Happy New Year My Friends....

We want to take a moment to express our gratitude for a year filled with wonderful couples and beautiful wedding days. Thank you for entrusting us with the most special day of your life.

Now What....

He's proposed to you in the most romantic way, and you said "Yes"! Congratulations! You are now officially engaged and rocking a fabulous rock on your finger; a symbol of the promise of your future together.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment! This newly-engaged period is so precious. Savor every time you put out your left hand and share the story of your engagement.

While you're basking in the euphoria of being newly engaged, the next thing you'll want to do with your new status is to begin those planning steps toward the “BIG DAY”.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is set a wedding date, or at least have a time frame of when you would like to be married. You know, once everyone sees your new “bling” the first question they have is “so, when are you getting married”.

Dream a Little! How do you see your wedding day? What is your vision for this momentous day? Look for inspirations. There are hundreds of websites dedicated to weddings. How many guests will you invite to your wedding? Will the celebration be small and intimate or large and grand? Early on, you should ask all of the parents for a guest list and combine this with yours and your fiancée’s to give you a starting number to work with.

Now the most important step is to schedule an appointment here at The Crystal Point with one of our Wedding Event Specialist. Take a tour, look over the menus and discuss what’s most important to you. That’s what we’re here for.

Let the magic begin!!!

Until the next time….Denise

Mark your Calendars ....

Because we are inviting you to attend our Bridal Showcase on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 6pm!!! Interested???? Click on the following link for all the details and to register!!!! Bridal Showcase

MY GLASS SLIPPER

Traditionally brides wear white or ivory on their wedding day. There’s nothing that says a bride can’t add a splash of color to her wedding attire is there? Those who know me will attest to the fact that I’m a really really big fan of shoes. Can’t have enough; heels, flats, sandals, boots. I haven’t met a pair I don’t like. So why not add some fun to your wedding dress with a brightly colored pair of shoes. I’m thinking something red, fuchsia, blueor even bright yellow. It’s your big day. Have fun!!!. Here are a few I wouldn’t mind strutting around in. What do you think?

Until next time….Denise

COLOR ME FALL

The Wedding Crasher....

This past weekend we had several scheduled weddings that were postponed by the brides & grooms due to hurricane “Irene”. We were willing to go ahead as planned if that is what the couples wanted to do. After speaking with the couples and offering them the option to postpone and have the same wedding they planned on another date, they decided it was in their best interest to do just that. We feel they made the right decision. That is not the standard policy in this industry, however it is the policy of Crystal Point.

One couple had another idea...

If Hurricane “Irene” thought she would come between the wedding of Stacey & Brian on Saturday, August 27, 2011 she had another think coming. In all my years at Crystal Point, I don’t believe I’ve seen another couple more in love and determined to make the best of matters as these two.

What was to begin as a 6:30 PM ceremony to be followed by a reception with 130 of their closest family & friends, ended up being a 12:30 PM ceremony with their bridal party, parents and grandparents followed by an intimate cocktail reception, cake and coffee for twenty five. After much talk going back and forth about whether or not to even have the wedding ceremony that day, they decided August 27th was very special for them and they were going full speed ahead and not even “Irene” would get in their way. For the safety of their guests, they opted not to have a full reception (this will take place in the coming weeks) but moved forward with the ceremony. It was held in the Crystal Ballroom overlooking the Manasquan River. Although the rain and wind reared their ugly heads, Stacy & Brian laughed in the eye of “Irene”. It could not have been more perfect if the room had been full of people. Although, I don’t think they would have noticed. This amazing couple only had eyes for each other.

After the ceremony, guests were led to the Riverview Room to continue the celebration. Upon entering the room with Brian, the first thing Stacey saw was the gorgeous wedding cake they had designed together. She thought the cake had been cancelled; however Brian knew better ;). That’s when the tears really began to flow. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house; especially mine. In that one instant it was quite evident this day was meant to be, hurricane or not. I think even “Irene” could attest to that. Stacey & Brian made the first cut in their wedding cake with the same cake knife used by her parents for their wedding. What a beautiful way to begin your life together as man and wife.

I couldn’t wait to share the fabulous pictures taken by Trish from Expressive Image Photography with you and I can’t wait for their full reception here at the Crystal Point. Much love & happiness to Stacey & Brian, the beautiful couple that were meant to be. “Irene” was no match for their love.♥

We look forward to seeing all our couples that decided to postpone in the weeks ahead.

Until next time….Denise

Mini Cakes ...

I came across this fantastic HYPERLINK "http://www.austinweddingblog.com/" while surfing around one day and it was too adorable not to share! Mini-wedding cakes have been around for a while. If you wanted something a little fancier than cupcakes, these are really a great idea! They are a creative and unique way to add some adorable overload to your wedding celebration! And of course you know me and overload ;). As the name implies, these little creations are miniature versions of their traditional counterparts, but seem to be twice as divine. I immediately fell in love and could possibly inspire a planning bride to make them part of her big day. Your guests will love 'em!

Here are a few mini-cakes that I just love!

Until next time….Denise

Something Old, Something New

You have probably heard the saying 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, a silver sixpence inside your shoe.' No one is really sure when this custom started. It is believed by many to have begun during the Victorian era, while others argue that it started much earlier than that. Nevertheless, couples have honored this custom through the centuries, and even today. Something old represents the guests in attendance at the ceremony who are already married. Something new represents the newlyweds and the beginning of their new life together. Something borrowed signifies something that the bride must give back, such as her veil or her mother's own wedding dress. Something blue is associated with the bride's virginity and purity. Something silver is any type of silver coin that is tucked into one of the bride's shoes to represent wealth and prosperity. So ladies; it’s time to gather your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Until next time….Denise

The Catch of a Lifetime ...

A groom’s cake has its roots in the South, and although it used to be viewed as an added and unnecessary expense, this once-neglected cake has been making a huge comeback. Intended to be a gift from the bride to the groom, the groom's cake is usually dark (often chocolate or liquor-soaked) and designed with a nod toward what's traditionally considered "masculine" (i.e., no rosettes in sight).

Smile...

A photobooth is a trendy idea that many people are including at weddings. They’re fun and you get some funny shots of your friends. You can put a guestbook nearby and have your guests paste them in and sign it.

Photos can be uploaded to The Wedding Lens as an efficient way to share the photos with your guests. From there, your guests could download or print their own copies of those photos.

There are several alternatives that will have the same effect. For example, you could create a polaroid version in which guests take pictures and sign a guestbook! It’s instant and you get fun photos – not much different than the photobooth. If you put the polaroid in one place and have props around, it will allow for more spunky photos.

If you want to create a photobooth yourself, the WeddingBee has advice on a “do-it-yourself” photobooth. Basically you need a camera, photo printer, and some props.

Keep smiling…I might just take a photo of you!!!

Until next time….Denise

Preserve Your Wedding Gown...

The top of your wedding cake is boxed up, all the guests have gone home and you and your new husband are off to Cancun. But what about that red wine stain on the front of your dress from the reception?

After spending hours and hours pouring over magazines, bridal books, and catalogs, and after spending so much money on the wedding dress of your dreams, it’s imperative that you take measures to preserve and maintain the beauty of your bridal gown. It is one of the most important memorabilia of your wedding day. For whatever reason it may be, whether you want to preserve it as a family heirloom or just for a keepsake, every bride can benefit from taking care of the gown she was wed in.

Find a dry cleaner that advertises expert cleaning of wedding gowns. Ask the cleaner if he/she uses different solvents on gowns than on regular clothing. Standard solvents are too harsh for wedding gowns. These gowns must be cleaned with the gentlest cleaners in an acid-free environment. Wedding gowns should be stuffed with clean, acid free tissue. Acid-free tissue placed between the folds of the dress and stuffed in the bodice will prevent permanent wrinkles and folds as well as help stabilize the environment of the box. Pack your gown away in a large enough sized box so it will lay flat or a cedar chest would also work well. Each year on your anniversary, revisit your gown while reliving the memories of your amazing wedding day.

Until next time….Denise

The Social Media Wedding ...

Remember when you got engaged? If it was 5 years ago or more, the first thing you probably did was to call your family and closest friends to share the exciting news! Now? The first thing you would probably do is post it on Facebook!

Social Media has become such an integral component of the way we communicate with each other that every industry is doing it. We continue to see social media play a part in the wedding planning process. Couples will keep guests informed through wedding websites and post updates about their excitement and plans on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/thecrystalpoint) and Twitter. Posts such as “We booked the band today!” allow friends and family to feel like they are part of the planning. Some popular free tools for creating a wedding web page include The Knot‘s wedding websites and WeddingChannel.com.

In addition to providing the latest glimpse into the work of potential vendors, there are also online opportunities to get the scoop from the brides and grooms who have used a particular vendor in the past. Visit sites like WeddingWire.com (http://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/crystal-point-point-pleasant/77786a3a4a5d84d9.html ) and bridalhood.com to read reviews on your local vendors before you decide to hire them. While there, don’t forget to check out the terrific reviews the Crystal Point has received and like us on facebook. See you there.

Until next time….Denise

Facinating Fascinators...

Every Wedding is a Royal Wedding....

Well ladies, with the Royal Wedding behind us we can now start thinking about your wedding. Did you get any ideas from William & Kate? Glass carriage maybe? 1900 of you’re nearest and dearest perhaps? Ok probably not, so lets think about what you do want! Excellent food; outstanding service; amazing view? If these are a few of your favorite things, then we’re the venue you’ve been looking for. We have all of this and then some. Don’t wait any longer. At the Crystal Point we treat all our guests as royalty. We have many desirable dates available for 2012 and if your prince is sweeping you off your feet as your reading this..... then come on in and see what’s available for 2011!!

Enjoy the beautiful view of the Manasquan River from your ballroom! (Picture Courtesy of STAK Photographer Duo)

Spring is in the air ...

I’m back!! It’s been a while since I last blogged. I’ve missed all of you. Has this been the longest winter on record or is it just me? Glad to say I think it’s really behind us this time. Well, I have a lot to say. Where to begin?


Our new centerpieces are in place and look fabulous. Not that our old centerpieces weren’t pretty, but the new ones will blow you away.

If you haven’t already heard on facebook, we now have downlighting. All I can say is WOW! There are many colors to compliment your color scheme. Downlighting “washes” the walls with just a splash of color and does not overpower the room. It’s amazing!!

Our spring/summer flowers have been planted and are blooming as I type. I love how pretty everything looks this time of year. (Pictures to come!!!)


I’m so excited wedding season is here. I love seeing all the beautiful brides and their handsome grooms on the happiest day of their lives. I feel so honored to be part of such a special day!


Was there an engagement ring in your Easter basket this year? If so, you need to stop by and see us so we could show off our beautiful venue to you. Hurry…I can’t wait to see the ring.


Until next time…

No need to wait any longer.....

Hydrangeas, Lilacs, and Cherry Blossoms have bloomed at Crystal Point.

Our new centerpieces have arrived. Tall silver vases hold a spectacular array of flowers. They were professionally arranged by http://www.creativedisplaysanddesigns.com/. They are such a pleasant sight to see as you walk in the ballroom. Stop by and see our new addition.

We are so sure you will agree it was worth the wait!

A Note from a CP Banquet Manager ...

My name is Jo Ann Marple. I have been a Banquet Manager at Crystal Point for 15 years. I am so happy for choosing my career and to be able to work at a beautiful banquet facility. As the warmer weather arrives, so do the wedding receptions. I love meeting with couples and walking them through what their special day will be like. This will put them at ease, and you can see the stress melt from their face. Each couple I meet is so special to me, that I will do my very best to make their wedding reception memorable. The day of their wedding I will be right by their side, organizing and meticulously coordinating their ceremony and reception. At the end of the evening we usually end up hugging as I wish them good times ahead on their honeymoon. Weeks later, I always enjoy receiving a note and a wedding picture of my couples. That will put me in a great mood and keep me smiling throughout the day.

Check This Out ....

Here is a link to a slideshow for you to view!!!!! It is of Cristin & Mike .... They got married at The Crystal Point on 11/15/10! Let me just say... WOW!! I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did!! http://www.getstak.com/slideshows/cristin_mike/ This slideshow is courtesy of STAK Photographer Duo.

The Latest ....

Hi Crystal Point Followers...

My name is Bonnie Damian and I’ve been a Banquet Manager here at the Crystal Point for almost 18 years and truly love what I do. It is very exciting to be a part of your "Once in a Lifetime Day". From the very first call to my bride to the last goodbye at night, I know how important it is to connect with each and every couple. I’ve always had an outgoing personality and love to get involved with all my bride and grooms' expectations of their very important day ... and I think I get just as excited as they do! I love to find out where they’re going on their honeymoon and have actually helped at times reviewing places with them. You can also see my reviews on http://www.weddingwire.com/ and see for yourself why I take so much pride in every wedding that I do.

I’m excited to let you know that Crystal Point is keeping up with the latest trends and will be installing uplighting to enhance your wedding. Uplighting is the art of painting the perimeter of the ballrooms with multiple colors that will create a magical background for your wedding. Uplighting is usually provided by your D.J. or another outside company. We will have it as a permanent installation for all of our weddings. It will give a unique and fabulous tone in any color to your wedding. Imagine tying it in with your colors!!!

Have you Heard? ...

We have some exciting news!!! If you book your wedding from now thru March 27, 2011 at The Crystal Point, you will automatically be entered for the drawing for a 6 night, 7-day honeymoon at the exquisite Imperial Valentin Resort in Riviera Maya valued at $3,000. Check it out at ... www.valentinmaya.com. The only thing more exciting than a Honeymoon Giveaway is a Bridal Show; and we’ve combined the two!!!

Billy Barbato from Wedding Set Go (http://www.weddingsetgodjs.com/) and his team will host a Bridal Show Extravaganza right here at the Crystal Point on March 27, 2011. Join us for an afternoon of fun, live music by Band of Gold, The Benjamin’s, dance instruction from Fred Astaire Dance Studio and a fashion show all while enjoying an array of our chef’s delectable butler passed hors d’oeuvres. An additional drawing will be held by Wedding Set Go to win a 3 night stay and a $100 Spa Credit to The Valentin Imperial Maya Resort provided by TravelSmiths (http://www.thetravelsmiths.com/).

The winner of the Crystal Point luxurious trip will be announced on Sunday, March 27 at the conclusion of the show. What a way to end the bridal show and begin the 2011 wedding season!!! Winner must be present at the time of the drawing.

Make your reservation at http://www.weddingsetgo.com/ to attend the hottest bridal show all year. Don’t miss your chance at being the lucky winner of this extravagant romantic honeymoon. See you there.

From ORDINARY to EXTRAORDINARY ....

The Crystal Point staff is on the road again! This week it’s Las Vegas. Each year we attend a state of the art Catersource Conference & Tradeshow event learning specialized event expertise from the top-notch industry leaders.

For caterers, staying fresh and creative is so very important. Knowing the latest trends and bringing new life to our menus keeps us on top. During this tradeshow we develop cutting-edge ideas to bring to you and learn to incorporate new food and beverage trends.

There’s no question as to why The Crystal Point Yacht Club was voted Top Wedding Facility in NJ by theKnot.com for the fourth year in a row as well as winning the Bride's Choice Award 2011 from Wedding Wire!

I’m so excited to see what they bring home with them this year and so will you. I’ll let you know all about it soon enough. What happens in Vegas WON’T stay in Vegas this time.

Until next time……

And the wedding BLISS begins ...

Check your Calender Girls ....

If you have been to all the big bridal shows, maybe this is exactly what you are looking for… AN INTIMATE INTERACTIVE BRIDAL WORKSHOP!!! Where you can taste the food and talk to some of the state’s #1 vendors about the up-coming trends! The workshop is on Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 12pm to 2pm and reservations are required. Call to reserve your spot today at 732.295.7000!

Time to Give Back ...

Happy New Year!!!

It’s been a most excellent year and we’re so excited to have each and every one of you stopping by our blog on a regular basis. I personally want to thank you for all your kind comments and enthusiasm about the blog when you stop in for a tour. It helps to know you enjoy reading it and you’re getting some ideas. (It doesn’t hurt when the boss over hears your kudos either!!).