Windrift Hotel Wedding in Avalon, New Jersey: Joe and Amy

I love beach weddings, and a beach wedding in the winter is no exception. Joe and Amy were married at the Windrift Hotel in Avalon, New Jersey in November. I was so excited to be back at the beautiful Windrift and their gorgeous ballroom (see below), and to capture Amy and Joe’s wedding. After getting to know them at their engagement session at Ridley Creek State Park, earlier in the year, I knew we were all in for a good time.

Amy and Joe both got ready at the hotel before their ceremony on a covered deck overlooking the ocean. Amy’s aunt officiated the wedding, giving it such a personal and beautiful touch. While guests headed downstairs to cocktail hour, we snuck out for some gorgeous sunset photos on the beach- aligning just right with golden hour. I knew this would be an extremely memorable wedding when Joe and his friends displayed their AMAZING dance moves on the dance floor. In addition to amazing dance moves, Joe serenaded Amy in front of their guests- does it get any better? Congratulations to Joe and Amy- what an absolute honor to capture your day!

We lucked out with a seasonably warm day in November in Avalon, NJ at the Windrift.

Golden hour on the beaches of Avalon at the Windrift Hotel. So so dreamy!

Amy and her bridesmaids got ready on-site at the Windrift Hotel with the perfect window light for Amy’s bridal portraits.

A First Look with Dad- so beautiful.

This dancefloor- forever memorable!

THE DETAILS

Venue: Windrift Hotel, Avalon, New Jersey

Hair & Makeup: Melanie of Melanie Rae Artistry

Cake : The Cake Boutique

Band: The Juliano Brothers

Ocean City, NJ Wedding, The Flanders Hotel: Don and Tracy

When I pulled into The Flanders on Tracy and Don's wedding day, I saw a man wearing a shirt that said, "I can't keep calm, my daughter is getting married!" I knew that (a) I was in the right place and (b) this wedding was going to be awesome! We found Tracy getting her finishing touches done at Divine Images Salon, inside the Flanders Hotel. We headed up to her room for her getting ready and saw the cutest assortment of bridesmaid dresses (I love when bridesmaids pick out their own dresses!) and the most adorable Maid of Honor dress. Tracy's MOH was her gorgeous, adorable, and very witty daughter, G. After Tracy was ready (and so stunning, might I add), it was time to head to the Crystal Ballroom in The Flanders Hotel for the ceremony. I love the ease of having everything in one venue- it makes it easy for the guests to have everything within walking distance! After a heartfelt ceremony, we headed onto the boardwalk for bridal party and bride and groom photos. We got traditional walking down the Ocean City boardwalk photos, visited Playland Castaway Cove to visit the rides, and to Hamburger Construction Company (a special place to Tracy and Don). We even made it back to The Flanders Hotel in time for Don and Tracy to enjoy some of cocktail hour. After fun introductions from Over the Top, they went into their first dance, followed by speeches. G (the cutest MOH) gave the best speech and set the bar high for all MOH's after her! Don, Tracy, and G- congratulations!

THE DETAILS

Venue: The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, New Jersey

Gown: San Patrick

Hair and Makeup: Divine Images Salon

Florals: Red Barn Designs and Flowers

Cake: Viking Pastries

DJ: Chris of Over the Top

Playland's Castaway Cove in Ocean City made for the most colorful (and fun) backdrop for bridal party portraits!

The diners at Hamburger Construction Company welcomed Don and Tracy into the restaurant! Who doesn't love to see a bride and groom!?

How gorgeous are these bridesmaid dresses?

Stunning florals by Red Barn Designs and Flowers.

G is checking out her momma's stunning gown.

Just like any other MOH, G helps lace up the bride's corset.

Tracy- you are stunning!

I love the shot of Don in his Phillies hat captured by my awesome second shooter, Danielle.

I'm loving all of these candids captured during the ceremony! So so sweet!

Tracy had so many special details including family photographs and two very special wedding dresses on display.

The Flanders Hotel Wedding, Ocean City, NJ: Mike and Allegra

It was a windy day. Scratch that, a blustery day. The type of wind that makes you want to put your arms out at your side and lean all of your body weight against the wind to see who will win- you or the wind. Are you getting the drift? (Dang, that was good). It's the type of weather that doesn't mesh with updos, gorgeous lashes, and fancy dresses, which is why I was so relieved that the wedding was at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. I feel like I mention it all of the time, but just in case you don't know... my husband and I were married at The Flanders Hotel six years ago and one thing that was a requirement for me as a bride was a weather contingency plan. You can plan just about everything on a wedding day, except for the weather, so I always tell brides, make sure you LOVE the backup plan! As a bride, I checked out (what feels like) every square inch of The Flanders Hotel to make sure it had plenty of locations in case of terrible weather. Good news- it absolutely does!  It all started with the extremely stunning, Allegra, getting ready at The Flanders Hotel's most stunning suite on the highest floor, overlooking the ocean. Allegra was so calm and just enjoying her bridesmaids- like every bride should before the day begins. Her girls wore the most gorgeous sequined gowns from Rent the Runway, while Allegra turned heads in her elegant Jay West gown with the most gorgeous design in the back. She met with her groom, Mike, in the lobby of the Flanders Hotel for their bridal party portraits just before the ceremony. Her brother walked her down the aisle just before Mike and Allegra exchanged vows by the fireplace, under a gorgeous chandelier- romance was certainly in the air. Then it was off to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm! The band, 39 Mariner, lead the celebration and the night ended with not a cake cutting, but a donut cutting, with the most yummy treats from Federal Donuts. Congratulations Allegra and Mike!

THE DETAILS

Venue: The Flanders Hotel, Ocean City, New Jersey

Gown: Jay West

Hair and Makeup: Your Day Your Way

Florals: The Manic Botanic

Donuts: Federal Donuts

Band: 39 Mariner

Ocean City Boardwalk Engagement, Ocean City, NJ: Geoff and Danielle

On a rainy day, I constantly refreshed my weather app, hoping we wouldn't need to reschedule Geoff and Danielle's engagement session in Ocean City, New Jersey. We decided to go through with it even though rain was in the forecast. When I arrived that evening, it was raining- but just a little- the kind of rain where you're not sure whether your umbrella should be opened or closed.  Geoff and Danielle said they were willing to brave the rain- so we did. It was pretty amazing because anybody who goes to Ocean City in the summer knows just how crowded it can be... well there was hardly anybody there. It was almost bizarre to see it so quiet, but it made for some amazing photos. We started on the beach just by the Music Pier in Ocean City and then made our way up to the iconic boardwalk. Geoff knows just how to make Danielle laugh and watching them interact is so adorable. They both have such an amazing sense of humor and it makes me so excited to be a part of their wedding day.

Geoff loves all things sea related- boats, fishing- you name it, so Geoff and Danielle wanted to incorporate that in their engagement session. They choose Ocean City, NJ- perfection.

We shot on the beach just by the Music Pier in Ocean City, NJ.

It was drizzling but we were able to on the beach and boardwalk to capture some great engagement photographs.

Nothing says "Ocean City," like the boardwalk and rides- a total must-have for an engagement session. 

Since it was raining ever so slightly, there was NOBODY on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ- something I've never seen. It was so awesome.

The Golden Inn Wedding Photographer: Jess + Justin

On a perfect June day, Jess and Justin exchanged vows with their feet in the sand, on the beach in Avalon at the Golden Inn. Jess's bridesmaids wore shades of blue, which was absolutely stunning and very appropriate for this beachside wedding. The guys sported tan (very beachy) and finished the look with suspenders- I love suspenders! Jess and Justin's first dance was one of those first dances that make photographers tear up behind their camera (this happens more often than I care to admit!). I wish nothing but the best for this happy new Mr. & Mrs. 

Congress Hall Cape May Wedding Photographer: Vinny & Cassie

When I photographed Cassie and Vinny's engagement session in Philadelphia this past winter- I instantly fell for them. They are a "cool" couple- how "uncool" does this make me sound? Let me explain... they know every worthy place to visit in Philly. Their engagement session was anything but typical. They planned out three very specific locations- Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (maybe one of the coolest mosaic art galleries EVER), Percy Street Bar (one of the best BBQ restaurants), and Tattooed Mom (a bar with graffiti everywhere)- can you say, a photographer's dream? Not only are they total foodies, they also love to travel together and have been all over the globe. See- you totally want to be friends with them now. Did I mention their dance moves?? Well, you'll just have to see for yourself. Besides all of the aforementioned facts that make them awesome- they have a love for each other that is just adorable to see in person. During their First Look- I was teary eyed behind my camera. Have I mentioned I love First Looks? Enough already- take a look at their colorful wedding at one of the coolest venues I've had the privilege to shoot- Congress Hall in Cape May.