As a New Jersey wedding videographer, I rarely get the chance to take wedding photos. I always love connecting with people (and welcome a challenge) so although I feel more comfortable in my role as a wedding videographer, I was excited to photograph Jen and Jake’s day for them. I originally was introduced to them when a friend of mine mentioned their sister was planning a last minute Long Beach Island wedding, very close to my wife’s family shore house. Being in the Navy before, I connected with them wanting to get married before he was deployed (which could be at any time). They weren’t planning on hiring a wedding photographer, they were just ready to get married. However, they knew they wanted their wedding day documented in some way. I’m glad they changed their mind. I was completely honored to play a part in capturing their wedding day memories.

Micro Weddings in New Jersey

Over the last year, through COVID, micro weddings have risen in popularity mostly out of necessity. Maybe it’s rooted in my passion connecting with people, but after being a wedding videographer at many micro weddings in New Jersey over the last year, the intimacy found in a small wedding is unparalleled. Jen and Jake got married at a beach house in the living room overlooking the beach in Bayshore Drive Barnegat, near Long Beach Island.

Their ceremony was short, sweet, and completely family focused. Jen and Jake wrote their own vows and they were sentimental and joyful. When you plan a last minute wedding, the focus tends to be on what’s most important: actually getting married and vowing to spend your lives together. They didn’t want a bunch of detail shots, or getting ready photos. The entire day was focused on Jen and Jake, connecting with their closest family and friends, and sharing this moment in their lives together.

Beach Wedding Photos

After the wedding ceremony, we headed to the backyard waterfront for some wedding couple portraits. We brought the whole family with us as well to capture some outdoor beach group photos. I really couldn’t have dreamed up a more incredible location than just outside the beach house. Although it was a little bit windy, everyone had a good time taking photos. Photos only look as good as you feel taking them, so the experience is incredibly important to me. I’ve always believed in capturing real connection – and that often involves movement! For Jen and Jake, we captured a mix of posed photos and candid moments.

One of my favorite moments of the day, was when we were heading out to bulkhead in the backyard to take their wedding photos. A pair of swans came out of nowhere. Swans are super rare in the LBI region but will randomly show up and are seen as a good omen. It was surprising, but felt like it was such a good thing to see. Their appearance was the perfect addition to their wedding day. Almost like a weird sign that everything will be okay. I think we all needed a sign that “things are going to be okay” last year but for a couple who is waiting to be separated by a deployment, I felt it for them deeply. If you are curious, you can learn more about me and my time in the military here (or just by reaching out and having a conversation).

 

Simple Home Wedding Reception

After the wedding photos on the beach, we retreated back to their living room. It was there that they exchanged a few toasts, happy tears, and lots of smiles. I tried to capture as many photos as I could of everyone just simply interacting and celebrating with each other. When I am hired for a wedding, I prefer to be a friendly fly on the wall. I document each moment as it happens instead of trying to create something just for a photo.

One of the most important family relationships I wanted to capture as their wedding photographer, was the moments with her grandmother. Jen’s grandmother is a Holocaust survivor and it was a huge deal to have her there with them for their Long Beach Island wedding. I captured photos of her, with her family and with her grandchildren. The joy in these photos completely warms my heart. It was so special to be a part of it.

 

 

New Jersey Wedding Photo and Video

As I hope you can see, I tried to capture the emotions and the love between everyone above everything else. Their long beach island wedding was incredible, and uniquely theirs. For Jen and Jake, it was less about the fancy wedding details. They were focused more about their families coming together as one. If you are looking for a wedding videographer in New Jersey or New York, I would love to connect with you here.

To learn more about my wedding videography services and packages, head here. The short version is: I’m a photojournalistic wedding photographer. I love to capture your wedding day exactly how it happens. When you look at your wedding photo and video, I want you to be transported to that moment in time. It’s not something I take lightly, as I know how important documenting your most precious memories truly is. To check my availability (and really, just have a conversation), get in touch here.