Julie: 24, from Ramsey, NJ

Brendan: 24, from Allendale, NJ

Now reside in: Mahwah, NJ

The Details

Ceremony: On the beach at Ballard’s Inn 
Reception & Catering: Ballard’s Inn
Rehearsal Dinner: National Hotel
Photographer: Eisley Images 
Music: DJ John Brazile
Flowers: Costco
Cake: Aldo’s Bakery
Nails: Koru Eco Spa

Before the Ring, and Proposal 
Julie and Brendan met on the online dating application, Tinder, and through mutual friends while Julie was in college. 

Block Island Because......  
It was their first vacation together, and they both fell in love with the island. Although at the time they were not engaged, they saw weddings going on and both knew that if they did indeed get married, that Block Island was the spot.

Wedding Day 
With a beach wedding planned, the weather was perfect. The ceremony included music sung by Julie’s uncle and a “sand ceremony”.With the reception inside at Ballard’s, it was convenient for everyone to be at the same location for the entire day. Brendan’s cousin Nicole sang the first dance song, and the dancing was a big hit. A cake ceremony was a nice touch, along with the traditional bouquet toss and garter belt. All of the centerpieces and decorations were made by Julie and Brendan, with help from family and friends.

Wedding Weekend  
Julie and Brendan had a welcome bonfire on the beach at Ballard’s, which included appetizers and beach bar — a great way to have everybody together, especially for the guests who traveled far to be at the wedding. They handed out welcome bags at the bonfire, which included maps of the island and snacks. A rehearsal dinner was held for the bridal party at The National Hotel on the evening before the big day and an informal and casual brunch was held the day after the wedding at Aldo’s Bakery.

Top 3 pieces of advice for having an island wedding:
1. Hire a local wedding planner who knows Block Island well. It is worth the extra money to be stress free on your wedding day.
2. Make it a wedding weekend! Do this by adding a welcome party and goodbye brunch surrounding the wedding.
3. Come early and stay late — enjoy the island. Make sure you have time before and after your wedding to relax.