Ever since photographing their engagement session at the Goat Hill Overlook in Lambertville (See our photos from it HERE), we have been counting down the weeks until this wedding day was finally here! From the moment we arrived at the hotel on this wedding shortly before Christmas, we knew this would be a truly one of a kind day for both Nicole and Nate. From exchanging heartfelt to letters to first looks with both father and brother, we had countless moments that were perfect to capture in our candid style before we even left the hotel. We then made our way to Lady Star of Our Sea church in Long Branch for a catholic wedding ceremony with full mass. It was a breathtaking moment as Nicole walked into the church accompanied by her father which set the stage for beautiful readings, vows, exchanging of rings, and kiss! With rain in the forecast, we quickly hopped down the road to Pier Village after for bridal party and family photos on the boardwalk before taking off our shoes for some beach photos. The couple’s connection to each other was absolutely magical and we captured some of our favorite beach portraits from the year! The reception at McLoone’s Pier House had everything one could wish for. From hilarious entrances to teary eyed first dances and heartfelt toasts. Everyone in the room had an absolute blast and we kept finding moments big and small that were worth capturing in our documentary style! We hope you enjoy scrolling through just some of our favorite photos below.
A bit of a dramatic but truly unscripted delivering of the card written by the groom to bride by her brother. We won’t force this to happen but if it’s your personality – it might!
The bride’s grandmother’s wedding ring sewn inside the dress to complete the “something old” tradition.
Getting on the dress with help from everyone in the room! Mom, grandma, and all the bridesmaids helped with the buttoning, fluffing, and perfecting!
A quick tango with her brother as her father saw her in the dress for the first time! We love capturing whole stories in one or a series of images.
We captured just a bit of emotion from the groom while reading the card from his soon to be wife.
Some photographs of just a couple of the small moments we captured in the church before the ceremony actually began. We always make use of all the time we have throughout the day!
Both the grooms reaction to the bride and the brides small moment with her father as she walked up the aisle!
A quick kiss on the hand after exchanging the rings!
A celebration of finally being wed in the Our Lady of Star of the Sea church as bride and groom made their way back down the aisle hand in hand!
Some of the bridal party photos from the boardwalk in pier village – decorated for Christmas with a wreath!
After the bridal party photos, we made our way onto the beach with the bride and groom for some couples portraits. We always give guidance as to ideas of how to interact or where to stand but still want to capture the personality of every couple. There were many of the images that we loved that it was hard to choose just a few to show here!
Using the pilings of Long Branch boardwalk to frame the couple in on the beach and even a silhouette.
A few reception room details – the cake and the place card table with lots of photos from their families!
The grand entrances which led right into the couples first dance during their wedding at McLoone’s Pier House.
The bride dancing with her and dad and the groom with his mother!
After the toasts from best man and maid of honor, the wedding reception party truly began with tons of dancing and fun among family and close friends! We always photograph pretty much the entire time and send many many images in order to capture everything meaningful that happens!
The cutting of the cake and a group photos of everyone on the dance floor as the last hour of the reception rolled around.
After the reception began, it did eventually rain on this wedding day. But especially at night, rain is the perfect time to capture some truly magical photos with a couple brave enough to stand under an umbrella for just a few moments. We just love everything about this one on the boardwalk.
If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your big day at McLoone’s Pier House or another of the beautiful venues along the Jersey shore – click here HERE to see more of our work and contact us for more information!