1. Real Weddings

A Simple Rustic Wedding at The Colonial Inn in Smithville, New Jersey

Karen Kurtz (32 and a civil engineer) met Todd DeVito (33 and a commercial fisherman) in 2005 thanks to a friend's gentle nudge. The blind date was a

Karen Kurtz (32 and a civil engineer) met Todd DeVito (33 and a commercial fisherman) in 2005 thanks to a friend's gentle nudge. The blind date was a success, and the two became inseparable in the following weeks. The pair dated for six years before Todd popped the question in Cudjoe Key. The Florida vacation started like any other, with a planned fishing excursion, which was to be followed by a romantic sunset cruise. "We went fishing all morning and I was seasick the whole time. When we got back on land I desperately want to jump in the pool," says Karen. But Todd had other plans. He suggested to Karen that they bike to their favorite sunrise lookout spot. Karen went apprehensively, wondering why Todd was dragging her away from the relief of the cool pool and back into the hot sun. When they arrived, they stood in silence enjoying the view. Just as Karen was about to ask what they were doing, Todd popped the question on bended knee and presented Karen with a halo style diamond stunner. Over the course of their three year engagement, Karen and Todd planned an early autumn celebration. The two decided to tie the knot at The Colonial Inn in Smithville, New Jersey. "We wanted someplace different but close to home. I knew we didn’t want a ballroom type setting, so the inn was perfect! I loved the rustic look," says Karen. With a rustic venue and a laid back attitude, the couple pulled off a relaxed day with plenty of personal touches. Bountiful arrangements of wildflowers filled the ceremony and reception spaces, while the couple came up with cute fisherman-inspired details to throughout the day.

Blue and Silver Laser-Printed Invitations
"Todd's family spent many vacations in Hawaii. We found a company out of the islands that makes rings with Koa wood in the band," says Karen.
Karen held a lush bouquet of wildflowers, craspedia, and eucalyptus in hues of yellow, blue and ivory.
Karen & Todd's First Look
Traditional Bride and Father Processional at Outdoor Wedding
Karen and Todd said 'I do' under a simple white wooden wedding arch at The Colonial Inn in Smithville, New Jersey.
Bridesmaids in Yellow Dresses with Baby's Breath Bouquets
Karen & Todd's First Kiss
Karen's 'maids wore goldenrod floor length dresses by Watters, while Todd and his 'men wore slate blue suits from Chazmatazz Formal Wear in Toms River, New Jersey.
The bride and groom enjoy some down time between the ceremony and reception in a rocking chair at The Colonial Inn in Smithville, New Jersey.
Todd and Karen opted to forgo florals on the sweetheart table, choosing kraft paper letters and ampersand to signify their special seats.
Silver pales, similar to fishing buckets, held lush arrangements of craspedia, eucalyptus and wildflower. Wooden table numbers stuck up front the centrepieces, directing guests to their seats.
Karen and Todd left guests note cards at every seat. The cards included Mad Libs style fill in the blanks, and boxes for illustrations.
Clusters of roses, craspedia and wildflowers adorned each layer of Karen & Todd's three level wedding cake while two kissing fish topped the confection, a nod to Todd's nautical career.
Karen & Todd's First Dance at The Colonial Inn
"Since Todd's favorite candy is Swedish fish, our wedding favors were little silver pales filled with the candy and sign that said 'lures,'" says Karen.
Bride & Groom at The Colonial Inn Barn