Dave and Kelly’s story began in high school, where they were total opposites—Dave, the thoughtful self-proclaimed “nerd,” and Kelly, the spirited athlete always on the move. Life eventually took them in different directions. But years later, a bold Facebook message changed everything: “Well congratulations Kelly Thompson, you’re still hot.” At the time, Kelly was in graduate school in Indiana, so the two spent the next few months getting to know each other from afar—through late-night phone calls, endless text banter, and plenty of memes. They quickly became each other’s best friend. Over the years, they’ve shared life’s highs and lows, and somewhere along the way, their friendship grew into something deeper. They believe that the bond they built all those years ago is the foundation of the happy, lasting partnership they share today. And yes, Dave is still a nerd… just Kelly’s favorite one.
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Cocktail attire or dress to impress!
Travel Note
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Perched high above the coastline, the Waterwitch Club at Monmouth Hills is a private clubhouse where history, beauty, and quiet magic meet. With sweeping views of Sandy Hook, the Atlantic Ocean, and the distant city skyline, it feels both timeless and tucked away from the world. But for us, it’s something even more meaningful. This is where our love story began. The surrounding landscape—where the bay meets the ocean and wooded trails open to breathtaking views—has quietly witnessed so many moments that brought us closer together. Choosing this place felt natural and we couldn’t imagine beginning this next chapter anywhere else. We’re so excited to share a place so special to us with the people we love the most. We hope you enjoy!
Cocktail attire or dress to impress!
This is an indoor and outdoor venue. Dress for temperatures down into the 40's for the evening portion of our wedding.
While we love your little ones (truly), we have decided to make our wedding day adults-only. We look forward to you relaxing and enjoying the evening celebrating with us. Thank you for your understanding!
There is limited parking. Please carpool and take Uber or Lyft whenever possible. You can also park at the Seastreak Ferry parking lot across the street, and take an Uber over to the venue. The address for the Sea Streak Ferry parking lot is 326 Shore Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732.
Seastreak offers complimentary parking during the day. There is a modest overnight parking fee of $25.
Skip the stilettos. You will be walking on grass for the ceremony.
Thank you so much for asking! Please consider bringing some cash for tipping the valet drivers, bartenders, and servers—it’s always appreciated. Also, if you have a favorite drink that you’d love to enjoy, feel free to bring it along and the bartenders will be happy to serve it just for you. Thank you!
Ferry rides to and from Highlands NJ to Midtown Manhattan
Movie theatre, restaurants, bars, brewery and shops close to venue
Sandy Hook is located in Gateway National Recreation Area. It has six miles of beaches that are accessed from various parking lots. There are also many historical sites, including Fort Hancock, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, a Nike Missile site, and various other military artillery batteries. There is also a wonderful restaurant and bar with sweeping views of the city skyline called "The Mule Barn".
Waterfront dining on Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area
Waterfront dining
Waterfront Dining
Waterfront dining
Paved, 10-foot wide, 24-mile long trail. Great for bike riding, walking, and admiring beach and city views.
A hilly, forested 831-acre site overlooking the Navesink River, this park is among the highest elevations along the Atlantic Coast and features prominently in area history as a former coastal defense site. Known for its challenging trail system and scenic views, Hartshorne Woods is a popular park for area hikers, bicyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bike rental spot, offering cruisers, electric bikes, and gear