Bess and Joe both grew up by the ocean…  Bess spent her summers at her Grandmother’s house in Spring Lake and Joe grew up by North Fork beach on Long Island. A coastal wedding day by the beach just seemed like a no brainer! Their hopes for their wedding day were simple. They wanted to feel relaxed, happy and mostly wanted their guests to spend the bulk of their night on the dance floor. Mission accomplished! The dance floor was packed the entire night long and Bess & Joe never stepped off either! We stole them away for the most incredible sunset photos right after their siblings’ gave the funniest and most heartfelt toasts and once we were done, they never stopped dancing! Bess & Joe are both so laid back and easy-going which was reflected in their wedding day. All the details were light and romantic, with colorful bouquets and centerpieces that were beautiful yet simple. Their ceremony took place at the stunning St. Catherine’s church in the heart of Spring Lake. Their smiles as Bess walked down the aisle says it all! After being pronounced husband and wife, Bess & Joe left the church in a getaway car – with cans hanging off the end and everything! What an EXIT!! We then hopped over to Asbury Park for their portraits. These two are so fun and loved the graffiti walls of Asbury Park for the backdrop of their photos and you know I can’t say no to pops of color! 🙂 After portraits on the boardwalk, we made our way to Spring lake bath & tennis club for their reception. Guests took portraits in front of their custom backdrop (with the coolest neon sign of their last name!) and enjoyed eating oysters and drinking wine all from the North Fork of Long Island! In fact, the Oysters were grown by Joe and his brother’s Oyster company! 🙂 Once the party started though, it never stopped. The night ended with Bess & Joe (and a few of their guests!) jumping into the pool!! Now THAT’S how you kick off the after party! lol It was such an incredible, beautiful and fun wedding day and I’m so excited to share my favorite images today. Bess & Joe, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your big day!

VENDOR CREDITS

Venue: Spring Lake Bath & Tennis Club | Portrait Location: Asbury Park | Second Photographer: Emily Zapata | Florist: Flowers From The Farm NJ | Band: Joe Baracata Band | Videographer: NST Pictures | Wedding Dress: Made With Love Bridal | Invitations & Program: Minted | Grooms’ Suit: Perry Ellis | Bridesmaids Dresses: Shona Joy | Groomsmen’s Suits: J. Crew | Cake Baker: Chocolate Carousel | Cake Topper: Epic Wood | Bride’s Shoes: INC International Concepts | Bride’s Jewelry: Bekah Anne | Favors: Donations to Surfrider Foundation and Peconic Baykeeper | Make Up Artist: Marlena Makeup Artistry | Hair Stylist: Sally Monterrosa from Boho Salon, Asbury Park | Menus: BeFunky.com | Wedding Dress Tailor: Sew Elegant, NYC | Tent rental: Ocean Tents | Wedding Dress Shop: White Dress By The Shore | Trolley Rental: Spring Lake Trolley Company | Neon Sign: Echo Neon Studio