I had so missed beach weddings. Northern California has their vineyards but the east coast has lovely beaches within reach. Take Dan and Rachael’s wedding, for example. I headed down to the Jersey shore in the fall for a truly beautiful union between these two. Dan and Rachael are awesome. They just have fun together. It’s so obvious. They looks, the quips, the everything. They were a fantastic couple to photograph. It wasn’t until that day that I realized I actually went to grade school with the groom. What a small world!
This wedding was the perfect combination of playful and preppy. I loved the navy blue silk bridesmaid dresses with hot pink touches next to the guy’s J. Crew-like navy blazers and khaki pants with pink rose boutonnieres. The Yacht Club just brought everything together with hanging lights in white and blue and naval flags bordering the bar.
I began at the beach house in Avalon, New Jersey with the Rachael’s family to take the getting ready pictures.
Rachael had the bling on. I loved it!
And good lord was she gorgeous!
The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Stone Harbor, NJ.
I love this pic of the daddies in the back with the babies.
The Catholic mass was beautiful and the couple was accompanied by a wedding party of 23 that included Dan’s three brothers and Rachael’s eleven siblings (only two are boys so they’re quite happy to add Dan to the mix to help the ratio).
Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party hopped on the trolley and headed to the beach at 101st street for some overcast (aka perfect photography lighting) pictures.
The ladies wanted Dan to themselves and who am I to deny them?
We scooted over to downtown Avalon for a few quick “city” shots.
The reception was held at the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor. Take a look at these fabulous placecards. What a unique idea! Each couple had their own starfish stuck in the sand with a table number. The setup was adorable.
This group had some of the best intros I have ever seen. Each pairing came out with something completely hilarious!
Rachael and Dan danced to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are The Best Thing”. They didn’t seem too bothered that they were interrupted/upstaged by another couple on the dancefloor…
Rachael danced with her dad and invited in her mom halfway through. So sweet!
Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” came on for the bouquet toss and those single ladies shook their booties in anticipation.
I would say the party was quite a success! Everyone was out on that dancefloor.
Such a great wedding “down the shore”. Rachael and Dan, congrats and all the best!
Baby,
We’ve come a long way, baby.
you know, I hope and I pray that you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away
~ Ray LaMontagne “You Are The Best Thing”
