Kensi & Peter planned a romantic Reeds at Shelter Haven Wedding. It was a beautiful, warm September day with just a bit of breeze in the air to keep it cool. The Reeds is truly a dream venue for a Jersey Shore loving couple! With the open-air concept of the Sweet Grass Ballroom, to saying vows on the veranda, and capturing the most perfect sunset on the bay, you really can’t dream of a more perfect place to start your forever. Kensi & Peter’s day was not only full of love and romance, but also full of laughter, fun and celebration!
Classic Details for a Chic, Modern Bride
Kensi’s bridal gown was purchased at the famous New York City bridal shop Kleinfeld’s. It was a beautiful, lace trumpet dress with a simple, classic belt along the waistline. Kensit looked absolutely gorgeous, and the dress fit her like a glove. The bridesmaids dresses were from the Vera Wang White Collection, and the color purple she chose looked fabulous on each girl. The finishing touch for each lady was the gorgeous floral bouquets designed by Michelle at Primrose and Company. Michelle is so creative, and never disappoints!
Getting Ready with the Bride & Bridesmaids at the Reeds at Shelter Haven
Kensi and her bridesmaids got ready in one of the Superior Suites at The Reeds. There was so much room for everyone to be able to spread out, relax and get pampered with professional hair and makeup. All of the ladies were by Kensi’s side all morning, assuring her that the day would be perfection. (Spoiler alert – it totally was!) Kensi’s sister Mariya helped her to get in her dress, and make sure everything looked beautiful before seeing her Dad and Peter!
A First Look with the Bride and her Dad
I absolutely adore that Bride’s are now doing First Look’s with their Dad’s! For the most part, the brides mom gets to be a part of a lot of the planning and dress shopping. So, why not have a special moment with your dad, where he gets to see you for the very first time, before you officially become a wife. Kensi and her dad had an emotional first look. The look on his face says it all!
Getting Ready with the Groom & Groomsmen at a Private Shore House
Peter and his groomsmen were hanging out, relaxing at a nearby Private Shore House. Before Peter left to see Kensi for the first time, he read a beautiful letter that she wrote to him. It made him just that much more excited to see his future wife!
How He Proposed
Kensi and Peter met while both attending Villanova University! They met through mutual friends and have been dating since their sophomore year! She had moved to NYC to be with Peter after finishing grad school, and the two moved to Hoboken together last year! They got engaged on June 13th after hiking to the top of Mohonk Mountain! Peter knew that this location was special to her and her family, so what better of a place to pop the question?!
The Roof Garden was the perfect spot for Peter to see Kensi for the first time. It provided some shade from the sun, as well as some privacy for such a special moment between the bride and groom! Peter was in absolute awe as her turned around to see his bride for the first time.
Bride & Groom and Bridal Party Portraits at the Reeds and on the Beach in Stone Harbor
When a couple chooses to get married at the Jersey Shore, there is never a shortage of photo opportunities. Especially at a beautiful venue like The Reeds. Even if it was raining outside, we’d have more than enough options inside the beautiful lobby, on the Roof Garden or our on the front porch. Lucky for us, it was a sunny day, and The Reeds took us all on golf carts down to the beach in Stone Harbor for some additional photos!
Saying their I do’s on the Veranda
With the sun slowly setting behind them as they say their I do’s, Kensi and Peter looked into each others eyes and promised one another forever. They truly had an intimate ceremony, performed by the Stone Harbor Mayor herself, on the beautiful outdoor Veranda.
A Reception with the Bride and Groom’s Closest Family & Friends in the Sweet Grass Ballroom
According to The Reeds website, The Reeds was designed by a team of wedding professionals to create the most exclusive seaside experience. Offering intimate and unique setting with the simple elegance of a coastal chic design, this venue is the most desirable wedding destination at the southern New Jersey shore.
Kensi and Peter had a fun evening planned for their guests! From meaningful toasts, to celebrating Villanova’s NCAA Championship win, to dancing the night away with all of their closest friends and family. Kensi and Peter truly had a wedding day that would not soon be forgotten by anyone who attended.
Here it is! My absolute favorite post of the entire year! This is 2016!! These 27 weddings took us to North Jersey, Central Jersey, the Jersey Shore, South Jersey, Philadelphia and Bethlehem, PA! We loved traveling the thousands of miles to capture each of these couples unique love stories! The most memorable part?! Shooting our 200th wedding this past June!!! What a milestone! We could not love this job more! To get to live the dream of being a wedding photographer, we feel like the luckiest people in the world! Please enjoy looking through a little snippet of such a wonderful year!
Morgan and Chris had a beautiful winter day for their wedding! We even had the opportunity to take them outside for a few of the portraits! Their classic black, white and gold theme fit perfectly at The Merion.
Donita and Kail could not have asked for a more beautiful spring day for their wedding! They chose to have their first look outside of The Historical Society of Haddonfield. It was perfect, and Kail had such a joyous reaction to seeing Donita for the first time that day!
Liz + Ryan :: April 2nd, 2016 :: The Westin Hotel – Mt. Laurel, NJ
Ryan and Liz couldn’t have went more smooth! They had such a great amount of time for photos and even time to chill out and freshen up before the ceremony! Their ceremony had everyone laughing and crying with touches from the vows that they wrote themselves, and they had an awesome party to go along with it! They were so amazing, that since their wedding fell on Ryan’s 30th Birthday, they even got him a cupcake to celebrate!
Kasia and Jason’s wedding was like a dream… From the gorgeous venue to the picturesque ceremony location to the fog on the dance floor during their first dance… it was perfect! I especially loved all of the pink touches throughout the day! <3
We have grown to absolutely adore Alli + Brian! We had such a wonderful time with them during their engagement session at Rowan University and could not wait for their wedding day to arrive! It was so relaxed and everyone had such a wonderful time! Alli wanted an “Under the Sea” wedding, and I definitely believe her dream came true!
Ashley + Michael :: April 24th, 2016 (Actual Wedding July 20th, 2016) :: Batsto Village – Hammonton, NJ
Ashley and Michael did things a little non-traditionally! They wanted a wedding, but didn’t want to cost or drama… BUT what they did want were wedding pictures!! They decided to actually get married in July, but wanted their wedding photos taken in April, because it beautiful weather and they wanted them for their announcements! We had such a wonderful evening hanging out with them and their parents and capturing the photos they knew they wanted and so much more!
Jenine and Jason could not have been a more fun couple! Yes, we dealt with rain on and off throughout their day, and their ceremony had to be moved indoors, but they didn’t care – all that mattered to them is that they got to marry one another that day! Swoon!
I can’t even tell you how long we were looking forward to Jamie + Billy’s wedding! After meeting them at Stephanie + Eric’s wedding in 2014, and capturing their engagement session in Weehawken, we knew this day would be epic! From getting ready at the beautiful Crystal Spring Resort, to Jamie running (yes, running) to see Billy for their first look, to an amazing song being sung by Jamie’s brother and sister for their wedding toast, it was surely a night/day to remember always!
Chelsie + Gavin :: May 21st, 2016 :: Sons of Norway – Marlboro Twp, NJ
Chelsie and Gavin were so cute together. Just by meeting them, you could truly see the love they shared, along with lots of laughter. They had an absolutely beautiful church ceremony at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Red Bank, before heading to the Sons of Norway to party the night away!
Maura and Nick have a love like no other. You can tell just by being around them. The way he looks at her. The way she fits so perfectly into his arms. It’s meant to be. Their wedding was so personal and so full of family that they had 13 flower girls – all of their nieces!
This day was truly one for the books! On this day, during our 8th year in business, we shot our 200th wedding! It was such a special milestone so share with two very special people! We had so much fun just relaxing in the bridal suite with Sari and her bridesmaids before the wedding began… but once Sari started walking down the aisle, you could see the tears start to build up in Franklins eyes. It was a precious sight to see! They never left one another sides the rest of the evening – partying all night long!
There are no words for these two. I don’t think we’ve ever laughed more during a wedding! From the moment we arrived, we felt like family and were treated like family throughout the day! They had so many unforgettable moments.. including Jim’s reaction to seeing Kristin for the first time… Their flower girl not wanting to see them kiss… Kristin’s dad fist-bumping Jim’s dad as they came down the aisle… and SO.MUCH.LAUGHTER during their toasts that evening!
Maria and Chris had such an intimate, beautiful wedding day. They had their first look out side of her parents home, then traveled over to the area of the church where her parents got married for some more images, before heading to the always picturesque Chapel at Sandy Hook for their ceremony and reception! Their blue and white, jersey shore theme fit absolutely perfect with their venue!
We loved meeting with Stephanie and Rick during their engagement session last year at Washington Lake Park! We had so much fun hiking around the area and learning more about what their day would be like! Once the day arrive, Stephanie and Rick, thanks to trusting the Dark Sky App, had their dream wedding outside, while there was a nearby threat of rain. BUT not only did they get their ceremony completed, but we were able to do their portraits outside for a few minutes right before the rain began! After the rain stopped, we were treated to a beautiful sunset to be the icing on the cake! But throughout it all, nothing could get them down, because they were marrying each other! Yay!
Carly might have had one of the best group of bridesmaids I’ve ever encountered. There was so much love and laughter all morning as they were getting ready – as well as adorable little notes from Steve given to her during all of the events that morning… from waking up, to getting her makeup done, to getting in her dress and then a final note on the way to the ceremony – Absolutely adorable! From there, the day was filled with emotion and fun and joy!
Crystal + Michael :: July 29th, 2016 :: Wildwood Beach at Sunrise
This wedding meant so much to me to be able to capture! I’ve known Crystal since she moved to this area during our freshman year of high school! She was instantly one of my favorite people and we grew close over the years. Since we graduated high school, we aren’t as close as we once were, but I treasure every moment we do see one another! Nothing could have kept me from capturing the day that her and Michael finally said I DO during sunrise on the beach in Wildwood, NJ.
Lake Valhalla Club is one of our favorite venues up in North Jersey! From the beautiful lake, to the perfect ceremony spot, to the gorgeous indoor reception location, and finally, the accommodating and truly sweet staff, they are great in our books! When Sara and Peter contacted us to capture their wedding at Lake Valhalla, we jumped at the chance! They are such a sweet couple who love story is one that gives goosebumps – they overcame long distances and throughout the time, she was always on his mind – their love is the stuff from movies!
The top middle picture below says it all. Jared was beyond excited to see Danielle for the first time on their wedding day and his reaction to seeing her did not disappoint! Their light blue and ocean themed wedding at The Post Chapel at Sandy Hook would take your breath away. A special part of their ceremony included a knot tying ceremony to bring both families together! And her brother was a part of the band that played during cocktail hour!
It was about this time last year that we met Nicole and Drew for the first time at their festive Engagement Session in Historic Smithville! We got to hear about their beautiful love story, and how Nicole was actually marrying her best friends brother, and their dream of being sisters would finally come true! Well, on Labor Day weekend this year, that dream came true as Nicole and Drew said their I Do’s on the outside patio, under the pergola at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club!
Shane + Peter :: September 16th, 2016 :: Sky View Golf Club – Sparta, NJ
Shane and Peter have been together since January 4th, 2009 and have been engaged since May 7th, 2014. During this time, they’ve grown to truly love one another families. So, on their wedding day, Shane wore one of Peter’s grandmothers pins, which she made into a hair piece, and Peter wore one of Shane’s grandfathers Jesus necklaces. We had such a blast riding around the golf club, and taking advantage of all of the beautiful spots throughout the entire golf course!
We first met Kensi and Peter during their engagement session where their love story began… At Villanova University! They chose one of our favorite jersey shore wedding venues in Stone Harbor – The Reeds at Shelter Haven! The rooms are beautiful, the views are superb, and their staff is unlike any other! So, needless to say, Kensi and Peter had a pretty perfect day! From their first look on the sun deck to photos on the beach to epic sunset shots on the dock, it was like a photographers dream day! <3
Jackie + Tom :: September 23rd, 2016 :: One Atlantic – Atlantic City, NJ
Jackie and Tom are one of those lucky couples who met online, and knew that was it. They had truly finally found their person. Before meeting one another, their personal lives took a back burner – but not any more! These two were married at the church near their house in Brigantine, and then they partied the night away overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at One Atlantic!
The moment Casey told us that she would be arriving to her and Scotts wedding ceremony on a sailboat, we were hooked! We couldn’t have been more excited for such an epic wedding entrance! From their entrances on boats, to such a personal and beautiful wedding ceremony to shooting off the cannon at sunset, I’d say their day couldn’t have gotten much better!
Rachel + Robert :: October 8th, 2016 :: The Grand Marquis – Old Bridge, NJ
The Grand Marquis provided such a beautiful wedding for Rachel and Robert! But that was nothing compared to the way these two look at each other and the way they were by one another sides the entire reception. We really loved that they wanted to share a special moment before the ceremony together – not to see one another – but to have a quiet prayer before becoming husband and wife. It was sweet and meaningful and rally showed who they were as a couple that was about to become one in marriage!
It’s funny how life works out sometimes. Kimberle and Stephen have actually known one another since 1999, back when they were dating different people within the same group of friends. Fast forward to 3 years ago, Kimberle tried online dating. Low and behold, she received a message from Stephen asking if she wanted to meet up for drinks! They have been together ever since! Once their wedding day arrived, it was more than just a wedding, is as an epic celebration with so much love and so much fun!
Heather + Michael :: October 15th, 2016 :: Water’s Edge – Bayville, NJ
We had been corresponding for about a year before finally meeting last November for their engagement session at Historic Smithville! It was from this moment on that Heather and Michael stole a piece of our hearts! We couldn’t wait until the next year to capture their wedding at Water’s Edge! Not only did they have amazing details, a beautiful first look and a personal, sweet ceremony, but they had an EPIC moonrise during one of this years super moons!
Samantha + Chuck :: October 29th, 2016 :: The Ice House – Bethlehem, PA
When we launched Tami & Ryan Photography (previously Tami Melissa Photography) back in 2014, we had a contest for one lucky couple to WIN a wedding from us! Well, Samantha and Chuck were that very lucky couple and their wedding did not disappoint! Not a detail went unnoticed! With the help of Danielle from DPNAK Weddings, their day was flawless! Plus, when you have a love like Samantha and Chuck, no matter what happens on your wedding day, it was a perfect day!
