I tend to meet my clients in coffee shops, as they are good, quiet places to talk, listen to their stories on how they met, and get a feel for their wedding plans. Kristen and Jon suggested we meet at Thatcher McGee’s, a local Irish pub they frequent. From that point on, I knew we were a good fit—there is just so much personality in Irish pubs!
The first photo session we did together was their engagement shoot (check it out here!) and as soon as that session started, it was clear how in love they truly are. You can see it on their faces and you can feel it in their photos.
So naturally I was excited to be the wedding photographer for their beachy wedding last September.
The day started with the couple getting ready. Kristen, her mother, and her bridesmaids got ready at Hot Mess Salon in Asbury Park, New Jersey while the groom and his groomsmen got ready at the hotel.
Interesting Detail: Kristen had a bridesman (who got ready with the groomsmen) and Jon had a groomsmaid (who got ready with the bridesmaids). One thing I love about witnessing so many weddings in this day and age is seeing how couples will break “the rules” in order to do what feels most natural to them. And having bridesmen and groomsmaids is the perfect example of this. You want those you’re closest to standing with you as you say “I do.”
We did manage to sneak in a few formal shots of the bride and her bridesmaids before the ceremony.
Kristen and Jon opted to do a first look on the beach, right off the boardwalk in Asbury Park, before the ceremony. She walked up behind him, placed her hands on his back, and when he turned around, the look on their faces said it all. Such a sweet moment!
We took a few photos on the pier before walking down to the beach for the ceremony to begin.
And the weather? It was perfect. Sunny, not too hot, and no rain. A gorgeous day for a beach wedding.
After the ceremony the bride, groom and entire wedding party walked to a nearby restaurant and bar called The Bonney Read to get a couple drinks before the reception.
Kristen, Jon and the wedding party were having a blast, but they didn’t want to keep their guests waiting. So before long, they all had their last drink and headed across the street to Cross and Orange Restaurant for the party.
The bridal party anxiously lined up outside the restaurant, waiting to be announced so they could dance their way inside!
The best man’s speech had everyone was cracking up, especially Kristen and Jon; they were losing it!
With great food and drinks, speeches, and dancing, all the guests were having a fantastic time.
If after all that, you didn’t think Kristen and Jon were tons of fun, they hired an ice cream truck for dessert, creamsicles and all!
I’d like to commend the owner of Cross and Orange Restaurant. As I fellow business owner, I could tell Bob wanted to do everything he could to make Kristen and Jon happy, attending to their every need and keeping their drinks full. He was even accommodating to me and my staff, making sure we were well taken care of. Definitely a venue to keep in mind for your next event!
If I could use one word to describe Kristen and Jon, it would be “joy.” Their smiles during the ceremony, their laughter during the reception, the love that radiates when they look at each other.
Kristen and Jon, thank you for having me capture your wedding day. I’m thrilled I could be there to help celebrate with you.
Contact me here If you’re interested in working together on YOUR wedding day.
Ceremony Venue: Asbury Park Beach – near the Carousel
Asbury Avenue and Ocean Avenue
Reception Venue: Cross and Orange Restaurant
Bob Fahey: (732) 361-5502
508 Cookman Avenue Asbury Park
Bride’s Dress: Bella Sposa Bridal Boutique
(973) 587.8557
Denville, NJ
Hair and Makeup: Hot Mess Studio
Tara Weldon: (732) 774-3515
Flowers: Purple Iris Flower Shop
Patricia DaSilva: (732) 899-8175
Point Pleasant, NJ
DJ: DJ Jersey Joe
Joe Davisson: 732.306.5498
Manasquan, NJ
Ice Cream Truck: Cool Concessions
Peter Hamouroudis: (732) 581-4707
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