Wedding crasher: Sandy rattles plans for nuptials in N.J.

On much of the Jersey Shore, finding necessities such as food or gas are a challenge. The Shore is also a popular destination for weddings and, given the serious weather and damage, it’s taking a little extra effort to make a “big day” work in this climate.

 

The dream of a perfect wedding isn’t over, but it has been stressful, said bride-to-be Tabatha Shaw.

“The wedding is at Holmdel, New Jersey, at the PNC Arts Center reception hall. It is going to be on Saturday, Nov. 3,” she said. “We’ve been planning it probably about a year.”

A year of planning couldn’t predict that superstorm that’s cut power, closed roads and left massive damage along parts of the coast.

“The florist just called me saying they have no power and they’re probably going to be trying to work out of another shop. The PNC reception hall wasn’t hit very hard,” Shaw says. “We’re hoping the vendors that we have — like the florist, tuxedos and makeup and hair — everyone is able to get out there.”

Sounding far from a Bridezilla, Shaw was quick to point out that safety is the most important thing, and for that she’s thankful.

Elizabeth McGlinn is the director of One Atlantic, in Atlantic City, “that sits 100 yards out over the Atlantic Ocean. Four stories up with 22-foot walls of glass.”

McGlinn said while her venue escaped damage, the wedding planned for this weekend still faces other challenges including a lack of access to parking and hotel rooms.

“Currently the state has all the roads to the barrier islands — or many of the barrier islands — closed. For (the bride), the usual stress of a wedding is compounded 100-fold with this aspect because of the variables that we don’t have any control over, that ultimately control our events.”

McGlinn said there are other upcoming dates available, if the couple decides to postpone their wedding.