When I first met with Heidi, she said she and James weren’t looking to plan a crazy wedding. They just wanted to be married, have a simple ceremony, and a fun party. And after a Christmas Eve proposal surrounded by family, the couple finally said “I do” on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Waretown Methodist Church in Waretown, New Jersey.
Heidi and her bridesmaids started the day getting ready at her parents’ house down by the beach. You could feel the excited energy in the air as the women buzzed around, having their hair done, and getting Heidi into her white gown.
As it turned out, this was the perfect location to take the bridesmaids’ formal shots before the ceremony. Surrounded by her sister and closest friends, Heidi was glowing.
The groomsmen got ready in James and Heidi’s home. Before the ceremony, we shot their formal portraits along the road near a view of the water. It’s always fun to take pictures of a group of friends; their laughing and joking adds so much to the final shots.
By the way, check out this classic 1959 Rambler Heidi and her father, Carlton, arrived in. A swanky yet fun detail!
The couple opted not to do a first look, preferring the more traditional route of seeing each other for the first time as the bride’s father walked her down the aisle.
After the ceremony, the bridal party blew bubbles as the couple exited the church. I loved the bubbles. They serve as a great alternative to rice—easier to clean up!—and they add a whimsical touch to the photos.
We realized the forecast was calling for a possibility of rain. While the couple was a little nervous, I knew we’d still get some gorgeous shots.
The original plan was to go to the Barnegat dock, but that was a bit of a distance and we ran the risk of the weather beating us to it. So after a quick discussion and some thinking on our feet, we decided to knock out the family portraits at the church before heading over to the Waretown docks a couple blocks away.
Needless to say, the rain held out and we got some beautiful shots on the docks, full of love and laughter.
Note: A timeline planning session with your photographer is always a great way to prepare for surprises!
Then it was off to the reception where Heidi and James made their grand entrance with colorful, festive streamers and beaming smiles.
Everyone gathered at Lacey Elks Lodge in Forked River, New Jersey for a party full of food, drinking, and dancing. The guests were clearly enjoying themselves just as much as the bride and groom. It was exactly as Heidi and James envisioned: simple, but tons of fun!
Blue Collar Catering baked and decorated their wedding cake. Heidi even got James a groom’s cake of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, which they ultimately destroyed.
In the end, the weather was perfect for this South Jersey wedding. We even got to grab them for a mini session with this gorgeous, glowing sunset.
I loved being a part of your big day, Heidi and James! Here’s to a loving and beautiful marriage.
Thanks to my other shooters, Jess and Meredith.
Florist Shoprite
Wedding Dress David’s Bridal
Ceremony Venue Waretown Methodist Church
Reception Venue Lacey Elks Lodge
DJ or Band Puttin’ on the Hits (Don Cook)
Cake Blue Collar Catering
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