We ventured to the Jersey Shore for the wedding of one of my dear college girlfriends.  The Jersey Shore definitely gets a bad wrap (think the infamous “tan, gym, laundry” routine thanks to the reality TV show), but Mantoloking the sleepy little beach town where we visited was absolutely gorgeous and so serene!

I cannot get over the hydrangeas!  They were heavenly!  My girlfriends and I could not stop commenting on the abundance of hydrangeas, the variation of colors and the pristine landscaping.  It was definitely enviable.

The gingham maxi dress I wore was the perfect amount of formality and prep.  The thin criss-cross straps tie beautifully in the back and the skirt is the perfect amount of pouf with a layer of crinoline underneath.  It was a dream to wear and to dance the night away in under the white tent of the reception, which was located in a boatyard.  Sidenote:  The bride and groom made their entrance on a boat, which was pretty much the cutest thing ever and perfect for a coastal wedding.  It was stunning!

Unfortunately, my dress currently out of stock online, but J.Crew has some other really cute options that are pretty similar.  Scope out this tiered maxi dress in blue and white stripes (which I almost bought in place of the one I wore), this cotton-poplin maxi that preppy dreams are made of, and this gingham ball skirt which would be oh so fun to mix and match with varying tops.  I also love this gingham midi dress with eyelet accents. And for more gingham goodness check out this splurge worthy silk gingham maxi my DVF and this deal of a gingham maxi with contrasting trim by ASOS.  All super cute styles sure to rival any Lilly Pulitzer ensembles you may encounter on the east coast!

While in Mantoloking we enjoyed our fair share of seafood.  We arrived at our first stop the second we pulled into Point Pleasant at the Shrimp Box where we sipped rose overlooking the harbor.  Then soon there after followed it with a delicious Italian dinner at Theresa’s South in Bay Head.  I would highly recommend the pappardelle with lobster.  And since we don’t have it in Denver, the novelty of BYOB isn’t lost on me.  When we asked for the wine list we were surprised when she said that we could walk across the street to the conveniently located liquor store to bring in our own wine.  Again, how do we get BYOB in Colorado?!

Our trip also included lots of time on the water.  Sunset drinks on the shore with the bride’s friend Mary who started her own wine label, Ripe Life Wines.  I definitely need to stock some of their Clambake chardonnay at home, as seen on my Instagram!  One day we rented a pontoon boat and putzed around the bay while the boys crabbed.  (See what they caught above!)  We even had a recovery beach day beach day after the wedding before we headed to the airport.

I’m so happy that we had a fun-filled weekend reuniting with my KU girls, celebrating and amazing couple with their friends and family and I got my toes in the sand, something that’s on my list of resolutions each year!

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope you have a great weekend!