A Wedding That Seamlessly Blended Classic Jersey Shore Charm With Elegant Ballroom Style

Christie and Michael on October 4, 2025, at Breakers on the Ocean.

Their Story

Mike and Christie met in 2017 at Johnny Mac’s in Asbury Park, fresh out of college and just beginning their post-grad lives.

“He was starting his first job in New York City, and I had been at mine for only a few months,” says Christie. “After hitting it off at the bar, we decided to meet again at the train station and commute into the city together.”

For nearly a month—through some of the worst NJ Transit delays that year—they rode side by side before they ever officially started dating.

“Those extra-long train rides gave us the time to really get to know one another: sharing train beers, watching shows, and talking endlessly,” says Christie. “Somewhere between delayed departures and hours spent together, we became best friends—and then something more.”

The Proposal

The pair got engaged in October 2023, six years into their relationship, at Eastmont Orchards in Colts Neck—and, to be honest, “I completely saw it coming,” says Christie. “The night before, Mike casually asked if I wanted to go apple picking, a question he had never once asked in all our years together. I was immediately suspicious.”

“When we arrived at the orchard, his constant phone-checking and glances through the trees only confirmed it (he was actually searching for our photographer friend).”

Still, when the moment finally happened, it was absolutely perfect.

“Later that day, he managed one last surprise by bringing both of our families together at one of our favorite farm breweries, Screamin’ Hill. It turned into a joyful, unforgettable day from start to finish.”

Choosing the Venue

Being married in a church was deeply important to them, and they ultimately chose Elberon Memorial Church in Long Branch, a non-denominational Christian church with a beautiful, beachy chapel feel.

“We were married by an Episcopal priest who is a close family friend of Mike’s, which allowed us to thoughtfully customize the ceremony so it truly reflected who we are as a couple,” says Christie. “After visiting several churches, we knew this one was the perfect fit the moment we stepped inside.”

Their reception took place at the Breakers at the Ocean in Spring Lake. After exploring a variety of venues, they kept coming back to the Breakers because of how immediately comfortable and welcomed they felt.

“Shannon and her team are truly unmatched—seamlessly blending classic Jersey Shore charm with elegant ballroom style, all while making you feel like family from day one,” says Christie. “From start to finish, we were treated like royalty, and every detail of the day was executed flawlessly.”

Details of the Day

“We’re both from Monmouth County and have always loved that special stretch of the year when the summer crowds head home and the beach feels calm, open, and entirely yours—what locals affectionately call ‘local summer,'” says Christie. “When it’s still warm enough to enjoy everything you love about summer, just without the crowds. That feeling became the inspiration for our unofficial wedding theme.”

“Our palette was rooted in green and white, accented with soft fall tones—blushes and deeper reds—finished with touches of gold.”

“The groomsmen wore navy, while the bridesmaids wore eucalyptus. I gave our florist a lot of creative freedom, with just one guiding idea: the way limelight hydrangeas slowly blush as early fall sets in. She even incorporated flowers from my mom’s own garden in Long Branch, which made everything feel especially personal.”

“For entertainment, we had a live wedding painter—who also happens to be my former art teacher from Inspired Minds Fine Arts School in Colts Neck—and an incredible live band, Mission Dance Band, who kept the energy high all night. The menu was thoughtfully curated with a wide variety of options, and the food was truly outstanding.”

Favorite Moment

“There were countless moments I loved throughout the day, but one that truly took my breath away was when Mike—my husband—joined the band to sing ‘I Got You (I Feel Good),'” says Christie.

“It was a total shock. He managed to surprise not only me, but everyone in the room, creating a joyful, unforgettable moment we’ll be talking about forever.”

Wedding Day Attire

Christie wore a white A-Line gown with custom sleeves by Alena Leena from Wander Atelier in Caldwell. Mike wore a custom suit from Jos. A Banks in Holmdel.”

The bridesmaids all wore eucalyptus dresses from Azazie and the groomsmen wore rentals from Jos A. Banks. The flower girls wore dresses from Bella Bridesmaids in Freehold.

Advice For Other Couples

“My advice to other couples—especially those planning on a budget like we did—is to start by talking openly about the two details that matter most to you and make those your priorities,” says Christie. “Let everything else build around them.”

“Dividing and conquering responsibilities is just as important. We didn’t have the budget for a wedding planner, so we handled everything ourselves, including coordinating the timing of the day. Being honest about what you want and staying on the same page makes all the difference.”

“And finally, don’t put too much pressure on yourself on the day of—once everything comes together, it has a way of working out just as it should.”

Honeymoon

They took a short mini-moon to the Catskills right after their October wedding, staying at the Emerson Resort in Mount Tremper. They hiked to Kaaterskill Falls, spent time dining and exploring in Woodstock, enjoyed great food, and visited a few fun breweries. “It was the perfect, budget-friendly escape for anyone looking to unwind after the whirlwind of wedding planning,” says Christie.

“For our main honeymoon, we’re planning something slower and more relaxed—possibly a Caribbean cruise or a stay on one of the islands. After all the excitement, all we really want is to lay on a beach and truly unwind.”