Photographer: Susan Elizabeth Photography NJ + Worldwide / Event Venue: Mallard Island Yacht Club / Cinema: Xiao Zhang
/ Entertainment: Ariel / Floral Designer: Flowers from the Farm / Hair Stylist: Top Knots by Aimee. / Makeup Artist: Make Me Up Eva / Wedding Gown Designer: Martina Liana / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu / Menswear: Indochino / Invitation Designer: Zola. / Bakery: The Bake Works

How did you meet?
In 2016 we met through Grace’s cousin, Katie, at an impromptu happy hour in Hoboken. It was the summer after Grace had graduated from college and we both hit it off. We became close over the next few years, but it wasn’t until the summer of 2018 when we ran into each other at the Parker House. Overloud music and $1 beers we agreed to start dating with our first official first date at one of our favorite spots in Hoboken, Zack’s on 3rd. We kept on dating and now share a love for our dog Marley and the life we have created together.

The Proposal!
On August 14th 2020, Louie got a haircut, put on his best outfit, and took me to The W in Hoboken. After a delicious meal, we walked along the Hudson River. Louie got nervous and I could see that something was on his mind. He could barely get the words out before I said, “I feel like you want to ask me something.” That gave him the courage he needed and he popped the question. The sky on the waterfront was pink and we had a crowd cheering when I said yes. It was the most romantic, happiest day of my life. Well, until our wedding day!

Why did you pick your venue?

We both share a love for the beach and spent our childhood summers vacationing on LBI, so we knew we wanted to look in that area. We originally had our eye on Mallard’s sister property Bonnet Estate, but once we saw Mallard we fell in love with the waterfront estate. We particularly loved the boathouse chapel and the dance floor overlooking the bay. We are both beach kids at heart and this venue embodied everything we love about Jersey. We were also venue searching during COVID and we knew the Merrimakers staff would help make our day so special no matter the circumstances – they truly treat their couples like family.

Tell us about all the details of the wedding!
We tied the knot on October 1st, before 160 guests. With a shared loved for the water, Mallard Island Yacht Club was the ideal location for our ceremony and reception. The weather was perfect. Guests spent most of the cocktail hour outside, and during the reception the windows surrounding the dance floor were left open, which allowed guests to hop from the dance floor to the outdoor bar overlooking the bay. The room was decorated with fall florals and a variety of candles, which added even more romance to the night. The band played a variety of music but the most memorable song was our first dance “Moon River” by Frank Ocean. We will never forget singing and dancing the night away with our closest friends and family. The style for our wedding was simple and elegant. Grace wore a simple gown with a large bow in the back. She chose to wear freshwater pearl earrings which tied in with the idyllic ocean atmosphere. Louie also opted for a classic look and wore a black tux. He loved his accessories, especially the cufflinks his father gifted him the morning of his wedding. We also had a monogram created which was used for our cake topper. For favors, we chose Rook coffee, our favorite spot down the shore. We had so much fun pulling in these personal touches!

Favorite moment of the day?
Where to begin?! The entire day felt like a dream but the most memorable moment was our first look. We were so happy they chose to do this and Susan captured the moment so beautifully! In addition to that, having all of our closest friends and family come together to celebrate our love was so special. We are forever grateful, especially for the time and effort our parents put into making our wedding day everything we dreamed it would be.

Where are you going on your honeymoon?
We went to Aruba right after our wedding night! We slept in and almost missed our flight but luckily made it! On the way there, we recapped our favorite moments from our wedding day and laughed once we realized Louie left his ring at home. We spent the week sipping pina coladas on the beach and trying the local restaurants at night. It was such a memorable week, especially because we came home to find out we were expecting a baby boy in June.