On April 25, 2015, I photographed Jess & Brandon’s Windrift Hotel Wedding in Avalon, New Jersey. The started out calm. Jess was in one of the hotel rooms with her two bridesmaids where they were relaxed and had lunch while putting the final touches on their hair and makeup. Jess was one of my happiest brides ever and her huge smile throughout the day was not only fun to photograph, but totally contagious. I loved photographing Jess outside on the balcony with her beautiful bouquet from A Garden Party. I also loved the detailing on her dress; so much so that I even tried on the same pattern when I went dress shopping for my own wedding!
Once Jess was zipped into her dress, it was time to go outside for my favorite part of the wedding day – the first look! Jess and Brandon did not disappoint. Their first look was sweet, romantic, and so fun to photograph, I loved capturing the anticipation on Jess’s face as she walked up to Brandon.
Following the first look, the three of us headed down to the beach for one of my favorite wedding day portrait sessions ever. I grew up on Long Island, so I already have a huge love for the ocean, but on this beautiful day in April, we were practically the only people on the beach! Jess and Brandon also set aside a large time frame for photos, so we had plenty of time to get every angle and pose that we wanted! Jess and Brandon were so in love and so relaxed. I remember a woman walking by us in a winter coat asking Jess if she was cold. She told the woman she was was filled with too many endorphins to be cold! These photos definitely captured the happy couple’s warmth and joy. After our couples photo session, we had the bridal party meet us for some fun and windy group photos. This tight knit group was a blast to photograph!
The ceremony was short and sweet and filled with emotion. Jess’s stepfather is a judge in their hometown in Lancaster, PA. so he was able to officiate the wedding. He kept the ceremony intimate and entertaining, and then Brandon’s sister read a sweet passage and gave a speech. Between these personal touches, their ceremony was one to remember!
One thing I loved about the Windrift Hotel was their gorgeous lighting. Between the beautiful chandeliers and the flowers, the room was decorated beautifully. Once cocktail hour began, this group was ready to have fun and they did not disappoint! I had so much fun capturing Jess and Brandon’s day! Thank you! <3 <3 <3
Edited to add: Since this wedding, I have become a preferred vendor at The Windrift Hotel and have shot quite a few more weddings at this gorgeous Jersey Shore wedding venue! Click here to see all the beautiful and happy weddings I have shot here!
