Wedding Day

Clarks Landing Yacht Club, Point Pleasant

Ceremony & Reception

The White Sands Oceanfront Hotel & Spa

Hotel Accommodations

Our Wedding

At the end of summer 2019, Cole and I met through friends in the most unexpected way. Neither of us imagined it would turn into something more—he was preparing to leave for his freshman year at the University of the Sciences, while I was starting my senior year at Barnegat High School. From the very first day we met, grabbing food at Chicken or the Egg on Long Beach Island, we became inseparable. We spent every possible moment together before he left for Philadelphia, making the most of our time. When Cole finally had to go, my heart broke at the thought that our short but sweet summer was over. But just when I thought it had ended, Cole came home early and surprised me by asking me to be his girlfriend—and that’s where it all began! :)

Chapter One 

When Cole started college and I began my senior year of high school, we found a way to make the distance and our different schedules work. Cole made it a point to come home often, and I took every chance I could to visit him in Philadelphia. As the time came closer for me to make my own decision about school, I knew that because we had already made distance work, I could confidently follow my dream of moving to Florida to pursue nursing. During that year before I left, we packed in as many memories as possible—homecoming, my mom and stepdad’s wedding, our first Christmas and New Year’s together, and, of course, the unexpected pandemic. Cole and I used that time to soak up every moment together before my big move in August of 2020. Then came our next challenge: beginning long distance —1,166.8 miles apart, a leap we would take on for the next four years.

Chapter Two

I had just moved into my new dorm when Cole and I said “see you later.” Through thousands of FaceTime calls and visits every two or three months, we built a long-distance rhythm that worked for us. Whenever we were able to see each other, we cherished every moment—experiencing new things and creating memories that made the time apart worthwhile. Those four years, though challenging, taught us so much about one another and only made our relationship stronger. As Cole’s undergraduate journey came to an end, we began having big conversations about his future and where he wanted to pursue his medical career. Ultimately, he chose to move to Florida to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. And with that decision, our next chapter began: moving in together.

Chapter Three

In the summer of 2023, Cole moved down to Florida and we got our very first apartment together! That year, I started my first year of nursing school while Cole began his new job as a surgical tech. We filled our days with beach trips, Disney adventures, cozy movie nights, and our first holidays spent away from family. Some of my favorite memories are the late-night study sessions where Cole kept me company (and kept me sane!) while I worked through nursing school. It was a year full of learning, growing, and building our life together.

Chapter Four 

My move down to Florida was an adjustment, but after settling in, everything began to fall into place. Most importantly, what I had pictured for my future unfolded right before my eyes. The first stop on that checklist was the most nerve-racking... asking for permission. In July 2024, I was able to muster up the courage for those conversations, getting the ball rolling and putting a ring on hold. In September, under the cover of one of my best friend's weddings, I flew home to New Jersey and bought the ring. Although I typically go with the flow, the planner in me needed to set a date and location. I had decided on Key West in October 2024. But I proposed to Lex in November 2024, what happened? Mother Nature sent a hurricane that weekend, flooding Key West and causing last-minute scrambling. Changing the dates, accommodations, photographer, and telling our families of the change without getting caught was a job in itself. Finally, the time to travel down to Key West came and my heart was racing the entire trip. I had to have the best poker face when Lex would comment, "Let me check your bag," or "Where's the ring?" Luckily, she didn't suspect anything until moments before, when I had to get her out to the dock to "take pictures". Despite changing the time, the location, and how I would propose, I wouldn't change it for the world. God has a plan for everything, and I could not think of a better way to start forever with the love of my life. Cheers to us!

Chapter Five

Our Story

Photos

Here for the vows, staying for the open bar

Cole

Came for the love story, staying for the dance floor.

Alexa

Been through it all together — scraped knees, late-night secrets, and every embarrassing moment in between. She’s not just the Maid of Honor; she’s the bride’s built-in life coach, therapist, cheerleader, and sister at heart.

Caroline

Go-to guy for a beer, a bad idea, or both. He’s the reason half the bachelor party stories will not be shared.

George 

Knew the bride while she was still in the womb and has been by her side ever since—an older sister at heart, a constant source of love, laughter, and support, and a trusted voice of advice through every milestone and challenge along the way.

Brooke

The groom’s older brother — first best friend, first rival, and probably the first person to get him in trouble. 
P.S. Shorter and Smaller than the groom still. 

Trent

Practically a little sister to the bride, she’s shared countless laughs, memories, and adventures — from silly moments to big milestones. She brings joy, love, and a little bit of sparkle wherever she goes.

Tara

Met in college playing baseball and somehow convinced the groom  to do half of his school work.  He swears he would’ve never graduated without the groom— and honestly, he’s probably right.

Nick

Met on a college tour and became instant best friends, surviving dorm life, cafeteria food, and all-nighters together. laughing through every adventure, supporting each other through every meltdown, and collecting so many memories (and embarrassing stories.)

Gabby

Met the groom playing college baseball and bonded warming the benches in the dugout. Also dabbled in blackjack and took sports betting a little too seriously with the groom. 

Austin

College besties and roommates for years, they survived countless late nights filled with drinks, laughter, and endless adventures. From spontaneous outings to inside jokes that no one else understands, they made memories that will last a lifetime —partners in crime for life.

Jennifer 

The bride's older brother - kinda forced into this friendship.  They have now reached the "brother" level of friendship where bullying counts as affection. 

Jake

The groom’s younger sister, whom the bride has seen grow from a tiny troublemaker into a slightly bigger one. They’ve shared endless laughs, memories, and inside jokes, and the bride loves her like her own little sister.

Met the groom in high school playing basketball, and have been close ever since. Most of their time was spent hanging out at the beach house way too late, and thanks to him, the groom became a Star Wars fan just in time to join the bride’s family obsession.

Wedding Party

A room block has been reserved for our guests at the White Sands Oceanfront Hotel &amp; Spa. To reserve accommodations within this block, please contact the hotel directly using the phone number listed above and reference “McQuown &amp; Markley Wedding.” Please note that there is no online booking code; reservations must be made by phone to receive the room block rate. When calling, guests may also inquire about requesting an early check-in. A shuttle will be provided at the hotel to transport guests to and from the venue.

Alexa & Cole

Alexa & Cole

Registry