A Beach Wedding

We’re going to have to start at the beginning of Kristin and Connor’s wedding planning to fully understand why their beach wedding (and instagram hashtag!) is so clever and important.

A little over a year ago, while on vacation in Maui, Connor proposed to Kristin as the sun set over the beach where they were standing. Just two months later, I met them in Bay Head, where Kristin’s family stays every summer to take their engagement pictures! We met at 5:45am on the beach, where a sherbet sun was rising. Besides Kristin’s Mom, who took some beautiful behind the scenes snaps, we were the only ones on the beach! Even if you’re not a morning person, you cannot tell me this isn’t romantic!

I just loved coming full circle on their wedding day, where we would once again, meet on the beach. Could their hashtag #H2OWedding, incorporating the first letter of their last names, be any better?! Connor waited for Kristin (midday this time) on the beach for their first look on a perfectly light overcast day. As he stood on a deck overlooking the ocean, Kristin marched (I mean marched!) up the planks to meet Connor. I don’t think I’m painting the romantic picture here as well as I could. Pictures are my language, not words. Let me attempt to expain. To start your engagement on the beach at both sunset and sunrise, and then to finally become husband and wife on the beach as well? Is this not the sweetest story? I’ll let the pictures tell the rest. Connor got choked up, our lenses got a little foggy too. And from the dock below, both family and closest friends got to witness all of this joy when Kristin and Connor saw each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Portraits on the beach are very different from portraits on land. The beach, especially on an overcast day, is a beautiful yet simple backdrop. There is no framing to consider, only your subject. This means the beauty of the image relies entirely on the subject. No pressure! Fortunately, both Kristin and Connor are models. They filled every image with laughter, love and emotions that are genuine and joyful!

I think sometimes couples worry that the impact of their ceremony, and the bride coming down the aisle won’t be as emotional if they do a first look. I couldn’t disagree more! Somehow, I think the emotions are even greater after a first look. Sure, the groom has seen the bride’s dress before she comes down the aisle, but I hardly think the groom is marrying the dress. It merely enhances the bride’s glow. A first look gives the bride and groom the opportunity to say what’s on their mind immediately when they see each other. It’s also so reassuring to just hold each other and feel that much more connected and confident about standing in front of hundreds of people declaring your vows to one another. No first look could ever diminish the impact of the bride coming down the aisle. That much is true! I mean, I didn’t marry Kristin and I felt it when she came down the aisle! You can see it in Connor’s eyes too.

After Kristin and Connor made it official, we took them out onto the dock overlooking the bay for their last portraits of the night before getting the party started! Scroll down to find my favorite model shot!

The dancefloor was filled the rest of the night. Be sure to check out Kristin’s amazing dancefloor shoes. They’re probably not what you expected!

Kristin and Connor, we loved being part of this amazing wedding day! You and your families made us feel like family, and we are so happy for you! Thank you Kelly Joyce for being an awesome second shooter and assistant throughout the day!

Kristin, we love you and your shoes!

Best model shot to date.

Okay, so we’ll need half the room for our college group portrait!

This dress/shoe combination could not have been more perfect for the dancefloor! Kristin, you’re adorable!

So thrilled to get to work with our good friends, Stephanie & Justin again!

Photographers: Lauren Kearns & Kelly Joyce

Venue: Clarks Landing, Point Pleasant, NJ

Caterer: Clarks Landing Caterers

Wedding planner: Mallory Weiss

Florist: Purple Iris Flower Shop

Hair: Sally, Boho Bridal 

Makeup: On-Site Hair and Makeup

Wedding Dress: Pronovias, L’Fay Bridal

Wedding Bands: Freedman Jewelers

Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo

Groom/Groomsmen Tuxedos: Black Tux

Invitations: Simply Jessica Maria

Signage: The Shaded Maple

Transportation: Long Branch Trolley

Videographer: Tone Media

Band: Sydney – EBE Entertainment Band