Merri-Makers at Mallard Island Yacht Club

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story 

“The Invisible String Theory: The idea that you have already met your soulmate long before you realized it. According to this theory, you may have already met your soulmate without even realizing it. For example, you may have smiled at them while passing them by on the street, realized you were at the same Christmas party 10 years ago, or found a photo where they happened to be in the background. You and your partner may have been in the same place at the same time in the past, without even knowing it. It suggests that there is an invisible string connecting two people who are meant to be together.” Both beginning their college careers at Monmouth University in 2016, Gianna &amp; Leigh were at many of the same places at the same time; college parties, bars, dorm buildings and classes. However, they didn’t cross paths until their senior year. Introduced by a mutual friend in October of 2019, they finally met and began dating on November 20th, 2019.

How We Met…

Long Beach Island is Gianna &amp; Leigh’s happy place. Spending every summer (and even many weekends in the off-season for little getaways!), they have made some of their best memories there. Spending days on the 79th Avenue beach, nights at the beach bars, dinners at their favorite restaurants, and taking walks to the beach with their corgi Kygo, LBI holds a special place in their hearts. Leigh brought Gianna to dinner at Parker’s Garage, one of their favorite restaurants on the island. Timing it perfectly with sunset, they then made their way over to the Barnegat Lighthouse, a spot where they have spent many days picking up coffee and breakfast and venturing over for a morning by the ocean. Leigh brought Gianna over to the water and proposed. It was the most beautiful proposal at the most beautiful place. Following the proposal, Gianna and Leigh made their way to Teak in Red Bank to celebrate with all of their family and friends. Overwhelmed with love and happiness, Gianna and Leigh had the best day filled with love.

The Proposal… 

Our Story

Photos

Tara Durkin

Diandra LaTorre

Amanda Cappuccino

Jenna Van Sant

Mikayla Topoleski

Nicole Cilmi

Serena Sultan

Anna DuPont

Angelina DuPont

Nicolette Buffa

Christopher Maksimik

Michael Maksimik

Scott DuPont

Luke DuPont

Logan Mazzola

Nicholas Gambale 

Chandler Yuen

Giancarlo Visentin

Daniel Park

Nicholas Cretella

Robert Milo

Wedding Party

Where is the ceremony location?

The ceremony will be taking place at the chapel on-site at the Mallard Island Yacht Club.

What do I wear?

The attire is black-tie. We are requesting all guests to wear the color black, as our color scheme is black &amp; white.

Are children invited?

While we love your children so much, our venue is 18+.

Can I bring a guest/date?

We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation. Thank you for understanding!

Can I take photo/video during the ceremony?

We kindly ask that you do not have your phone/camera out during the ceremony. Our photographer and videographer will be capturing the ceremony, and we would like to be sure that there aren’t any phones in the photos/video. Thank you!

Will there be transportation provided?

There will be a shuttle provided through out the day and night traveling to and from Mallard Island Yacht Club and Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel. Below are the shuttle times: 2:00pm (1st pick up) &amp; 2:30pm (2nd pick up) - Shuttle will pick up guests from Drifting Sands and bring them to Mallard Island Yacht Club. 8:30pm (1st pick up) &amp; 9:00pm (2nd pick up) - Shuttle will pick up guests who do not wish to attend the After Party from Mallard Island Yacht Club to Drifting Sands. 10:30pm (1st pick up) &amp; 11:00pm (2nd pick up) - Final shuttle will pick up guests after the After Party from Mallard Island Yacht Club to Drifting Sands.

What time does the ceremony begin, and when should I arrive?

The ceremony will begin at 3pm sharp. Guest arrival is 2:15pm.

How can I book a room at the room block?

Please visit the “TRAVEL” tab to book a room at the Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel room block. Deadline to book a room at the room block is Thursday 10/10.

Q + A

There is a room block for Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8th at Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel. Please use the below link to book your room. If you have any questions, please call the hotel at (609) 494-1123. Deadline to book a room at the hotel is Thursday 10/10.

Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel

Travel

While you’re on LBI, you should try some of Gianna & Leigh’s favorite spots!

C O F F E E : Gianna &amp; Leigh’s favorite year-round coffee spot is How You Brewin’ in Surf City.

B R E A K F A S T : Gianna &amp; Leigh LOVE the Chicken or the Egg in Beach Haven for a delicious breakfast!

L U N C H : Gianna &amp; Leigh’s favorite lunch spot is Buckalews in Beach Haven. Try their sushi and Moscow Mule!

D I N N E R : You can’t go wrong with Nardis, Buckalews, or Russo’s for an amazing dinner!

S H O P P I N G : Song of the Sea in Beach Haven is your go-to for everything LBI. Sandpicked Candle Co, Gianna’s candle company, is also sold there!