On September 25th, 2022, I had the immense pleasure of photographing the beautiful wedding of Ashley and Benjamin at the historic beachfront landmark, The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, NJ. Their story, filled with serendipitous connections and a shared love for the beach, made their special day even more magical.
Ashley and Benjamin met in the modern way many couples do—on Tinder. Their mutual love for the beach was an immediate connection, and as they got to know each other, they discovered numerous mutual friends and shared experiences. It seemed as though fate had woven their paths together long before they ever met.
Their first date took place in Howell, NJ, in July 2017. They watched “Despicable Me 3” at a local movie theater and then went out for ice cream. What was supposed to be a simple evening turned into hours of conversation, and they quickly felt at ease with one another. They officially celebrate their dating anniversary on August 11th.
For Ashley, it was love at first sight.
She knew Benjamin was the one almost immediately and was certain she wanted to marry him after their third date. Benjamin recalls sitting on a bench at the Point Pleasant boardwalk during that third date, captivated by the glow that seemed to surround Ashley. He felt at home with her.
Benjamin’s proposal on September 15th, 2020, was as romantic as their love story.
He recreated the magic of their third date by taking Ashley to the end of the Point Pleasant boardwalk, near the jetty where the boats come in. There, he had arranged mason jars filled with shells and candles in a circle. As Ashley realized what was happening, Benjamin proposed. To her delight, her best friends and parents, who had been hiding nearby, jumped out to cheer and celebrate the moment.
Ashley admires Benjamin’s kind heart and the overwhelming love and care he shows towards her and his family and friends. His sense of humor keeps her laughing every day. Benjamin, in turn, loves Ashley’s drive to be the best version of herself and her boundless care for the people she loves, including him.
Their dreams for the future include a beautiful home filled with many dogs and a few children, fulfilling their career goals, traveling to new places, and growing old together. Most importantly, they plan to continue loving each other as deeply as they have since day one.
Knowing their love story, I was thrilled to capture their wedding day.
Their vintage/retro 50’s style, mixed with mid-century modern elements, beachy glam, and classic vibes, was a photographer’s dream. Ashley’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect of their wedding, from the bride prep to the Jersey Shore surprises at the end of the night, which included salt water taffy, boardwalk pizza, and Johnson’s Popcorn.
As the night unfolded, guests danced alongside Ashley and Benjamin, celebrating their union with joy and love. The laughter, the tears, and the heartfelt moments made their wedding day unforgettable. I am so grateful to have been a part of their journey and to have captured the beautiful memories they will cherish for a lifetime.
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