Has anyone held, or been to, a wedding at McLoone's Pier House in Long Branch? I have questions about the indoor ceremony, pictures, the reception layout, and hotel accomodations:
We opted not to have the outdoor beachfront ceremony because it's more expensive and we didn't want to make everyone walk in the sand. How did McLoone's transition between the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception when they all share the same middle/dancefloor area by the section of windows that slide away to the side? Especially when they say the cocktail hour will start a half hour after the ceremony starts?
For pictures, how was the beach for photos? Were there a lot of people on the beach that would be in the background of the shots? Did you feel weird with lots of onlookers or was it OK?
Also, the layout is a little out of the ordinary, being that all the reception seating is on one side of the dancefloor in two rows... did anyone find this setup extremely awkward during the party or was it OK? It looks nice in pictures and it seemed do-able when we went there in person... We are planning a 2nd bar at the end of the tables section, and also considering putting the sweetheart table more in the middle of that area instead of on the end by the dance floor, to make the layout more comfortable for guests, but this still bothers me somewhat.
In addition I have a third question about hotel block - I wasn't going to use Ocean Place (too expensive) but I just found out the Eatontown Sheraton we were planning to use has a 2-night stay minimum in the summer! Dealbreaker in my opinion! Has anyone used Staybridge Suites next to the Sheraton, or any other hotels in the area? I'd like a hotel that's not too far away for before-and-after shuttles, and preferably with a bar or lounge for that casual after-party scenario.
Thanks so much!! Especially since I have so many questions!