The Venue: Mantoloking Yacht Club

The Mantoloking Yacht Club, perched on the shores of Barnegat Bay in New Jersey, is a historic private sailing and social club founded in 1907. Deeply personal to the bride and her family—who spent summers there swimming, sailing, and building lifelong memories—it was the perfect setting for a celebration grounded in tradition and sentiment. To bring their vision to life, we designed and installed a custom sailcloth tent on the club’s sprawling lawn, allowing us to host their full guest count without sacrificing the sweeping bay views and charm of the property. Every detail, from the tented reception to the fun color palette, paid homage to the bride’s deep-rooted connection to the beloved summer retreat while creating a modern and magical wedding backdrop.

The Paper

The invitations, designed by Polk Paper, perfectly set the tone for the weekend by blending tradition with a playful twist. They featured the Mantoloking Yacht Club’s signature flag—cleverly updated with a “J” for Josh—adding a personal and unexpected element. A wavy edge detail echoed the movement of the water, bringing a tactile, coastal feel to the suite. The bubbly, handwritten-style font paired beautifully with a light, joyful palette of pinks, blues, and greens, while a modern ocean-inspired envelope liner tied it all together, capturing the couple’s fun-loving energy and deep connection to the shore.

The Ceremony

The ceremony took place within the Mantoloking Yacht Club, overlooking the sparkling waters of Barnegat Bay—a setting rich with meaning and history for the couple. Their beloved Portuguese Water Dog stole the show, proudly taking center stage and adding a heartwarming, personal touch to the celebration. The aisle was lined with vibrant, whimsical florals that felt like a joyful extension of the natural surroundings, leading up to a dramatic pink floral arch where the couple exchanged their vows. It was a ceremony full of personality, sentiment, and seaside charm.

Tented Dinner + Dancing

Guests were welcomed into a breathtaking custom tent that radiated energy and joy. The space was brought to life with vibrant, playful florals and a mix of patterned linens—some in cheerful gingham, others in rich red textures—that added depth and personality to each table. Classic white wooden chairs provided a crisp contrast, while clusters of paper lanterns floated overhead, creating a dreamy, celebratory atmosphere. As the evening progressed, Stortz lit up the tent with a dynamic light show, adding to the magic. The dance floor, featuring the couple’s custom flag and monogram, became a lively centerpiece and a major hit with guests. The band kept everyone dancing with incredible live music, and the food stations—each marked with oversized, whimsical signage—invited guests to explore and indulge throughout the night. The flower arrangements were a vibrant celebration of color and texture, incorporating a playful mix of tropical varieties in sun-kissed peaches, punchy pinks, soft lavenders, buttery yellows, fresh light greens, and pops of blue and purple. This unexpected palette added a whimsical, modern twist to the coastal setting, infusing each table and corner of the tent with joy and movement. The florals perfectly complemented the eclectic linens and ocean breeze, creating a lush, immersive environment that felt both festive and deeply personal.

Other Details

The couple’s cake was a true showstopper, fashioned after the bride’s after-party dress, blending style and sweetness in one unforgettable centerpiece. Embracing their playful spirit, the couple handed out custom hats featuring their signature flag—a nod to Joe’s favorite breweries—that quickly became a hit among guests. In one of the most heartfelt moments of the night, Joe surprised his bride with a special live performance, creating a memory that brought the entire tent to its feet. As the celebration wound down, guests were treated to personalized takeout containers adorned with the couple’s monogram—a thoughtful and fun final detail that perfectly captured the couple’s personality and the joy of the day.