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Maureen and Chris met on a dating app, like so many do, but as it happens, they actually grew up in the same hometown! Their relationship grew into love, and over the Thanksgiving holiday, the two got engaged in Divine Park, the same place where they'd be enjoying their photo session on their wedding day. This lovely location is also directly across from the church where they would soon be married.
When that special day arrived, Maureen and Chris got ready in separate private residences, with Maureen's actually also being very close to the church where their ceremony would be held. She had her hair done in a romantic updo and her makeup professionally applied by the team at the Peach Blossom Salon. And then she dressed into her fabulous Caroline Castigliano gown.
Maureen's sister and mother helped her into her dress, which featured a sophisticated lace covered fitted bodice topper with illusion lace appliqué straps and a classic, slim A-line silhouette. Her lovely floral bouquet from Wallflowers was overflowing with fresh blooms in blush and white. With her beautiful lace-edged veil and pearl accessories added, Maureen was ready for her day and looked absolutely amazing!
Chris got ready for the big day at his home with his brother by his side. His parents and little pup (in his own little tux!) were there to help, too! He finished dressing into his modern, two-toned tuxedo, looking ever so dapper, and couldn't wait to see his bride for the first time that day.
And his excited 'Wow!' after seeing Maureen for the first time on their wedding day was totally understandable! The two then couldn't hold back their tears at their tender first look. Maureen and Chris met up outside at the location where Maureen prepared for the day for this exciting and emotional moment, then had their first formal photo shoot of the day. With the incomparable Paul Francis Photography team capturing the day, they had their photos captured in Divine Park, with the lovely Spring Lake as the backdrop. What a beautiful, serene setting for their photo shoot (and their engagement!).
Then, it was just a few steps more to Maureen and Chris's wedding ceremony. Their ceremony was held in the bright and beautiful St. Catharine Church, there in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Maureen walked down the aisle on the arms of her parents to meet up with Chris at the altar. Theirs was a traditional Catholic Wedding Mass, and after they exchanged vows and rings, they shared an emotional kiss and received blessings from Father Bob Stagg.
After the ceremony concluded, it was time for the party to kick off! Maureen showed off her second look for her day with her strapless, sweetheart neckline, as her gown's lace topper was removed for the second half of the day. And the fantastic party was held at the gorgeous riverside venue, Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, just a five minute drive from the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean.
The wedding party was introduced to the guests in attendance for the reception, then Maureen and Chris shared their romantic first dance. Their formal parent dances followed, as Chris danced with his mother and Maureen with her father. Then, Maureen and Chris popped outside for a bit as romantic sunset photos were taken. After guests had their first course, the dance floor opened briefly for everyone to begin to warm it up for the night!
We were all treated to fantastic, well-written and beautifully delivered toasts from Maureen's father, with her mother by his side, from Maureen's sister, her maid of honor and from Chris's brother and best man during dinner. Then, dancing continued all evening, with everyone partying and dancing the night away to the hip sounds of Brian Kirk and the Jirks!
Summer weddings 'down the shore' are so wonderful, always with a relaxed and romantic vibe through and through. And Maureen and Chris's wedding day was no exception, and so perfectly planned and put together by Jennifer Tolento Events. Simply a beautiful day filled with the love and laughter of this sweet couple and their friends and family. Congratulations to Maureen and Chris, and may all your days be filled with the love and joy that was overflowing on your wedding day!
Photographer: Paul Francis Photography - Morristown, NJ
Floral Design: Wallflowers - Spring Lake, NJ
Hair Stylist: The Peach Blossom Salon - Bradley Beach, NJ
Makeup Artist: The Peach Blossom Salon - Bradley Beach, NJ
Wedding Dress: Caroline Castigliano
Bridal Shoes: Sarah Flint
Entertainment: Brian Kirk and the Jirks - Rumson, NJ
Cake: Chocolate Carousel - Wall Township, NJ
Wedding Planner: Jennifer Tolento Events - Middletown Township, NJ
Officiant: Father Bob Stagg - Upper Saddle River, NJ
Church: St. Catharine Church - Spring Lake, NJ
Venue: Clarks Landing Yacht Club - Point Pleasant, NJ