculously fabulous and chicly inspiring details that will leave you wanting more. Let’s begin with Friday, which started off with Jessica and Tom’s beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. They had the steal-worthy idea to take pictures before arriving at The English Manor at the Asbury Park boardwalk and old casino. Just a few minutes away, this location will provide you with some absolutely stunning beach photos. They then arrived at The EM to take more photos in our lush gardens. Garden and beach photos… love it!

Saturday afternoon we had Lauren and Sean’s beach-themed reception complete with shell place cards (a great do-it-yourself idea). Driftwood, seashells and a sandcastle cake completed this playful and beautifully visual theme. Saturday evening’s reception for Amanda and Steven went off without a hitch. The weather was warm and sunny for their outdoor deck cocktail hour.

Lauren and Sean's place card table.

Sunday followed with gorgeous weather (once again) for Meghan and Anthony’s ceremony and reception. I just loved Meghan’s use of something blue. She wore stunning blue high heels, which only added to the beauty of her dress. Another detail I absolutely loved was Meghan and Anthony’s favors… chocolate candies that were bundled together with a note thanking their guests for making their day “a little more sweet”. Each candy bundle had a photo of Meghan and Anthony providing a charming (and did I already mention sweet?) presentation. Here's some photos courtesy of Kay English. Check them out!

Photos Courtesy of Kay English.

Excitements in the Air …

There was a lot of anticipation this past weekend at The English Manor because Marlena and Karl were our first couple to have their ceremony over the bridge at our wrought-iron gazebo. I was there to snap lots of photographs and I have to admit this ceremony captured my heart. Absolutely stunning! I’m extremely excited to share these lovely photos of this great ceremony location. Take a look!

Smitten with September …

I am simply swooning over all the September weddings we have had so far and today I’m going to really get your blood flowing with anticipation for what’s to come, by starting you off with Lauren and John’s Labor Day Weekend Wedding.

Lauren and John’s wedding was not only perfect for a Saturday, but it was the ideal celebration to unite family and friends together for a long holiday weekend. Filled to the brim with vibrant colors and mouth- watering cuisine, this wedding did not disappoint! Their colors were total eye candy. Splashes of purple and lime green filled their beautiful fête. During cocktail hour, their guests enjoyed Lauren and John’s signature drink … “Key Lime Pie Martinis” complete with a card memento explaining the significance of the concoction to their guests. John proposed to Lauren in Hilton Head while sharing one of their favorite desserts, a slice of key lime pie. So Romantic … we single ladies can only dream of a proposal like this!

Emil from Contemporary Image has generously provided me with some stunning photos from Lauren and John’s wedding. Here are some of my favorites!

Photos Courtesy of Contemporary Image.

The Sweetest Ending …

September is a bittersweet month for me. I feel as if this month really signals the end of summer and transition into fall and as much as I hate to see the summer end, I look forward with anticipation to eating pumpkin pie and drinking apple cider (basically I live for my favorite autumn foods). So even though August may be officially over, the weather’s still warm and it didn’t end without two outstanding weddings.

What better than adding a little summer sizzle into your décor when you’re getting married at the Jersey Shore? Christine and Robert brought the sea right onto their guests’ plates this past Saturday. With butler passed sushi and a duet presentation of prime rib and shrimp, their guests did not leave hungry. On Saturday evening, Nicole and Gerard added little touches of the shore into their wedding reception. I loved their beachy décor and use of pink and green as their colors. What a perfect way to end the summer.

Here’s a snapshot of their beach-themed wedding cake!

Slightly Obsessed…

This past weekend was beyond incredible! Yes, I know I say this every week, but I am extremely excited to share the photographic work of A Beautiful Day Photography and Contemporary Image with everyone. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with wedding images and for that reason I’m not even going to say anything about this past weekend except that all the weddings were fabulous. I think the pictures speak for themselves!

On Friday, August 20th Nicole and Lorenzo’s wedding was beautifully captured by Contemporary Image … here’s a few of my favorite shots.



Photos Courtesy of Contemporary Image.

On Saturday, Nancy was able to snap some pictures of Lauren and Bob as they were taking photos outside. Take a look!




A Beautiful Day Photography did not disappoint on Sunday. Rebecca and Yury’s photos were picture perfect!

Photos Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography.

Incredible Ideas…

Every week I look forward to the weekend for one reason … wedding inspiration! Even though I am nowhere near walking down the aisle myself, I absolutely love how each event has it’s own personality (and steal-worthy ideas). Each week, my list of stolen details from EM brides just keeps growing and growing! If you adore weddings as much as I do, then you will surely enjoy the exquisite details of this past weekend’s lovely soirees.

We started the weekend off with Cindy and TJ’s wedding this Friday the 13th, but forget everything you’ve heard about this superstitious date… this wedding was filled with fun individuality! Cindy and TJ are an awesome couple and it showed throughout their wedding reception. I especially loved their black and white wedding cake with red gerber daisies. The daisies really did add just the right touch of color.

Sunday followed with Vanessa and Scott’s wedding. I usually don’t talk that much about a bride’s wedding dress, or for that matter, the bridesmaids’ dresses. This past Sunday though, I fell in love … head over heels in love. Vanessa’s wedding dress was stunning and I was truly jealous of her bridesmaids. Their dresses were to die for! (I especially loved how the maid of honor’s dress stood out). Not only was I super excited to snap some shots of Vanessa and Scott, but I also took some photos of the bridal party and their gorgeous gowns. Take a look below!

Guess who we met!

On Tuesday, August 10th the ladies of The English Manor had the pleasure of meeting the one and only David Tutera from WEtv’s “My Fair Wedding”. We were invited as VIP guests and treated to a wonderful cocktail reception hosted by New Jersey Bride Magazine. Here’s a photo of Nancy and Lisa with David Tutera as well as Aurelia from New Jersey Bride.

A Summer Dream …

This past weekend I was lucky enough to score photos from each of our three weddings. Imagine my delight! I’ve become obsessed with wedding photography and was so happy that A Beautiful Day Photography and Josh Lynn Photography were nice enough to share their AMAZING artwork with me!

Adrienne and Ron were our first wedding of the weekend and while every aspect of their wedding was too cute for words, I went bananas over their thumbprint board. So now I’ve probably got you all wondering what a thumbprint board is, right? Adrienne and Ron asked their guests to please “leaf” their thumbprint as a way for them to remember their special day and who they spent it with. I’ve provided a picture below … this is definitely a steal-worthy idea!

Photos Courtesy of A Beautiful Day Photography

Saturday evening, Bevin and Michael surprised all their guests with none other than the king himself … ELVIS! This bride and groom had so much style and personality and it showed! Bevin even changed her dress as they danced to “Blah Blah” Here’s a picture of Bevin and Michael with their special guest!

Photos Courtesy of Josh Lynn Photography

We concluded the weekend with Loida and Gary’s wedding. To be honest, Mother Nature was not on our side that morning, but about 10 minutes before their ceremony the weather cleared and we were so excited to bring them the good news that their ceremony would be outside! The day was flawless and here’s a picture I snapped of Loida preparing to walk down the aisle.

It’s all in the set-up …

Lately, I’ve been in love with the escort card holders our fabulous brides and grooms have been using for their weddings. They have ideas that are absolutely genius! You can really celebrate a theme by using unique place cards or holders (such as the lillies Stephanie and Thomas used for their place cards).



Here are just a few more escort card ideas that I’m loving ….

The Perfect Date ...

10/10/10 ... the most trendy wedding date since 7/7/07. Some couples consider this a lucky wedding date, but the best part about October 10th is that it happens to fall on the weekend! We have recently had this date become available, so stop into The English Manor today and speak with one of our Wedding Event Specialists about this red-hot wedding date!