Your wedding day is fast approaching and with the grandeur that is Monmouth County, NJ, where are you going to take your wedding photos? We’ve narrowed down our favorites! We searched to help our future brides find the perfect spot for their wedding photos. These photos will document your day through captured smiles and secret glances in a breathtaking setting that you will treasure forever.
The top six New Jersey wedding photo hot-spots, dotted throughout Monmouth County, are excellent! Especially if you book with us at your Monmouth County, NJ, wedding venues; the Radisson of Freehold’s Crystal Ballroom or the DoubleTree of Tinton Falls-Eatontown’s Sterling Ballroom.
1. Pier Village, Long Branch, NJ
White gazebos and clear skies are abundant in Pier Village. The area is filled with quaint shops, a beautiful landscape and multiple spots for you and your groom to pose for your wedding photos. This part of Monmouth County is one of the most popular locations for wedding photos. Not only do you have enchanting architecture but the ocean is right behind you giving your photos an air of exquisite taste. Pier Village is only 15 minutes from the Sterling Ballroom and 35 minutes from the Crystal Ballroom. This NJ hot-spot is a great selection for any Monmouth bride.
Our bride and groom share a kiss at Pier Village before heading off to their reception. Photo Credit Something Blue Photography
The wedding party strikes a pose for the camera before heading off to the reception. Photo credit Abacus Wedding Studios.
2. Monmouth County Parks
This magnificent spot is perfect for any bride who wants a lovely landscape in her photos. Mount Mitchill, located in Middletown, NJ, is a rare and delightful scenic overlook. With views of the Raritan Bay, New York City, Sandy Hook and the Twin Lights Lighthouse, there is 360 degrees of glorious photo opportunities. It is also the location of the Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial, a picturesque monument to all those who were touched by that fateful day. Located only a half hour from the Sterling Ballroom and 45 minutes from the Crystal Ballroom this Monmouth County gem is sure to make you smile.
3. Asbury Park Beach
A classic setting for a classic bride. The Asbury Park Beach is a great NJ location for your photos. You can toe the surf, waltz the boardwalk, and pose together against the roaring ocean. This Monmouth County hot spot is only 30 minutes from the Radisson of Freehold’s Crystal Ballroom and 15 minutes from the DoubleTree by Hilton of Tinton Falls’ Sterling Ballroom.
4. Monmouth University, West Long Branch, NJ
Only 10 minutes from the Sterling Ballroom this wonderful location is stunning for wedding photos. The architecture is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of areas on campus to take your photos. Outside of Edison Hall or in front of Wilson Hall, the intricate architecture is superb for wedding photos. Pose on the steps leading to the library or share a meaningful gaze next to the pillars. Inside or out, Monmouth University really makes for a dazzling backdrop.
The Bridal party shares a laugh with the bride at Monmouth University before heading to the reception. Photo credit Artist European Photography.
The bride and groom share a kiss on the steps at Monmouth University, NJ. Photo credit Artist European Photography.
5. Deep Cut Gardens, Middletown, NJ
Immerse yourself in the splendors of Deep Cut Gardens before you spend the evening at your wedding venue. Your Monmouth County wedding photos can be taken by the quaint, colorful greenhouse, wandering the Deep Cut Gardens Parterre, or roaming around the Horticultural Center. Fifteen minutes away from the Sterling Ballroom in Central Jersey, the gardens are blooming with colorful roses. This location will make your white wedding gown pop against all the lush green foliage.
6. Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold, NJ
This historic location is an attractive property and is only 15 minutes from the DoubleTree of Tinton Falls Eatontown’s Sterling Ballroom. You can take the most memorable photos at the corn crib entrance way. The blue arched building with benches lining the wall is a romantic, secluded area to share a kiss. The Carriage House and Waln House are also two historically elegant spots Central NJ wedding photos. With rustic and vintage themes taking the bridal industry by storm this setting is the best place to keep up with the roaring trends.
Since leap year only comes around once every four years, there has to be some sort of special rule for that day, right? Well there is… for women. February 29 is said to be the only day that it is appropriate for a woman to propose to a man.
According to an article on mentalfloss.com, this legend dates back to 5th century Ireland. It is said that St. Bridget of Ireland was frustrated that she had to wait around for a proposal, which may never even come at all. So she complained to St. Patrick who ultimately decided that women could be allowed to propose to a man only once every four years on leap day. This became known as “The Ladies’ Privilege.”
So would you propose to your man, whether on leap day or any other day? If so, how would you stage your perfect NJ engagement? You’d be surprised by some of the women who have proposed to their man.
Some famous women in the past and present are known to have been the person who proposed. In 1839 Queen Victoria proposed to Albert by summoning him to her room and asking him to if he would consent to what she wished for (marriage). Recently, celebrities such as Halle Berry, Pink, and Jennifer Hudson are known to have proposed to their husbands.
So do men want to be proposed to? According to the article, only 56% of men in a relationship would say yes to a proposal if asked today. Make sure if you are proposing that your man is in that 56%. Good luck ladies! If he says yes check out our Central NJ wedding venues.
A wedding is a once in a lifetime event, and with it comes a MOTHER IN LAW monster lurking in the shadows…. Ok, although the reality is not all mothers- in- law and mothers- of brides are terrors. Some moms are quite nothing short of angelic guardians who guide us all through the process of life through their infinite wisdom and unrequited love. (I love you mom!)
As we all know in New Jersey weddings, family is family and no one should be disrespectin’ nobody’s mom and brides are no exception. (So put down the claws Bridezilla). After all, part of the whole marriage process is a joining of two families and our central New Jersey wedding venues celebrate this unity of family by treating our brides as family of our own.
After seeing an article posted by OneWed featuring the What Not to Wear for MOBs and MOGs, Hotels Unlimited decided to take a crack at this (with of course a bit of sensible tongue in cheek and a drawing ability of a fifth grader, since that is how we roll here in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean County, NJ)
How does the bride then ask the mother in law about her attire for the big day?
After deciding on a color palette and a theme, it is time to do some dress shopping. Why not make a day of it and enjoy it? Take the mom(s) out to lunch, order a few drinks, and have a fun day of shopping together. Get to know the woman you are intending to dress and imagine what her wedding dress was once like, because she too was once in your shoes.
Some tactful ways to approach this can be covered in conversation and in the right questions:what style of dress mom wore to her wedding?, what were her wedding colors?, who was her favorite fashionista-type celebrities? Somewhere behind that mother -in-law -death- glare- of- love is a woman.
WHAT IF MY MOM…. Says she likes 80s grunge and would like to be dressed out of a combination of a dumpster and Lady Gaga? (and please, no meat dress at my wedding!!)
Although that is a tough combo to salvage, even Lady Gaga has had her classy moments that could make any woman beautiful. Show mom the Lady Gaga-esque styles that you would like and see what she thinks. Fortunately, there are enough styles and variety that it can loosely tie into the bridal theme without making the mother-monster miserable. (yes, pun was intended.)
When all else fails, at least the bride can say she tried. Although a NJ wedding is one of the biggest milestones, one has to ask the important questions of what truly matters: family. After all, remember that the family will still exist long after the wedding is over so it is best not to burn any bridges since you will be with them until death do you part.
As the temperatures outside become slightly warmer outside we are reminded that spring and love are coming into the air, and what a better way to celebrate love than through a wedding? When selecting your central NJ wedding venue, one must consider the value that the venue can provide for their special event. Today, Hotels Unlimited announces its One Day Wedding Sale for our Ocean County wedding facilities: The Atlantis Ballroom & The Versailles Ballroom. With half price enhancers and prices starting at $45-$49 at the Atlantis Ballroom and $49-$59 at the Versailles Ballroom, Hotels Unlimited has not had a better wedding package deal for 2012.
Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada of Toms River
Particularly, Hotels Unlimited already offers in our packages:
-One on one personalized service and a commitment to your vision
-Table linens & centerpieces
-Catering package options
-On-site ceremony space and overnight stay
Atlantis Ballroom inside of the Holiday Inn of Toms River
Both the Atlantis Ballroom and The Versailles Ballroom have won The Knot Best of Weddings awards thanks to our lovely brides who rated us among the best. To see the Versailles Ballroom reviews and the Atlantis Ballroom reviews be sure to check out our pages on The Knot, our website, or on WeddingWire. To see more details on our offer see the
Interested parties are invited to participate in our New Jersey wedding catering tastings during our 2012 Mercer County bridal shows. Here we took a short preview video to allow interested couples an insider’s look into the world of The Windsor Ballroom as part of our Behind the Scenes YouTube Video series.
Our Central NJ wedding venues are available for tours and to schedule a meeting with you. We look forward to hearing from you:
Find the perfect spot in the Caribbean for your honeymoon after your Central NJ wedding. There are many places to choose from, each with their own unique features. Some of the hottest spots in the Caribbean include Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Turks and Caicos. So which one is the right place for you and your significant other.
According to WeddingWire.com, Aruba is an island with beautiful soft beaches and lots of entertainment. During your honeymoon in Aruba, you can choose from many activities including snorkeling, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding. Also, the nightlife in Aruba is very lively with plenty of bars and casinos to choose from.
The Bahamas is one of the biggest honeymoon destinations due to its variety in entertainment, luxury, and beauty. They offer the same activities in the Bahamas as they do in Aruba, except the Bahamas has the third largest barrier reef where you can snorkel or scuba dive. It also has such natural beauty to be explored.
Another hot honeymoon spot is Turks and Caicos, with only eight out of forty islands occupied. Here you can indulge yourself in shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and travel to caves and natural forests. Turks and Caicos has beautiful weather year-round, so no matter when you go you can be laying on the beach basking in the warm sun.
To explore the other islands and see what they have to offer visit WeddingWire.com. You will soon be exploring your options and booking your beautiful getaway to the Caribbean! Happy honeymoon newlyweds and congratulations on your marriage!
Non traditional wedding veils and headpieces seem to be one of the hottest trends to hit the wedding market in years. Hotels Unlimited would like to share with you some ideas for a non traditional wedding veil. You will be beautiful walking down the aisle in the newest stylish, trendy fashion.
Instead of the traditional veil brides have been wearing since the beginning of time, brides now seem to want a change. Although nontraditional veils and headpieces have been around for years, it seems that now is the time more brides are wearing them. According to ehow.com and wedding-veil.com, there are a few types of nontraditional veils and headpieces a bride can choose from.
Birdcage Veil
It is a delicate veil that covers the face to right below the chin. It is usually attached to a headband, hat or a gathering of flowers.
Blusher Veil
A veil that covers the bride’s face but it is not as long as the birdcage veil.
Flyaway Veil
A veil that touches or just covers the shoulders.
Flowers
Brides are putting a flower or a group of flowers, matching their wedding flowers or not, in their hair. They can be attached to a headband, veil, or pinned right into their hair.
Fascinator
A fascinator is a small hat that sits on top of the head or worn on an angle covering one eye. A veil can be attached to this, usually the birdcage veil.
Combs and Pins
If a bride chooses not to have a veil at all, she can decorate her hair by tucking in a comb or a pin. A comb is larger than a pin and is used to hold the hair back. They can be decorated with rhinestones and other jewels. A pin can be used for both up-do’s and loose hairstyles.
So, choose one of the ideas above, or even combine some of them to make the perfect headpiece for you on your wedding day! There are so many possibilities to pick from, what will you be walking down the aisle in?
When it comes to selecting your perfect Central NJ wedding destination, one has to consider their options, and plan out all the details. Today, Hotels Unlimited decided to share our insight for the hottest 2012 wedding shoe trends.
Shoes, one word that makes almost every woman smile. So why not take the time to pick out the perfect pair of shoes to match the wedding dress? There are plenty of styles to choose from, whether it’s flats, low-heels, high-heels, open-toe or closed-toe, a perfect wedding shoe can be found for every bride. So don’t just settle for a shoe that makes you content, find the shoe that will look perfect with your dress and makes you happy!
One hot 2012 wedding shoe trend that seems to be taking off quickly is colored bridal shoes. According to an article on HubPages.com, many brides are choosing colors such as red, green, blue, orange, and bright pink for their shoes. Usually, the color of the bride’s shoes will either match the bridesmaids’ dresses or the colors of the wedding. Some brides have also paired a colored shoe with a black bridesmaid’s dress.
So brides, why not take the chance with a colored shoe? Stand out, it is your day!
In a down economy, it is no surprise that people are turning to new alternatives to subdue the cost of their Central NJ wedding. After all, with all the components to a wedding the average cost is around $40,000 in New Jersey. This is why many wedding experts have projected 2012 to be yet another popular year for do-it-yourself projects (see our post for hot 2012 wedding trends.)
According to a new article featured in the New York Times, this trend is only going to increase as 2012 progresses. People are now looking into making their own wedding ring as both a sentimental symbol of their love and a unique mark of this major lifetime milestone. Although making a wedding ring isn’t a walk in the park, some welding shops such as The Wedding Ring Experience will guide couples along their journey to make their own personalized wedding rings using gold or platinum. Some couples can bring their own precious metals and materials or the shop can purchase the raw materials needed at the current exchange rate.
This can also make an excellent idea for a NJ engagement ring, because what woman wouldn’t want a custom piece to call her own?
It’s inevitable. Couples can annoy each other from time to time. And this can be especially true when it comes to wedding planning. Here are the top five ways brides can annoy their grooms—and how to avoid them.
1. Talking “wedding” 24/7. Of course, your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it completely consume your life, day in and day out, between your engagement and the big day. Schedule some non-wedding time with your fiancé to keep some sense of sanity alive—for both of you.
2. Wavering on every single decision. When it comes to decision-making, most guys don’t like to mess around. If you waffle on every wedding related decision, he’s sure to get annoyed. And if you ask your groom for his opinion and still end up waffling, good luck. Instead, make an educated decision, based on both of your input, and stick to it. Then move on with the next item on your list. Otherwise, it will be tough to accomplish anything and you’ll end up stressing out yourself—and your groom.
3. Crying—over everything. Trust me, I get it. Weddings are emotional. But try not to get so caught up in the emotional rollercoaster that you burst into tears at the drop of a hat, say when your fiancé’s mom asks if she can invite her third cousin to the wedding or your maid of honor wants to wear a dress in your not-so-favorite color. Try handling everything in a calm, collected fashion, whenever possible, to prevent letting emotions cloud your judgment—and escalate into an unnecessary blow-out.
4. Insulting his mother. You and your future mother-in-law may not see eye-to-eye on everything, but that doesn’t mean he wants to hear about it each and every time an issue comes up between the two of you. After all, she’s his mother, and she can likely do no harm. Pick your battles here.
5. Acting helpless. Let’s face it. You’re perfectly capable of doing many, many things—without his help. While screaming and crying to get him to kill a spider may get some results, screaming and crying for his help with every detail of your wedding plans likely won’t. Instead, create a plan to split up the wedding planning duties between the two of you and then work on knocking them out—together.
