Their Story
In 2016, Brianna started working the front desk at a gym. “This guy comes up to the desk, with bloody shins, asking for a Band-Aid after his deadlifts,” she explains of her first meeting with Collin. “From there on, we talked every day.”
Will You Marry Me?
Brianna and Collin started dating in 2016 and Brianna was waiting to get engaged since Day One. “In 2022, Collin took me to the beach, same beach where we had our first kiss,” Brianna explains. “He proposed then. My friends were hiding and came running out from behind the dunes, with my dog! It was truly special.”
Details of the Day
Brianna and Collin got married at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club in Galloway Township, NJ. The couple loved the size and overall feel of the venue. “Not too big, not small, just perfect for our crowd,” Brianna explains. “We loved the somewhat rustic but modern vibe it brought. Being that our background is Irish, we wanted something that felt mystical, rustic, ‘green,’ and Blue Heron offered just enough of that. We knew the food was great from past experiences, especially with the amazing dessert room, and we appreciated how organized their coordinator was. They made everything feel very easy.”
Their deejay was DJ Dominic Longo. “He was prompt, listened to our special requests and engaged our crowd,” Brianna explains. “Very happy with him!”
For videography, Brianna and Collin used a camcorder and let their friends pass it around. “They said they had a blast with it,” she says. They also used Brianna’s Polaroid camera as part of their guest book: Guests used it to snap photos and glue them with a message in the book. They could take two photos themselves to bring home as a keepsake.
“Everyone danced, everyone had a blast, and to this day I hear about how special our ceremony was,” Brianna adds.
The Gown
“My dress was from Castle Couture and my fittings were done by Giana Scanelli Bridal—recommend both!” Brianna says.
Favorite Moment
The ceremony was Brianna’s favorite. “It was so intimate and felt very ‘us,’ ” she explains. “It was drizzling earlier that morning, which I didn’t even realize. But I walked out to ‘Here Comes the Sun’ with my dad, and the sun really came out! Our guests were telling us how it was a perfect moment.”
The ceremony felt even more perfect because everyone they wanted there, from all different chapters of their lives, was there, including their beloved dog, Maggie. “My Maid of Honor walked Maggie down the aisle and that was very special to us,” Brianna explains. “We had Furever & Fur Always handle our dog, Maggie. They transported her to and from the venue and watched her as needed. I’m so happy I went with that decision—she’s forever part of our day.”
There was another special moment during the ceremony. “When I spoke my vows, I opened my book and blew dust away (baby powder), as if I’ve been waiting for this day for years, because I have!” Brianna explains. “Everyone laughed, and my husband was shocked, in a hilarious way. We exchanged vows and it felt like it was only us two speaking from our hearts. To this day I hear from friends how it was the most wholesome ceremony they’ve been to.”
Favorite Detail
Brianna’s favorite detail was her photographer—Nona Martin Photography. “I could talk about her all day—truly the best,” Brianna raves. “She really captured what I had envisioned and hoped for to the T! I recommend her to all of my engaged friends.”
Advice for Others
Brianna advises to take your time when planning, and lean on your friends for support where you can. “This isn’t supposed to be a stressful time,” she adds.
Honeymoon
A month after their wedding, Brianna and Collin went back to their motherland, Ireland, and then spent a week in Scotland.
The Team
Photography | Nona Martin Photography, Cape May, NJ
Rings | Bentley Diamond, Spring Lake Heights, NJ
Bride’s Gown | Castle Couture, Manalapan, NJ
Alterations | Giana Scanelli Bridal, Middletown, NJ
Hair & Makeup | Say I Do Hair & Makeup, Cape May, NJ
Deejay | DJ Dominic Longo, Brick, NJ
Signage | The Bride & Canva
Flowers | Evergreen Bride Florals, Conway, AR
Cake | Simply Sweet Cupcakes, Egg Harbor City, NJ
Dog Handler | Furever & Fur Always, Atlantic City, NJ
Transportation | Mike’s Affordable Shuttle, Atlantic City, NJ
Hotel | Residence Inn
Bridal Shower | Half Moon Point, Point Pleasant, NJ
Honeymoon | Scotland & Ireland
