I can’t imagine anyone walking into Bonnet Island Estate and not falling in love. Kelly and Kyle felt the same way, and once she saw the boathouse chapel her mind was made up! Kyle’s family has a shore house in Beach Haven West and the couple spends the majority of every summer in the Barnegat Bay and on LBI and they had made countless memories there. Being able to get married and have all of their family and friends in a place that means so much to both of them was so special. Beautiful beachfront venues are easy to find, but what they loved was that this venue was bay front. Kyle loves his boat and they spend a lot more time in the bay than on the beach, so a beach wedding just never felt right. Bonnet Island was a perfect combination of “nautical meets rustic”, and Kyle was able to arrive by boat..which was both awesome and hilarious!
The wedding was 9.4.15..It was a beautiful but very windy day, especially being right on the bay! Kelly and her bridesmaids got ready on site and as I mentioned above..Kyle and his groomsmen arrived by boat..captains hat and all! The color scheme for the day was navy and blush. Kyle wanted navy suits for the guys and Kelly wanted something fairly neutral, and she fell in love with the blush bridesmaids dresses. The beautiful bouquets were a mix of pinks, whites, and greens. Kyle loves hunting and shooting shotguns so he wanted to incorporate that into the boutonnieres. He bought a bunch of empty shells and gave them to the florist, and she added the flowers and twine..they were so unique!
Kelly and Kyle shared their first look in the garden walkway with all the blooming flowers. Since it was such a windy day, I suggested that Kelly shouldn’t wear her veil for the first look and photo session. (I didn’t want it to end up in the bay!) At first she was bummed – but this made her big entrance walking down the aisle that much better. Even though Kyle had already seen her, he didn’t see her as a full-out-bride, with the veil, until that moment! Bonnet Island is so gorgeous that we took full advantage of the grounds for pictures. We did some on the dock, some in the marshes, some in the chapel and the rest were taken just simply walking throughout the estate.
Their ceremony was very special, as they had a number of important people involved. Her close friend played the guitar during the ceremony, and their minister was a family friend who has known both of their families for years. The couple exchanged vows, each stating the numerous things they love about each other..which was very sweet, and the guests teared up and giggled along with them!
If there is one thing I came to find out, it’s that Kyle and Kelly have a VERY close tight cycle of friends..and each one is crazier than the next! LOL These people really knew how to party!!
A few years ago, I photographed Kelly’s sister’s wedding, so I had already known the family, and they are just the sweetest! In 2016 I will have the honor of photographing Kelly and Kyle’s friend’s wedding (they were in the bridal party!) and I can’t wait to have a blast again with this amazing group!!!
Kelly and Kyle honeymooned at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort.
#ItsBayerTime

Venue: Bonnet Island Estate
Photography: Something Blue Wedding Photography
Videographer: Reaching Roots Studios
Florist: Hoski Florist
Band: JB Pro Live
Officient: John Scalzo
Hair and Makeup: Scissor Sisters
Wedding Gown: Sophia Tolli
Bridesmaid Dresses: Dove & Dahlia
Bridal Shoes: BCBGMaxazria and Sperry
Suits: J.Crew
Wedding Rings: Ski Jewelers
Transportation: LBI Exxpress
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Bakery: Bake Works
Favors: Wedding Favors Market