Elegant Rock & Roll Jersey Shore Wedding

Music lovers Jessica Shinefield (27 and a state program support specialist) and Ryan Hawk (28 and an operations manager) planned their wedding just as carefully as they’d curate a playlist. “Music plays such a big part in our relationship,” Jessica says. “Our theme was based on boho and rock ‘n’ roll.” The pair picked The Asbury Hotel because Asbury Park was where they attended their first concert together, and they put intention into the music that filled their wedding day, including karaoke at the reception.
When the planning process began, Jessica wasn’t exactly sure how she’d find her ideal look, given that she doesn’t identify with traditional gowns. “I’m not at all a white dress person, so I had a really hard time finding something at first,” she says. “But this not-totally-white dress just felt like me.” Jessica walked down the aisle in a nude gown with lace appliqués and a sheer top. Jessica and Ryan wanted a very specific look for their paper goods, so they ran point on designing the suite from start to finish. Jessica wrapped each one in a hand-cut, folded vellum sleeve, tied the contents with a teal ribbon and finished the suite with a monogrammed wax seal. Jessica also designed the menus, programs and other day-of paper to match the invites.
Jessica and Ryan’s guests partied on the terrace under a tent complete with string lights. Teal runners added a pop of color to the wood farm tables. Jessica’s favorite part of her look came postceremony. “I loved throwing on my leather jacket,” she says. The jacket featured her new name, Mrs. Hawk, hand-painted in white calligraphy. The couple covered their dessert table with five cakes, and also added a guitar and amp to fit their musical theme.