The Planner
Amy McGonigal, Picture Perfect Events LLC, New Jersey area, (609) 841-1920
Years in the biz
5+
Secret Weapon
"I never leave for a wedding without a fully stocked emergency kit that includes everything from stain removers to glue and more!"
The Planner
Dorothy Nichols, Duval Events, LLC, Manville, (732) 619-4647
Years in the biz
10+
Secret Weapon
"My BlackBerry! I have it on me at all times so I can respond to emails from brides and vendors within seconds even when I'm away from the office."
The Planner
Kathy Valdez-Romero, Concepts in Bloom, Chester, (201) 759-5597
Years in the biz
10+
Secret Weapon
"I send my bride monthly to-do lists -- these keep everything in place in the planner's head and also help the brides stay on target."
Brand-new venue
"One Atlantic is an amazing new facility scheduled to open this winter. It's located on the top floor of The Pier Shops at Caesars in Atlantic City and has great ocean views. If you're planning a modern wedding and looking for the perfect contemporary space, this is definitely worth checking out." -- Amy
Sweet somethings
"Head to Fralinger's in Cape May (or order online at Fralingers.com) for saltwater taffy that your guests will eat up -- literally. Choose flavors in your wedding colors and box them up with a matching ribbon." -- Dorothy
Beware of bugs
"Bugs are a big problem during the summer, especially for Jersey Shore and South Jersey weddings. If you're looking for a beach wedding, plan for cooler months, such as May, September or even early October, so you don't have to deal with the mosquitoes and greenhead flies. Already booked for July? Use an unscented repellant to ward off unwanted ‘guests.'" -- Amy
Photo ops
"A New Jersey orchard is a great venue for wedding or engagement pictures. Nothing screams autumn wedding more than shots of you and your wedding party strolling through lines of trees, or picking apples in playful poses. Battleview Orchards in Freehold or Johnson's Corner Farm in Medford are both great options." -- Kathy
Beachy hot spot
"Avenue in Long Branch is one of my new top picks for a swank beach wedding. It has the perfect combination of being by the shore but also having a New York City loft feel. At night, the view is to die for." -- Dorothy
Frost wisely
"If you're having an outdoor wedding in summer months, stay away from whipped cream, buttercream or meringue icing -- they're guaranteed to melt in New Jersey's hot, humid weather!" -- Kathy
-- Caitlin Moscatello