TapSnap phototainment system ready to shake up the New Jersey wedding scene, rock New York City parties

TapSnap has arrived in Northern New Jersey (just a hop, skip and jump across the Hudson from New York City) and it’s taking the wedding photo booth trend to an entirely different level. Launched this Spring with over 30 operators across North America, TapSnap is creating the first truly national photo entertainment franchise.

“Every wedding I went to in the last year had a photo booth,” said 32-year-old Milton Guerrero, a Cedar Knolls, N.J. resident who is the local owner of the newly minted TapSnap franchise. “But TapSnap breaks the mold of the traditional photo booth. Because that giant screen is out there in the open, it draws a lot of attention and brings the crowd together. There’s a lot more interaction and it’s a lot more social than the traditional photo booth.”

Instantly connected to social media, TapSnap allows event guests to take their picture with a touch of the fingertip to the giant 42-inch multi-touch screen, and add digital props like celebrity faces, giant sunglasses or sports props like a basketball. When they are done, they can share their creation instantly via social media networks and email, or print their photo to take home.

If there’s one thing New Jersey has in abundance, it’s weddings. The good news for Guerrero is there are over 46,600 a year in New Jersey and brides here spend on average 25 per cent more on their wedding budget than the national average – $31,983 compared to $25,631, according to statistics produced in 2012 by the Weddingreport.com.

In Morris County where Guerrero lives, the average budget is even higher at $36,140, 41 per cent above the average U.S. wedding.

A Revolutionary Phototainment System.
Instantly Social & Utterly Fun!

Guerrero is one of over 30 TapSnap franchise owners across North America which includes businesses in Houston, Minneapolis, Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles and more.

Because most TapSnap events will take place on evenings and weekends, Guerrero will be able to operate his machine in conjunction with his other business as an acquisitions manager in real estate.

TapSnap will make its New York City debut on May 19, volunteering for with Brides Against Breast Cancer for their Charity Wedding Gown Sale and show, that raises funds for cancer patients and their families.

His machine was also at an event hosted by the national wedding Web site, TheKnot.com, on April 11 at the Bloomingdales in Long Island’s Roosevelt Field Mall.

“I fell in love with TapSnap right away,” says Guerrero. “It is elegant and looks like something I’ve never seen before. And the social media aspect is a huge selling point. I think it will do well.”

Scott McInnes, the CEO and Founder says: “Photo booths have been around forever, but the equipment didn’t keep pace with technology. TapSnap is light years ahead of the traditional photo booth, and because it’s open-concept, everyone gets to play. I’ve never seen people have so much fun getting their picture taken.”

Learn more about TapSnap by visiting www.TapSnap.net or calling 1-877-577-0566.

About TapSnap

TapSnap is the next big innovation in event entertainment and franchising, bringing sophistication to the photo booth. Open-concept and instantly connected to social media, TapSnap blends a high-tech product with an innovative franchise model, and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Event planning: Where creativity, ingenuity and hard work meet

Erik Kent, Co-Publisher of NJWedding.com (Photo by Bryan Madrid Photography)

Erik and Beth Kent were practically newlyweds when on Valentine’s Day, 1997, they launched www.njwedding.com, one of the longest-running wedding planning sites in New Jersey.

Married at Rutgers University’s Kirkpatrick Chapel in 1994, they planned their entire wedding the old-fashioned way: thumbing through the Yellow Pages, asking lots of questions and writing lots of lists. The next year, while visiting friends at MIT and watching as they researched things on the Internet, the Kents had an “a-ha!” moment.

It was a like a light bulb went on: “We realized that pretty soon, when the Internet was more public, people would be using it to search for local services and products,” Mr. Kent says.

And so was born the idea for one centralized resource. At njwedding.com, brides and grooms search for bakeries and bridal gowns, bands and florists, photographers and videographers, ministers and civil officiates, multi-cultural wedding planners, reception halls and destinations, and much more.

To say the site has come a long way from its early days is like saying everyone focuses on the bride on the big day: an understatement of epic proportions.

“We wrote to about 50 people we knew connected to the wedding business – most were people we’d worked with for our own wedding – and explained what we were doing, and the only person who saw the potential was the minister who married us,” Mr. Kent says. “He became our first advertiser.”

PM Fine Living Magazine (May 2013 issue), featuring “Celebrations” like Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Catering and more…

The first site was HTML – “just links on a page,” as Mr. Kent says – with new information uploaded as it became available. When the Kents found someone who could do computer programming, they automated their systems.

Today, the site gets about 500,000 hits per month, compared to about 25,000 per month in the early years.

There might be larger companies in the region, but none are as thorough, or as focused on relationship building, Mr. Kent says.

“Anyone can easily create a site that can be shared online,” Mr. Kent says. “We’ve made connections, built relationships. That’s what we’ve done so well over the years. We have a presence in major search engines, at bridal shows throughout the Garden State, in local newspapers and magazines, and in local wedding groups and associations.”

Mr. Kent, who lives and works in Montgomery Township with his wife, enjoys meeting with brides and grooms at bridal shows to get “an understanding of what they’re looking for when it comes to their wedding plans.” And, as a spokesman for his company, he can also steer couples toward particular members and services.

Some trends Mr. Kent has noticed: a shift away from clubs and toward “fun” outings – golf, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides – for bachelor and bachelorette parties, uplighting at wedding receptions, dancing “in the clouds” a DJ puts on the floor, photo booths, and honey jars created by local beekeepers.

It’s been a nice way to make a living, Mr. Kent said, as it’s given both him and his wife the opportunity to work from home and watch over their three children, ages 13, 10 and 8.

(Reposted from the May 2013 edition of PM Fine Living Magazine / Packet Publications (see Pages 8 & 9 where NJWedding.com was featured along with Mary Harris of Mary Harris Events). Photo of Erik Kent by Bryan Madrid Photography)

5th Annual Wedding Road Show draws brides nationwide to LBI with plans for an event of a lifetime

Record breaking attendance Wedding Road Show introduces future brides and visitors to Long Beach Island and surrounding areas to look and book with Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce members

Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director of the Southern Ocean County Chamber with Ashley Taluba and Pete Gallagher, winners of NJWedding.com’s VIP Contest at the Wedding Road Show on LBI 2013

April 22, 2013, LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ – Overnight stays, wedding banquets, after parties and all the services needed to help a happy couple obtain wedded bliss were presented during a progressive self guided tour of the wedding venues of the Long Beach Island Region. For its fifth year, the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce along with its tourism branch the LBI Region Destination Marketing Organization collaborated with Wedding Industry leaders and almost 60 of their members to create a progressive party atmosphere that sells the region year round as a wedding destination. Entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, photography, video, concierge services, floral and table displays, invitations, ceremony ideas, cake sampling, accommodations, even Stand Up Paddle Board lessons for bridal parties were all options to soak in as wedding plans turned into reality from 9:30am to 4pm on a sunny Sunday.

With brides traveling distances as far as Burien in Washington State, Norfolk Virginia, Wilmington Delaware, White Plains, NY, and across Pennsylvania including Philadelphia and Yardley. New Jersey brides were also well represented coming from Princeton, Hoboken and Highland Lakes, as well as from local areas throughout the LBI region. The participating businesses played party host while booking dates, services and introducing new customers to all the area has to offer. The event was captured by E Video Productions, who for the past four years has been making a documentary video to focus not only on the location, but to showcase the wedding professionals and future LBI brides and grooms. This year, over 150 registered brides and their entourages consisting of brides, grooms, wedding parties and family members filtered through the show directly to members who were displaying throughout 11 locations.

“This event generates revenue, contracts are signed and deposits are made not only the day of the Wedding Road Show, but throughout the following year for our local businesses,” states Lori Pepenella, Destination Marketing Director of the Southern Ocean County Chamber. “This allows brides and their families to explore our area and see first hand the possibilities of a one of a kind wedding, vacation or even a weekend getaway.” The Southern Ocean County Chamber LBI Region Wedding Road Show is sponsored by Demetrios Bridal, Dante Zeller at Uniformity, New Jersey Bride, The Knot, NJWedding.com, Celebrations Magazine, Jersey Shore Wedding Association, Magic 100.1FM, For The Bride Magazine, Ocean Tent, Trolley Tours and the NJ Division of Travel and Tourism.

Ashley Taluba from Roselle Park and her finance Peter Gallagher from Millville were the winners of NJWedding.com’s VIP Contest Experience, and received prizes donated by The Gables Historic Inn & Restaurant, Camllle’s Floral Design, A Sweet Memory and A Shining Star Limousine Service.

For more information about the Long Beach Island region, visit the Southern Ocean County Visitor Center at 265 West Ninth Street in Ship Bottom, NJ, online at www.visitLBIregion.com or call (609) 494 7211. Also follow updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest and follow the social media hashtag #LBIRegion.

New Jersey Disc Jockey Network (NJDJN) Holds DJ Expo on April 9th

Don’t miss the NJDJN Expo on Tuesday, April 9th in Edison, NJ!

On Tuesday April 9, 2013, the New Jersey Disc Jockey Network (NJDJN) will hold its annual DJ Expo at the conveniently-located Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ from 7 PM – 11 PM. This annual event includes an exhibit floor, live entertainment, networking opportunities with top industry professionals and a keynote presentation by Jack Bermeo and Jorge Vincentty from LJ Productions, titled “The Art of Latin Events.”

Jack Bermeo has won the honor of “DJ of the Year” in each of the past two years at the International DJ Expo held in Atlantic City. In the presentation, Jack will provide very specific performance techniques that you can use to take your shows to the next level!

Sponsored by N.A.M.E. and Sherman Party, other confirmed exhibitors at the Expo include Mobile Beat Magazine, Sonic Fiber, Screaming Lunatic Design, NJWedding.com, DJ Creme, BrideLive, Prime Cuts Music, Elegant Bridal Productions, Total Party, Goodwin’s Goodtime Photo Booths and more!

DJs and event professionals located in the Northeast – you don’t want to miss this information-filled show! Admission is just $5 (payable at the door) and all attendees are eligible to win an exciting array of door prizes.

For more information about the Expo and the NJDJN, you can view the event on facebook or visit www.njdjn.org

Red Bank RiverCenter presents 2013 Wedding Walk on Sunday March 24th

Red Bank, NJ becomes a destination for wedding shopping at the annual Red Bank Wedding Walk on 3/24

RED BANK, NJ – Red Bank RiverCenter is pleased to announce that this year’s Red Bank Wedding Walk will take place on Sunday, March 24, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.   Inspired by the continued popularity and success of previous Red Bank Wedding Walks, RiverCenter and Red Bank’s wedding-related businesses are excited to once again present this unique event.  The 2013 Red Bank Wedding Walk promises to be one of the most fun, creative and well-attended bridal events in New Jersey.

This FREE one-day event is designed for prospective brides, grooms, their families and friends to come to picturesque, downtown Red Bank to plan their weddings.  With fabulous riverfront venues, world-class shopping, gourmet restaurants and a fun and funky vibe, Red Bank is THE place for a dream wedding celebration!

The Red Bank Wedding Walk is the perfect occasion to explore downtown Red Bank to see what over 40 wedding-related businesses have to offer!   From formal wear to favors, every aspect of the wedding day can be expertly planned with the help of Red Bank’s resident florists, gown and tuxedo retailers, photographers, jewelers, salons and banquet facilities.  Wedding Walk guests can learn to dance, plan their rehearsal dinner, have their wedding memories custom framed, order invitations or purchase gifts for their wedding party!  Most participating locations will be offering promotions, light refreshments, and libations and live music will be performed all day at locations throughout town.

Brides! Bring your bridesmaids to help you shop for local products and services at the Red Bank Wedding Walk

Brides will register at The Oyster Point Hotel beginning at 10:00am for check-in and registration. All brides will receive a Wedding Walk Map and Tote Bag. Participants will be directed to walk to the businesses or enjoy the transportation of choice including limousine, wedding trolley, or shuttle to convenient central locations downtown so they may visit as many registered businesses as they can.

Visit a minimum of 12 businesses in order to be entered to win a Grand Prize Raffle along with other valuable prizes donated by the participants and sponsors.

Prize drawings will take place at a reception at the Molly Pitcher Inn starting at 4:00pm. All entry forms must be in by 4:15 pm and entrants must be present to win.

Doors of downtown businesses are open for brides, grooms, their bridal parties and families to explore Red Bank for all their wedding needs!

The Wedding Walk will conclude by 5:00 pm. There will be music, fun, food and lots of surprises!

Sponsors of this event include The Knot, McKay Imaging Photography, Molly Pitcher Inn, The Oyster Point Hotel, Great American Trolley Co., inc., NJWedding.com, Craig Kiely & Darryn Murphy Floral & Event Design, John Arcara Photography, Arrow Limousine, Count Basie Theatre, New Jersey Bride magazine, Red Bank RiverCenter, The Two River Times, Costa Honeymoons, The Sassy Chic Boutique, A.H. Fisher Diamonds, Spitball, Sounds To Go Entertainment and Barbizon Modeling.

Guests are strongly encouraged to pre-register on the Red Bank Wedding Walk web site, where they can browse the participating businesses and map out their itinerary to get the most out of their time.  Engaged couples, mark your calendars for the Red Bank Wedding Walk on Sunday, March 24th! Your dream wedding awaits!

For more information and a list of participating businesses, go to www.ACoolLittleWedding.com or call Red Bank RiverCenter at (732) 842-4244.  Red Bank RiverCenter is a not-for-profit alliance of businesses, property owners, and residents working toward the economic vitality of the Red Bank Business District.  Please visit www.redbankrivercenter.org for additional information.

Enjoy a fabulous day of wedding planning and fun at the 2013 Red Bank Wedding Walk!

Brides & Grooms: Attend the Meadowlands Bridal Expo on Sunday, March 17th

New Jersey / New York City Brides and Grooms: On Sunday, March 17th, bring your family and friends to attend the Meadowlands Bridal Expo!

Empire Meadowlands Hotel, host venue for the Meadowlands Bridal Expo

One of the most popular Wedding Planning Events in the Northern New Jersey/Metro NY area, this Bridal Expo takes place at the Empire Meadowlands Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel & Conference Center) from 12:30-4:30pm.

Over 50 wedding services will be participating… including Sandals Honeymoon Resorts, 3 Photo Booth companies and Priceless Events, a full service Event Coordinator. Delicious food samples will be offered from various bakeries and caterers, such as Dave’s Famous BBQ, and Portuguese cuisine, too. These top notch vendors will showcase all they have to offer to help you plan your special day!

Macy’s Bridal Salon by Demetrios in Willowbrook Mall and Biltmore Tuxedos in Bergen County will feature formal wear for the Bride & Groom, as well as the Bridal Party during the exciting fashion show!

To really get the crowd going, there will be 4 LIVE Entertainment segments, including both Bands & DJs!

Visit www.bridaltradeshows.com to purchase your Red Carpet VIP Admission Tickets with reserved seating for only $5! Doors open at 12:30pm for VIP advanced purchase ticket holders. General Admission is $10 at the door beginning at 1:00pm (with seating only if still available).

Attending this Meadowlands Bridal Expo is like attending 3 Shows at one time…and with everything you need all in one place! See you there…

NJWedding.com is a media sponsor for this event and will be there participating, too! Visit our display at the show and enter for a chance to win our door prizes and more!

Come to the Bridal Expo, featuring the latest in Bride’s Fashions and Men’s Formalwear

Renewing Your Wedding BUSINESS Vows

I had the pleasure of presenting the topic of “Renewing Your Wedding BUSINESS Vows” to the Jersey Shore Association (JSWA) on Tues., 2/26/13 at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ

We all understand the idea of a couple renewing their marriage vows, usually after they’ve reached a certain milestone in their relationship, but as wedding professionals, how often have you said “I Do” (again) to your wedding business? What got you started in doing what you do in your career, and why do you go to work every day? What’s your company vision and mission? What’s the STORY of your business? Do you absolutely LOVE what you do? Well, then why not fall in love with it again (read this article by business expert Michael Gerber on this topic)?

After 15 years of publishing NJWedding.com (and having just celebrated our 16^th), this milestone makes me rethink the way we do things and find new, innovative ways to spend our time building our business and serving our clients and wedding community.

To RENEW is to “commit” again to your business, your systems, your vision and mission, and your outlook on what you can achieve (and make a plan for how to get there). Other “R” words also come to mind: Refresh, Reevaluate, Restore, Reorganize, Renovate, Revitalize, Retool, Renovate, Revitalize, Revive, Reestablish, Resume, Respect, Rejeuvinate, Restart, Retool, Review, Rebirth, Reinvent (we could do this for a while, but you get the idea…).

AT NJWedding.com, the company listings for our advertisers are up for renewal each year, and usually during this time period, we’re reexamining their listing to see what changed, and in these days of new connections on social media, finding out if they’ve added accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and other marketing channels so we could connect and incorporate these new features into their advertising plan.  In our company, we also analyze our “business systems” to see what’s working, what’s not, and how to fix it, and we plan out objectives we want to reach in order to grow.

When was the last time you said “I Do” (Again) to your wedding business and set new goals for yourself, too?

As an exercise for YOUR business, let’s examine the importance of setting goals when it comes to reevaluating your plan from year to year. Often people will make “resolutions” at the start of the year, and ultimately, these resolutions last only a few months. Instead, having clearly defined, written goals is an important step in achieving continued success. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar says that only 3% of people write down their goals, and those that do, have a constant reminder of what their objective is and realize success — would that make sense to do so for you, too?

GOALS EXERCISE (take out an index card and write down the following, and then keep it with you throughout the year, often referring to it, and even revising if necessary)

1. Sales / Month = Yearly Objective (How much $ do you want to bring in to the company?)
2. Number of New Clients / Month = Total Number (This adds to business growth and gives you a good foundation for referrals, too)
3. Big Project: What’s one MAJOR accomplishment you want this year that can really help your business achieve more growth or success? Don’t put it off!

Understanding New Media, Wedding Business Trends - Are you up on all the latest technology and tools that your customers are also using? Have you set up accounts on all the major social media platforms, started a blog, and update your facebook page on a regular basis? It’s important to remember that you need to be everywhere you can be so that your potential client can find and reach you, so keeping your web site current, making sure it’s available on mobile devices, and also understanding the latest wedding statistics and industry trends can contribute to your business in many ways.

Marketing – Who is the market for your products and services and has that changed? Do you know the latest statistics in the marketplace and have you adapted?

Advertising/PR – Is your strategy effective and do you have a well-balanced plan to reach your future clients? How often are you telling the “story” of your business to the media and submitting articles to newspapers, magazines, blogs and other online sources? Brides are constantly looking for new info and trends and will trust an expert in the field if they see them often enough.

Professional Development – Commit to, as author and speaker Tony Robbins says, “constant and never-ending improvement” by joining associations, and actively attending industry meetings. Review and renew your vision, mission and goals at least once a year and be open to change.

Jersey Shore Wedding Professionals renewing their “Wedding Business Vows” at the JSWA Meeting

Declaration of Business Vows Renewal

(please stand, raise your right hand, and repeat after me…)

I _________ will commit to renewing my wedding BUSINESS vows on a regular basis, and continue to improve my knowledge and skills. I will keep up with promoting and growing my business so I can achieve the goals that I’ve written down. I will network with other wedding professionals, and join and be active in local associations. I will keep up with technology, social media, and blogging and make sure my web site and facebook page is up to date.

Jersey Shore Wedding Professionals renewing their “Wedding Business Vows” at the JSWA Meeting

Jersey Shore Wedding Professionals renewing their “Wedding Business Vows” at the JSWA Meeting

-Erik Kent, Co-Publisher, NJWedding.com, (908) 874-0417

CASTING CALL for NJ and NY Brides!

Casting now for a couple getting married in the NY / NJ area in  JULY or AUGUST 2013

Casting Call for NJ / NY Brides!

Max budget must be 10k or under (ideally under) – must be a major budget wedding (but they are ok with that – in fact they embrace it!).

Ideally would be a BACKYARD WEDDING or a wedding at very basic function hall or church hall etc.

OR – maybe they are getting married at home and don’t have a reception planned at all (because its just not in their budget) except for something very simple.

This is a VERY positive look at budget weddings and the couples who embrace that!

**Also a great way for wedding planners who specialize in helping budget brides make the most of their budget weddings – to get exposure on national TV!

The couples chosen for this will get $$ towards the cost of their wedding for their participation!

TIME SENSITIVE – so email weddingonabudget@semisweetproductions.com ASAP!

Dina Manzo & Designer Affair hosts 2nd annual Wedding Event & Design Showcase at The Brownstone

Come see Dina Manzo and her “Designer Affair” team at their Wedding Event & Design Showcase at The Brownstone on Monday, February 11th

Dina Manzo and Designer Affair cordially invite you to their 2nd annual Wedding Event and Design Showcase on Monday, February 11, 2013 from 6pm-10pm at The Brownstone in Paterson, New Jersey.

Designer Affair, New Jersey’s premier event planning company is teaming up with New Jersey Bride magazine, the leading bridal resource, to host an exhibitor showcase that invites businesses in the area to display their wedding, specialty event and interior design talents.  The showcase will target brides, event planners, event bloggers, interior designers and party-goers alike.

Featured exhibitors include Carlo’s Bakery (of TLC’s Cake Boss), RSVP to Me, Creatively Engaged, Custom FX, Touchstone Crystal, Nettie Laurita, Culinary Brides, The Top Layer, Skin Bar and Paint, Morris Photographers, MTC Photography, Bryan Madrid Photography, SCE Event Group, Cloth Connection, Posh Pretty Things, Taylor Rental, I Do, I Do Bridal Boutique, NJ Bride Magazine, NJWedding.com, Ten31 Productions, Honeymoon Expo Center, House of Tiaras, Colette Portraits, The Jet Set Gal, Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream, Slumber Parties, Peony Events, Stuffed Cupcake, Priscilla Make-Up Artist, Capitol Lighting, Amira Mor International Entertainment, Stella and Dot, IT Works!, Royal Brat, Nancy “Sweizy” Flowers and Events, Buttercream Blue, Sweet Chic Jewelry Co. fibi & clo, Danson Jewelers and more! Guests can experience an informal fashion show by I Do, I Do Bridal Boutique, living art presented by Ten 31 Productions and an elegant display by Designer Affair.

Dina Manzo, founder of Designer Affair Events and star of the HGTV series, Dina’s Party, reveals: “We’re excited to be joining forces with the area’s top event visionaries to bring a one-of-a-kind showcase to New Jersey, where event and interior design thrive.”

Tickets for the Wedding Event and Design Showcase are available for $20 for guests who register online at www.designeraffair.com and $25 at the door.  Interested exhibitors can contact Elle at elle@designeraffair.com. The Brownstone is located at 351 W. Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522.

Dina Manzo, owner of “Designer Affair” and star of HGTV’s “Dina’s Party”

About Designer Affair

Designer Affair is a boutique event planning company owned by designer Dina Manzo. Dina and her team of coordinators design artistic creativity and stylish taste with precision planning and skillful event management to design an atmosphere that is captivating for your guests and reflects their clients’ uniqueness. Designer Affair serves the New Jersey and New York areas as well as destination events.  Dina and her design team can be seen on the HGTV series, Dina’s Party.

NJWedding.com is happy to be participating in this special event! Join us there and enter to win one of two door prizes — tickets to the popular NYC show, The Awesome 80′s Prom, and VIP tickets to be an audience member at The Chew TV show on ABC. PLUS, you’ll be entered into our grand prize giveaway of a Romantic Getaway to Long Beach Island, NJ, including an overnight stay at Daddy O Boutique Hotel!

10 Reasons To Get Married In New Jersey

What’s NOT to love about the idea of having your wedding in the Garden State? With a variety of locations for the event and some of the most creative and talented wedding professionals in the world, NJ has everything on a bride and groom’s must-have list. Here’s just a sampling of great reasons to get married in New Jersey:

1. Being located in a geographic region with four unique seasons, New Jersey offers couples the opportunity for winter weddings (sometimes even at a discount), wedding celebrations during the spring renewal, beach or garden weddings in the summertime and colorful fall foliage for memorable photos at one of the many golf resorts, wineries or country clubs.

2. Having your wedding closer to home is more green and eco-friendly than planning a destination wedding: you can reduce your carbon footprint by using less gas and tolls, using locally sourced foods, flowers and wedding service providers.

3. With 127 miles of shoreline, New Jersey offers some of the most beautiful beaches and shore towns around, so couples can have their wedding ceremony on the sand with a reception following on or near the beach.

4. Cape May, New Jersey (“Exit 0″ on the Garden State Parkway) is known as the third most popular destination in the United States to get married, and you can have your wedding on the beach or in one of many Victorian locations from a bygone era.

5. The Long Beach Island region is one of the fastest growing wedding destinations in New Jersey, with over 40 venues and wedding services to serve couples that want to have their wedding weekend in this resort area.

6. You can have a New York style wedding at New Jersey prices (and without the traffic!) since sales tax in New York City is 8.375 percent compared with 7 percent in New Jersey. Still want that backdrop of New York City? Have your wedding at one of the many venues along the Hudson River or charter a boat and cruise past the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks.

Buddy Valastro and his team at Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken have put NJ on the map, showcasing various styles of wedding and specialty cakes on TLC’s “Cake Boss.” Photo provided by Carlo’s Bakery

7. Wedding TV reality shows love New Jersey, too! Some of the NJ’s top wedding locations and experts have been featured on the Style Network’s Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and Jerseylicious, Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, TLC’s Masters of Reception, Say Yes To The Dress, Four Weddings and of course … we have the Cake Boss (and the Next Great Baker)! New York wedding planner David Tutera often showcases his New Jersey brides on WEtv’s My Fair Wedding.

8. New Jersey’s history is rich with numerous historic locations and landmarks, places where George Washington has lived or slept. More recent history is also represented in the many locations that have served as a backdrop for movies and television, like The Sopranos. One of the most popular places in the state to pose for an engagement or wedding picture is Woodrow Wilson Hall at Monmouth University, better known as Daddy Warbuck’s mansion in the movie Annie.

9. New Jersey is one of the most culturally diverse states in the nation, with large populations of Italians, Pan-Asians, Asian Indians and much more. You can have ANY type of catering you wish at your reception … just name it and you can find it in New Jersey … and it’s delicious!

10. Looking to attend a bridal show or expo? In New Jersey, you’ll be able to find a bridal show almost every day of the week. You will meet local wedding professionals who will give you advice and direction on your wedding plans, see the latest bridal fashions, and even maybe take home some fabulous door prizes or a free honeymoon.

BONUS REASON -> New Jersey was hit with Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which impacted several regions of the Garden State, especially the Jersey Shore. Many beachfront wedding facilities and businesses were affected, and and several are currently in the process of rebuilding. View our blog post entitled “Hurricane Sandy and the aftermath on the New Jersey weddings community,” with details on how NJ couples went ahead with their wedding plans, how wedding professionals teamed up to offer relief for NJ residents, and additional resources for helping those in need. New Jerseyans are “JERSEY STRONG” and we want you to know that the JERSEY SHORE IS OPEN and remains a popular destination for weddings, events and very special memories…

One of the top spots for wedding and engagement photos in New Jersey is Woodrow Wilson Hall at Monmouth University. Photo: Photography by Mike D.

Erik Kent is the Co-Publisher of NJWedding.com. This article was previously featured on AOL’s Aisledash in August 2010.