We met Nichole and Joe at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ on a rainy spring afternoon in the midst of their wedding day preparations. While Joe suited up surrounded by best friends and groomsmen, Nichole watched the rain serenely splash into the Navesink River out her window while the finishing touches of her make up were expertly applied. The ring bearer and flower girl even stopped by the hotel room for shoe fittings and hair-styling to look perfect for their walk up the aisle. With her dress on and veil looking perfect, everyone began making their way up along the New Jersey shoreline and though the Atlantic Highlights into Sandy Hook among beaches and old forts.
With their first date taking place on a rainy and blustery night it was only fate for Nichole and Joe for similar weather on their wedding day. The groomsmen braved the rain for photos on piers and in front of the historic bunkhouses while we grabbed some photos of the bridal party inside the Sandy Hook Chapel. Time flew by, guests settled down, and Nichole soon was walking up the aisle with her father into the view of an eager Joseph. A beautiful ceremony followed combining elements of many different denominations and the couple was officially wed. With rain still pouring down, we captured family photos in front of the church made our way onto the retro E- Street Shuttle with the newlyweds. We never thought it was possible to have an entire portrait session on a shuttle, but the hardwood floors, bright walls, and colorful seating of the converted bus made it a breeze.
As night fell, the reception began with entrances making way for first dances, which quickly led into amazing party and great food. In the midst of the fun, we slipped outside with the couple for a few photos in the rain itself under an umbrella. We later found out these handful of photos turned out to be everyone’s favorite of the entire day and were well worth getting a bit wet. Eventually the cake was cut and guests ate, drank, and danced late into the night with no end in sight. While the weather made it a challenging day, we had an amazing time capturing this love story.
We love photographing weddings and engagements along the New Jersey shore all seasons of the year (and in any weather!). Other than peak summer times, Sandy Hook does not require any photography permits or entrance fee and parking is easy in several large lots. The state park gates are open from 5 Am to 9 PM year round which gives us the opportunity to meet either in morning or at dusk for amazing lighting. If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your big day or an engagement photographer, Contact Us for more information about or packages.
