Spring Lake Backyard Wedding Reception

Wow, Ali and Brian’s wedding was pretty amazing for a photographer: a windswept portrait session on the Spring Lake beach, a tow plane with a special message just for them, a gorgeous backyard wedding reception at Ali’s childhood home, a band that brought the house down, and to top it all off, firecracker sparklers to see them off as the party ended. There were so many picture perfect moments –even after editing the pictures down, we still ended up with more than one thousand images to document the day!

Although it was only the end of September, which is usually not a particularly chilly time of year, the air was nippy and huge clouds rolled across the sky as the wedding party arrived at the beach for pictures. Down by the ocean, the waves were crashing and the wind was practically roaring across the sand. So we have to give kudos to Ali and Brian and all the bridesmaids and groomsmen for gamely posing for pictures as if it were a cozy 80 degree day. Kyo actually had to take his time for the portraits because he had been told in advance that a tow plane would be flying over the beach with a banner that Ali and Brian had to see. Ali was probably half frozen by the time the portraits ended and the airplane appeared on the horizon, but she never complained!

Back at Ali’s parents’ house, their big wraparound porch was festooned with garlands and the garden was packed with guests enjoying the cocktail hour. The party, orchestrated by Mary Bradley Events, was both elegant and casual at the same time. Under the huge tents were long tables draped with royal blue and natural muslin tablecloths, weathered bentwood chairs, and blue-green-ivory flower arrangements by Dahlia’s. White flags fluttered from the tips of the tents. And their signature drink was perfect: “Hoff the Market,” a combination of ginger beer and dark rum with lime. Mmmmm….

As it got dark and the dance music started, the crowd got more and more animated, and soon practically everybody was on the dance floor, including the grandparents and great-grandparents. By the end of the night, the tireless band — the Sid Miller Band of Philadelphia — had a giant crowd of shimmying, grinning, very, VERY happy fans. Just check out the pictures.

When the music finally stopped (much to the dismay of the dance floor), there was one more moment to remember: all the guests were handed sparklers, and as Ali and Brian walked out the front door and down to their car, their friends and family lined the walkway with bright little lights flashing into the darkness, giving them one last cheer of congratulations.

Take a look at their Ceremony pictures.

CREDITS

Hair and makeup: Milagro Spa
Wedding Dress: Pronovias
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Donna Morgan
Groomsmen’s suits: Joseph Abboud
Officiant: Reverend Jack Belmont
Ceremony Venue: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
Flower designer: Dahlia’s
Wedding planner: Mary Bradley
Lodging: The Breakers
Videography: Tweed
Band/dj: Sid Miller Band
Catering and Cake: Main Street Catering
Tent Rentals: Sperry Tents New Jersey