Alicia & David’s Windrift Hotel Wedding in Avalon, NJ was the perfect venue for this laid back and lighthearted couple. Everything for the entire day was within a block of walking besides our little trip to the inlet. There is so much to share from this Mermaid inspired wedding.. Alicia loves mermaids, as I came to find out.
Ceremony & Reception: Windrift Hotel
Florist: Leigh Florist
Band: Center Stage Entertainment
Bride’s Dress: Watters & Watters
Wedding Cake: The Bake Works
Camera: Contax 645, Pentax 645, Canon 5d Mark II
Film: Fuji Acros 100,Kodak Portra 160/400, and Ilford
Bridal Preps at The Windrift Hotel wedding
Alicia had all her bridal preps at the Windrift Hotel before her wedding. One thing that I have started doing is bringing materials with me from my studio to photograph the invitations and wedding details on. Most of the hotels or houses I am at in the morning with the bride often lack a cool background to show off the style of the day. Also I always suggest to bring two invitations with you on the day just in case some of the inserts or cards have two sides.
First look down the shore tips
Having a first look is essential if you are having a beach wedding. This is so that you can just walk right into cocktail hour after you tie the knot. I do everything in my power to make sure you don’t miss any cocktail hour. It is such an amazing time to be with your friends and family.
When you are at the shore it is always a bit challenging to find a location to have your first look. If you are doing it on the beach, there will always be people there, except if it is off season. I try to find someplace quiet. That moment when he first sees you is more special when you don’t have a large hairy man in a bathing suit walking next to you.
Avalon Inlet bridal party beach portraits
The inlet at the end of Avalon is incredible to photograph. The light is always good on one side of the bridge because it is a peninsula. There is a great area to park if you have a big bridal party the bus can park right next to the pathway to the beach. Also, the sun sets over the water on the bay side.
Windrift Hotel Avalon Beach Ceremony
Alicia lucked out with having her Windrift hotel wedding ceremony on the beach. It was at a spot where no people were. During the high season, beach ceremonies in NJ will most certainly have randoms walking in the background. They also had incredible weather and it was very light winds. I absolutely love photographing beach weddings as I can go barefoot!
Windrift Hotel Wedding mermaid reception details
Mermaid touches made it all throughout Alicia’s Windrift hotel wedding. Even the card box was a mini treasure chest. She was very DIY with her details and they were beautiful. I think she made the fish shaped paper place cards with her students. All those little touches make the event unique to what’s in the bride’s heart to share with her loved ones.
This is why you leave the reception for 5 minutes 😉
Windrift Hotel Wedding Reception
The evening started off with one of her friends singing a solo song to the during the cocktail hour. We have had a few guests do this over the past year and it is so personal and beautiful. Right after their first dance together I pulled my SUV to the front of the building and whisked Alicia and David up one block to capture the most wonderful sunset for about 5-8minutes. I always try to make these quick so that they do not lose anytime partying with everyone. It was incredible to see my past bride Shawna & Brad at this wedding too. Best wishes to this couple living in Ohio, so far away from the Jersey Shore….