Tia & Brian’s Windows on the Water wedding in Sea Bright, NJ was meant to be. I knew that this basketball player from TCNJ and this upbeat and fun nurse were a match made in heaven. Not only do they live minutes from the venue, but their style and laidback vibe were perfect for a summer beach wedding. I was so excited for their wedding day after capturing their GTKY session in Sea Bright and the Monmouth racetrack.
Couples that meet at Preakness stay together. I’m not sure if that’s a saying, but Tia & Brian might start the trend. They are so cute they even named their dog Derby. It’s not just any dog, though, it’s the cutest golden doodle on the planet Earth!
Ceremony & Reception: Windows on the Water – Sea Bright
Florist: In the Garden
Band: Brian Kirk & the Jirks
Bride’s Dress: Leanne Marshall
Bride’s Shoes: Ted Baker
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Groom’s Tux: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: Chocolate Carousel
The house that put MTV’s Jersey Shore house to shame
The house that the bridesmaids rented for the week was simply on another level. It was spacious, right on the bay, and most importantly had an insane infinity pool. It was impressive to say the least, especially from my drone’s view!
Windows on the Water Sea Bright
Windows on the Water in Sea Bright is a real gem. It has the perfect mix of a laid-back beach vibe with the elegance of a downtown ballroom. Pulling up to the beach club, you’re greeted by parking attendants and guided to the private entrance to the bridal suite and reception area.
Bridal Suite
The bridal suite is beautifully lit with windows surrounding the space. It’s modern and elegant with fantastic beach views. Looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean before the ceremony will help ease your nerves before walking down that sandy aisle.
The first look at Windows on the Water
I found a quiet little nook at the venue for Tia to see her gentle giant, Brian, for the first time on the wedding day. It was beautiful, emotional, and perfect. Tia looked terrific in her Leanne Marshall dress, and Brian looked dashing in his blue suit with a floral pattern tie from Men’s Wearhouse.
The Sea Bright NJ Beach
Weddings at Windows on the Water take place in front of a semi-private beach, but the beach was packed on the day of Tia and Brian’s wedding. We could only get to the water by a small spot in front of the lifeguards. The palm trees there are amazing! Plus, the white wooden walkways are very helpful for bridal parties and high heels.
Windows on the Water wedding ceremony
Ceremonies at Windows on the Water are perfect right on the beach. I had my second photographer shoot from the balcony so we could get this serene bird’s eye view of all the guests. Capturing the bride walking down the aisle from overhead is just amazing.
With the beach so wide in Sea Bright, you have a more private beach ceremony. Everyday beachgoers won’t be a part of the celebration. The gazebo backdrop is definitely better than a 75-year-old man in a leopard print bikini doing yoga poses.
Be careful of the steps leading from the first floor to the beach! The mother of the bride almost did a summersault down the aisle. Luckily, I was there to capture every second of it, and she laughed it off like a champ.
The Windows on the Water venue main room
The venue is gorgeous inside. The room is a bit narrow but not noticeably when everyone is dancing. The bar is in a great location in the middle of the room, and you have easy access to the bridal suite from there if you need something from one of your bags.
I love the reflective marble floor! The way you reflect off it for the first dance will blow your mind when you see it in your photographs. Also, it will never go out of style like a carpet after a few years.
The Windows on the Water top deck
The views are awesome during the day! This deck is great for a few things:
1. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m sure you could have your ceremony on the deck. It would allow for more guests and sturdier ground if you have a more elaborate idea for your ceremony backdrop.
2. The deck is empty during the day, making it a great place for the wedding couple to do an intimate first look.
3. The cocktail hour is amazing both on warm summer nights and cool fall or spring evenings.
Brian Kirk and the Jirks on fire
This band lit the beach up all night! I knew Tia & Brian’s friends and family were going to go hard and hard they did. The dancing was super fun with a sprinkle of out of control. Hire this band if you can because they are typically booked well over a year in advance.
Sparkler Exit
Tia loves sparklers! We planned on getting 20 of the coolest people who were not intensely intoxicated for the exit. I added my secret sparkler fountain in the back and warned them about the loud noise. You can still see Tia looking back and Brian running like a bomb is going off! But she used the words “obsessed” when I showed her how the photos came out.
The Staff at Windows on the Water
One thing I notice is the staff. They are outstanding to work with and extremely responsive and helpful. Not all venue’s staff understand that we are all there to make sure the couple has a fantastic experience on their wedding day.
A Perfect Wedding
What can I say? This was a perfect wedding. The experience of working with and getting to know Tia, Brian and their families was truly special to me. Plus, we already finished their album and finalized it in just three weeks!
Overall, I love working here and can’t wait to get back!