A little over a week ago, I photographed Jessie and Ryan’s Abbie Holmes Estate Wedding in Ocean View, NJ.

Jessie and Ryan first met in 2010 over drinks at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, it was for Ryan’s cousin’s 21st birthday, who also happened to be one of Jessie’s best friends. Fast forward to the summer of 2012 when Ryan had a shore house in Sea Isle. It was Memorial Day when these two met up again at La Costa and finally their real date was dinner in Conshohocken in September after the Summer was over. Last Summer I was lucky enough to meet these two for their engagement session, since this session I have been looking forward to their day!

The proposal was on 08/24/2016, from Jessie: “We had a few days off in August and and were down at my parent’s in North Wildwood. We spent the day on the beach where (I found out later) Ryan stared at my knuckles all day trying to decide whether or not the ring would fit (my ring size was a lucky guess). We decided that day (or so I thought) that we would go to dinner at Quahogs in Stone Harbor. So when we got home, I went upstairs to get ready, and he went downstairs to tell my mom and brother he was about to propose and to get somewhere where they could (sneakily) take pictures. He had asked my dad earlier that day. I went downstairs and he asked me to go out on the front deck with him – not a strange request at all so I thought nothing of it. So when we got out there I totally blacked out and he got down on one knee. He says he had a whole speech planned but totally froze. My mom and brother were able to get photos and my dad and dogs were not far behind to share in the moment!! We then went to see his family (it was also his brother’s birthday so they were all together) and were able to celebrate with everyone.”

What I loved most about Jessie and Ryan’s wedding day was how personalized it was! The day started for Jessie at her parents home in Dennisville, NJ while Ryan got ready at Jessie’s parent’s marina house in Grassy Sound, NJ. The ceremony was in the backyard of Jessie’s parent’s home and was officiated by a long time family friend. Their beloved dog Bart was at Jessie’s side throughout the day and even served as flower pup during their ceremony. Once their sweet ceremony was complete and these two were married, we headed to the Abbie Holmes Estate for photos. Their band, Gypsy Wisdom kept the dance floor packed all night and I had so much fun photographing these two dancing around the dance floor – with quite a few dips by Ryan! Now that they are finished planning their laid back Abbie Holmes Estate wedding, they enjoy going on walks with Bart and sitting on the Hoboken waterfront together. Now that they’re married, they are looking forward to being happy and having a good life – with lots of dogs!

I hope you two are enjoying your honeymoon in Bora Bora!

Contributing Vendors:

Photography: Susan Hennessey Photography

Groom’s Getting Ready Location: Grassy Sound Marina

Ceremony: Bride’s Parents Home

Venue: Abbie Holmes Estate

Wedding Dress: Dress 2 Impress – Val Stefani – Iris

Bridesmaid Dresses: Weddington Way