"Patrick and I met in 1997 at Northwood University in Florida, while waiting online for our dorm assignments. We learned that we had lived less than a half hour from each in New Jersey. We began seeing each other a couple of weeks after school began and continued dating through college. In 2001, we graduated and began our careers.

"Four years later we moved back to New Jersey. I had taken a job transfer and Patrick decided to make the move with me. He is now an account executive for Enterprise Rent-A-Car and I’m in claims management at Progressive Insurance.

"In February of 2006, I planned a weekend vacation for Patrick’s 27th birthday to King of Prussia. During his birthday dinner, Patrick asked if I knew what he really wanted for his birthday. Before I could reply, he was beside me on one knee asking me to be his wife!

"Once we met with Bonnie Damion, the banquet manager, we knew we were in good hands. Bonnie was amazing throughout the whole planning process, and on our special day.

Tonimarie Rappa & Patrick Shanks Ceremony: Saint Catherine of Siena Reception: Crystal Point Yacht Club Ring: Salkin’s Jewel Case Gown: Eve of Milady Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff Hair: Ginger’s Salon and Day Spa Makeup: Melissa Fox Tux: Joseph Abboud Florist: Riverview Garden Florist Cake: Tinton Falls Pastry Chef Photographer: The Studio Photographers Videographer: Elite Video Productions DJ: Elite Entertainment Honeymoon: Antigua, Aruba Crystal Point Yacht Club 3900 River Road, Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 732.295.7000 www.thecrystalpoint.com

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"When our wedding day arrived, everything went perfectly. There were so many delicious hors d’oeuvres served during our cocktail hour, including a tri-colored sesame chicken skewer, coconut shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon, and clams casino. There were also food stations around the room, including a pasta station, an Oriental wok station, a carving station, and a crêpe station. We especially loved our ice sculpture, which embodied both of our names within two connecting hearts.

"I had always wanted a Tuscan themed wedding to represent my Italian heritage, and we had each table set with a large arrangement of sunflowers. At our reception, guests were served sliced honeydew with prosciutto and seasonal fresh berries and tri-mesclun garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Entrees included chicken francaise, chateaubriand, and Chilean sea bass. All our guests were amazed when additional portions of every selection were served! Bottled wine service also was available at every table. Everything about our meal was amazing.

"After dinner, we hit the dance floor. At the end of the evening we gave our guests a bottle of wine wrapped in black organza, and unlimited photos they took in the on-site photobooth we had at our reception. Our wedding day was perfect and everything we could have hoped for! Thanks to all the hard work of the staff at Crystal Point Yacht Club, it was the day we had always dreamed of."