VENUE BACKGROUND: 

Mainland Kitchen + Pub, Long Beach Island, NJ was the perfect spot for a romantic, beachy wedding. The newly renovated terrace has an eye-catching stone wall, which makes the venue feel cozy. While the venue has string lights hung all over the beautiful room adding some greenery is the perfect way to add your own touch to the room.

GETTING READY:

I always love when a bride can get ready somewhere that’s meaningful to her. Jamie got ready at her aunt’s beach house where she had so many memories. The house was recently sold, but they made sure to add in the contract that the family could use it for one more day so that they could have one more memory all together under the roof. Matt got ready at his parents beach house and got to have some practice on his golf swing! It’s always fun to see what the groomsmen will do to pass time since it doesn’t take them as long to get ready.

FATHER FIRST LOOK:

He was the first man you ever loved. There’s nothing that compares to a first look with dad. Dad’s are always so emotional when they see their little girls in their wedding dresses for the first time. You can see the happiness of all the memories they shared written all over their faces. I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

CEREMONY:

This traditional Church wedding was held at the beautiful St. Mary’s in Manahawkin, NJ. While I love a first look, I also love seeing a groom’s face when he sees his bride walk through the doors of a Church. While everyone else is looking at the bride walking down the aisle, I love to capture the authentic reaction of the groom. A ceremony is the perfect place to get reaction photos of family and friends as they are so happy to see someone they love getting married to their best friend. It never fails to make me smile. 

BEACH PICTURES:

My favorite part of this day by far had to be the beach pictures. I love when couples get to have portraits taken in non traditional places. A lot of brides might worry about their dress getting dirty but Jamie took it in stride! The photos bring back a sense of happiness to me, as someone who spent lots of time on the beach growing up. Then, to keep the joy going, Matt and Jamie opted for ice cream, a couple after my own heart!

RECEPTION:

An amazing feature at this venue is that they have their own in-house catering team. That means you have one less thing to check off your list! Once dinner is done, though, one of my favorite parts of a wedding is getting to see the couple have the time of their lives with all the people they love as they dance the night away. You could see the love on Matt and Jamie’s faces as their favorite day came to a very happy end.

VENDORS:

Photographer : KirstenAnnPhotography 

Venue : Mainland Kitchen + Pub, Long Beach Island, NJ Mainland Kitchen + Pub, Long Beach Island, NJ

Planner / Venue Coordinator : Mel MacNeil

Videographer : Lana Lee (Abetterpicphotofilm)

Florist : Something borrowed blooms

Hair : Stephanie Pontes (Prostyled Bride)

Makeup : Gina Ritacco

Dress Designer / Place of Purchase : Allure / Castle Couture

Paper Goods / Stationery Designer : Magnetstreet