Of all the fascinating natural wonders of the Jersey Shore, can you guess which one made the biggest impression on the first Dutch explorers who landed here in the seventeenth century? It wasn’t the fine sands of our gorgeous beaches and it wasn’t the rich variety of marine life teeming in our bays. It was the eggs. The little bird eggs to be precise. Those early explorers found a seaside paradise so uniquely riddled with birds’ nests along the beaches and in the marsh that t

This beautiful fountain is an ideal location for a photo opt. It is located right under the arches at the stunning outdoor cocktail hour space at Mallard Island Yacht Club. This event took place in November, when nature provides us with some of the most beautiful elements in floral design, leaves changing color, flower pods, and berries. We created an overflowing display of natures bounty to welcome guests to this stunning estate. Photo by Alex Rivera, Mallard Island Yacht

PLANNER | Bogath Weddings & Events PHOTOGRAPHER | Delaney Dobson Photography HAIR & MAKEUP | Beach House Spa BRIDE’S DRESS SHOP | Free Love Bridal INVITATIONS | Crisp Designs by Britt JEWELRY | Atlantic City Jewelry VENUE | Sea Shell Resort and Beach Club CEREMONY ENTERTAINMENT | Ceremonious Strings FLORIST | Reynolds Garden Shop CAKE | Sweet Melissa/The Goodness Café RENTALS | Rustic Drift TABLE TOP RENTALS | The Vintage Table Company MODELS | Emilie and Will Shot by

The Reynolds Family of Businesses Celebrate a Milestone Birthday In 1980, Mark and Peg Reynolds entered married life on a stable foundation; Mark had a good job in the Atlantic City casino industry while Peg contributed to the family income working as the surgical assistant to a local doctor. Things changed one day, however, when Mark called Peg at work. “I think I’m going to quit this job,” Mark announced, “the smoke in here is killing me.” Peg considered his decision and as

Have you ever wondered what LBI was like decades ago, just as many of the island’s towns were laying their roots as seasonal resort communities? Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Zack Shore, Realtors—or Zack Shore, as the real estate agency is known on the island—can tell you. Celebrating their 95th year in business in LBI and surrounding towns, this third-generation, family-owned firm is just as much a part of local history as they are historians. Today, under the leadership o

A kitchen is the heart of any shore home, setting the tone for the type of lifestyle housed within its walls. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook whose love language is shared meals, an entertainer with a passion for mixology, or in need of a laid-back space for weekend brunch with guests, the design of your kitchen should be a priority, not an afterthought. Builders on the island know this, and that’s why for new construction in Ocean and Monmouth counties, Woodhaven Lumber

Q. I’m considering having shiplap put up in my family room. Am I making a big mistake? Is it too trendy; will I be sorry? Help! -Valerie, Moorestown A. Shiplap is trendy, but lots of good things are, and there is nothing wrong with that if the trend lasts. My prediction is that it will last for some time to come, because of its subtlety. The trend now is for a more casual, unfussy lifestyle which differs greatly from the more formal one of days gone by. Keep in mind though,

Local Builder Discusses Client-Centric Philosophy, The Artistic Intent Behind Each One of His Builds, and the Multigenerational Legacy of a Family-Owned Business Richard Aitken and his team are celebrating their 36th year in business on Long Beach Island this season, and they have quite the reason to celebrate. Not only have homeowners entrusted the building of their coastal homes to the firm, but decades later, the new wave of next generation homeowners continues to call on

Another type of Saltwater There is something to be said about rolling down your windows or walking outside and smelling that salt air, hearing the waves crash, and swimming in the ocean. The beach has been our favorite destination for generations and will continue to be. It is the saltwater, sand, family, and friends that draw us here. A trend in the landscape industry, and in the Long Beach Island area, is the desire for another type of saltwater. A saltwater pool paired

How Proper Planning Today, Will Save You Time, Money and Aggravation Tomorrow Preparation is imperative in order to create an ideal outdoor sanctuary. Whether you’re wanting to add functionality to your property or simply improve curb appeal, proper planning not only paves the way for a seamless process, but it also helps to avoid potential pitfalls. It saves time and money by lessening the chances of delays when landscaping begins, creates an ideal environment for introducin