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Nicole and Chris at The Hamilton Manor

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Nicole and Chris at The Hamilton Manor

Posted on August 12, 2021 by Allison Dupree

How did you meet?
We met at Toms River High School North in driver’s education class in 2010. We went to a big high school and didn’t really know of each other until sophomore year. We ended up spending all of sophomore year texting and talking in class but did not start actually dating until the summer!

How did you get engaged?
Chris proposed on Ortley Beach on 3rd Avenue, a place where we grew up and spent many summers together. My family and his family were there to watch the entire thing from the top on the beach, as well as a few friends!

Details of the day!
Our theme was classic and timeless. I knew I wanted to look back and never know what year it was. I tried to pick details that were simple and clean and would never go out of style. Minimalistic if you will!

Why did you choose your venue?
I knew Hamilton Manor was the venue as soon as I walked in. I grew up riding horses and spent most of my days in a barn. It was always a dream to get married in a barn, but most were not the right vision! As soon as I saw the barn doors at Hamilton Manor and the amazing décor inside, I knew it was it. We also loved that the ceremony was in the barn, which was very rustic. Then the cocktail hour was downstairs in the lounge, which has a very speak-easy type feel to it. Then you move to the ballroom, which is absolutely stunning with gorgeous details and is just classic all around. The venue had so many different feels to it that it was exactly what we dreamed of!

What was on your menu?

Our wedding menu consisted of four entrées: stuffed chicken; French-cut pork chop cured in a maple glaze topped with caramelized bacon and onions; eggplant rollatini stuffed with fresh ricotta cheese in a tomato basil sauce; and salmon filet topped with a caramelized onion, sundried tomato in a honey glaze reduction. At the end of the night, we had a Philly pretzel station to go!

All about your gown!
My gown was a strapless silk Mikado gown in a mermaid style. My godmother picked it out on the rack and I said “no way!” After trying on 10-plus dresses, she made me put it on. We were all stunned. I never thought I wanted strapless but there was something about this dress. It fit me like a glove. I then asked, “What is the name of this dress?” Nicole from Nicole’s’ Boutique replied, “The Cassidy.” Cassidy is one of my oldest and best friends, and my maid of honor. I started balling my eyes out as soon as she said it. The dress was timeless, simple and just perfect for what I wanted. I paired it with a simple cathedral veil, and it was just dreamy!

What was your favorite moment?
There were so many favorite moments, but I have to say walking down the aisle with both of my parents next to me and seeing Chris’s face was my favorite moment. We did a first look so I wasn’t sure if the emotions would still come out when I came down the aisle but they sure did. The only thing I could look at was him while walking down. It was magical and everything I dreamed it would be.

One detail you couldn’t live without?
One detail I could not live without was my Grandfather’s 1937 Buick that my parents also had at their wedding 31 years ago. My mom, dad, and I drove in the Buick from the hotel to the venue. It was also a beautiful backdrop for all of our pictures, which were so classic. My grandfather was not able to be with us on our special day but he was absolutely smiling from above!

Did anything go wrong?
The one thing that went wrong was I was supposed to have a piece from my senior prom dress, which was blue for my something blue, wrapped around my flower bouquet. This was one detail I was really cherishing since it is the dress I wore to prom with my now husband back in 2013. At the end of the day, it really was not a big deal but it would have been so special! If anything else went wrong, I did not know it!

First dance song?
“Forever to Go,” by Chase Rice.

Any advice for future brides?
If you are feeling like something isn’t going the way you want it to during the planning phase, speak up! Don’t just agree to something you are not 100% about. You don’t want to regret anything. It is your day and it should be everything you want. It is impossible to please everyone when everyone has an opinion. I have tried doing it. But also, take opinions from people who you value their ideas!

Honeymoon location:
The Haven in Cancun, Mexico! Due to Covid restrictions, there weren’t too many options. At first, I was exhausted from wedding planning and didn’t want to bother with planning a honeymoon. We ended up booking it last minute and I am SO glad we did. It was so nice to get away and enjoy each other and not have to plan a thing!

the details

Hometowns

Toms River

Ceremony Location

The Hamilton Manor

Reception Location

The Hamilton Manor

Photographer

Kelly Sea Images

Officiant

Nick Danze

Bride’s Gown

Maggie Sottero

+ more

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Nicole and Chris at The Hamilton Manor

the details

Hometowns

Ceremony Location

Reception Location

Photographer

Officiant

Bride’s Gown

Bride’s Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses

Hair

Makeup

Groom’s Attire

Groomsmen Attire

Flowers

Cake

Invites

Music

Videographer

Transportation

Brides Jewelry