There’s an experience of getting to know one another when a bride and groom decide to have me capture their wedding day with my photography. 1) We have a meeting. 2) I learn their story and as a result develop a relationship of trust and comfort over the course of some months. 3) Then finally their wedding date arrives and happiness ensues. I met Millie a week before her wedding to Bart. This is not an exaggeration for ‘effect.’ This is real life. I am so happy I was available on such short notice to photograph her wed Bart during their Mantoloking Yacht Club wedding ceremony and reception.
Millie hadn’t intended to have a wedding photographer initially. Mainly she didn’t want to go through the hassle of finding one only to be disappointed because they were so intrusive. On the day of her friend 60th party, she decided to approach me. She said she watched my demeanor and was impressed by my inconspicuous process. She asked if I happened to be available. I was beyond flattered, checked my calendar, and of course said ‘yes!’
Given the last minute notice, we had to speed up and condense the ‘get to know you’ portion of my process. There was just one unexpected curveball: as the professional photographer, I was not allowed inside the church for the ceremony. But it all worked out in the end, I think we rocked it shooting from the doorways!
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The gorgeous architecture of St Simon by the Sea in Mantoloking, NJ made it an obvious choice for the ceremony. That and the fact that it’s walking distance to the Mantoloking Yacht Club where the reception was.
Millie and Bart’s children stood by their side during the ceremony. It really was the joining of two families, not just two people.
I must admit, I’ve never been to a wedding when the cops were called. There’s a first for everything, right? Just next to the reception a young man and his friends were having some fun of their own… dancing wildly to the music. Some of the guests were enjoying the free entertainment, but not everyone agreed. He was asked to take his talents elsewhere, making for a great story and some pretty funny photos.
Millie’s daughter gave a beautiful speech welcoming Bart and her two new step brothers into their family.
The hazy cloudy weather made for some beautiful, soft lighting for portraits!
I think these new siblings have a couple years of noogies and wet willies to catch up on. They seem like a fun bunch and know how to have a good time!
What happens in the photo booth stays in the photo booth… unless I show up 😉
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