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We’re Coconuts for this Tropical Themed New Jersey Wedding

Bride and groom at tropical destination wedding arch

Bessa and Michael had big plans for their wedding day and they weren't going to let COVID get in the way of their love. They scaled the wedding from 200 down to 30 and could not have been happier with the result.

Keep scrolling to see all of the beautiful photos by Lauren Ashley Photography. The bride, Bessa, planned every detail, FC Affairs created all of the amazing florals and the cutest coconut favors were from Straight Up Coconut at this Wave Resort New Jersey wedding. You can see all the images in the full gallery

Pre Ceremony

Wedding invitation suite with shoes and rings still life

Elegant white rose and freesia wedding boutonnieres Elegant ivory bridal heels with shimmering embellishments

Wedding rings on a decorative plate with a rose detail

Bride in lace robe sits on bed getting ready for wedding

Bessa looked stunning in her Enzoani gown and donned the perfect beachy look for this tropical affair with the help of Drea And the Brush and Hair By Kristine. Doleto Entertainment kept the party going for this intimate group. Read scrolling to see more to hear from Bessa and watch the day unfold.

On July 4th, 2020 I married the love of my life during an intimate tropical modern themed wedding at Wave Resort in Long Branch, New Jersey. After months of planning and re-planning our dream day, due to COVID-19, we had to narrow down our guest list from 200 guests to 30 guests to follow the CDC guidelines.

Bride and bridesmaids celebrate with champagne in robes

Bride in lace gown sitting in chair for wedding photoshoot

Beautiful bride in white dress by ocean smiles broadly

First Look

Bride and groom on balcony with ocean view wedding

Bride playfully pinches grooms butt at beach wedding

Bride holding white rose and peony wedding bouquet

We refused to change our wedding date because love was not cancelled this year even if everything else was. Our ceremony and reception were both held on the rooftop terrace at Wave Resort over looking the ocean.

Bride and groom pose by ocean on their wedding day

The Ceremony

Smiling bride at rooftop wedding ceremony with groom

Groom reads vows to bride at beach wedding ceremony

Bride and groom kissing at a tropical beach wedding

Guests stayed at Wave Resort where the bride & groom got ready for the big day in the best suites the hotel has to offer. The venue is very modern and chic offering the perfect beachside wedding! We chose a tropical theme with all whites and greenery created by FC Affairs.

Bride and groom under tropical wedding arch near the ocean

Since we ended up having a MUCH smaller wedding, we were under our original budget we had planned for which was great!

Bride and bridesmaids pose beneath tropical flower arch

Groom and groomsmen in navy suits at beach wedding

Groom with ring bearers wedding signs Uncle Mike here comes

Bride groom and ring bearers at beautiful beach wedding

Beach wedding party under floral arch ocean backdrop

Bride and groom kiss under tropical flower wedding arch

Bride and groom smile at their beach wedding ceremony

The Reception

Tropical coconut drinks with name tags at a beach wedding

Wedding reception table setting with menu and coconuts

Elegant white floral centerpiece at wedding reception Wedding menu card with tropical design on dinner plate

Elegant wedding centerpiece with white flowers candles

Mr and Mrs wedding chair decorations with white ribbons

Coastal wedding floral centerpiece white blooms greenery

Bride and groom toast at tropical beach wedding altar

Three tier wedding cake decorated with white flowers

Wedding sparklers with Let Love Sparkle tags for Bessa & Michael

It was the most magical and beautiful night with fireworks and sparklers all around us as we celebrated our wedding on Independence Day.

Bride and groom exit with sparklers at their wedding

Budget Breakdown

Please note that prices do change, and this budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much a wedding like this might cost you

Photographer: $1,800
DJ: $5,000
Florist/EventStylist: $5,000
Hair: $300
Makeup: $200
Venue: $8,000 
Coconuts: $300
Wedding Dress: $3,200

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$50,000
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