Ahhh, Beach Portraits in Cape May… I always say that Cape May is a magical place. It really is. It could be raining somewhere else in New Jersey, but Cape May is completely different. It’s as if there is a bubble around this place, keeping it pure from the other areas. Of course it does rain here, but oftentimes its a thousand percent different than the rest of the state. Either way, it’s one of my favorite beach locations to visit, and I can not wait to go back!

Family Beach Portraits in Cape May are the best. I am not just saying that because I visit often, or even that I am a photographer. Let’s be super real and talk about Cape May really quick. Cape May, by default is a vacation destination but it is so much more than that. Cape May is home to so many amazing people who love the environment and love the beaches. The dunes and the beach grass in Cape May is something you would imagine in your dreams, or see in a beautiful movie and just wish to go get your feet sandy. So having your Beach Portraits in Cape May is, well, a dream come true!

If you don’t believe me yet, just take a look at these beautiful images. I would gladly hang these all over my walls! They’re absolutely stunning and I couldn’t have wished for a more beautiful day!

 

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If you would like to book your family beach portraits in Cape May, reach out to me directly to schedule your session at Lauren@bokehlovephotography.net

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Like this location?

It’s the Historic Cape May Lighthouse! Did you know that it is the third documented lighthouse at the southern tip of New Jersey, and it has been an aid-to-navigation for mariners and an attraction for visitors since it was built in 1859?

Yup! Very cool! Click here to learn more about it’s history and include it in your plans the next time you go on holiday to Cape May!

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! I have compiled my favorite wedding planning books for you to take a look at. They go over things like wedding etiquette, timelines on when to send out invitations, book your vendors, and more! Check it out below!

1. 1. Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette – Emily Post was a phenomenal woman, who knew about all things etiquette. If you’re going to learn about it, she is the one to learn from! This is an amazing book that will go over everything you need to do or plan from your engagement up until your wedding day. It goes over engagement announcements, how to word invitations, what to wear and when to wear it, traditions, parties, your ceremony, reception and even the thank you’s and so much more.**Also, if you’re interested in history, Emily Post is the 19th cousin 2 times removed to Charles William Post, Founder of Post Cereals, and also, the person who my college was named after – C. W. Post University, now known as Long Island University!
   2. Erin Condren Wedding Planner – I adore Erin Condren. Her agenda’s are LIFE and her wedding planning books are so much more than than just a planner! It comes with custom stickers that say “I DO” “CELEBRATE” “IMPORTANT” and “REMINDER”. Throughout the planner, you will also see quotes that will light you up! I save these and frame them on my walls! It also had both the calendar view and the weekly view, and enough space for you to write notes, mark dates, make note of your rehearsal meal AND reception meals, the types of alcohol you will be having, a wedding planning timeline to follow etc.
   3. OH, SH*T JUST GOT REAL – Okay, sometimes wedding’s are so stressful that you just need to open up and let that humor fly in. This planner does an amazing job at having making you giggle, but the inside is all business! A ton of spreadsheets at your fingertips to fill in like mad libs! Because let’s be real, who doesn’t love filling in mad libs? You can write your ideas for theme, venue, colors, music, reception, etc. You can also fill in categories with budget, actual cost, and balance owed. It even has a wedding contact list for your vendors (Only thing I dislike is they don’t have Photographer written in… so you’ll have to write photographer in yourself. I recommend a pink sparkly gel pen so I stand out, because of course you’re booking me, right? :::wink wink::: ) But seriously, this is a cute planner and does the job if you’re too busy to make your own spreadsheets. it even has a ton of pages for your guest list, and blank lined pages for you to write all the notes your heart desires!
   4. Essentials Wedding Planner Stickers – Yes, I added stickers to the list haha. The reason why, is because sometimes you just want to play with stickers. You’re planning a wedding, and these are wedding themed! So yes, buy them, and have fun, because you’re allowed to have fun and these little things make us smile and ALSO, really do help stay organized! 
   5. Storied Weddings – This book is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to be swept away with emotions, and what kind of images you could have on your wedding day, then this is the book for you. Actually, if your child is getting married, if you aren’t getting married, or if you know someone who is getting married and just love weddings, then this is also the book for you. It looks nice on the coffee table, and had the content to blow anyone away between great typography and dreamy images, ya know and fabulous tips to help you on your way to planning your big day! 
   6. Wedding Planner & Journal Organizer – I know I have quite a few planners on here, but I am hoping you find one that meets your needs. This one is really special. It is not only beautiful, but it comes with 20 labels to propose to your wedding party, two wedding day cards for you and your fiance to write each other love notes (complete with envelopes), and even a guestbook section. It works as a nice gift and a keepsake of your wedding day. There is even a page about dresses and the cut of each neckline (sweetheart, scoop, illusion, off shoulder) and the skirt style as well (trumpet, a-line, tea-length, mermaid). 
   7. Equally Wed – There are so many books out there for planning weddings that are centered around the “bride and groom”. This book, of course has the to-do lists that every engaged couple needs, in addition to very important resources on how to handle certain challenges that an LGBTQ+- couple may face, like how to deal with less than supportive family members. 
   8. His & Her Vow Book – This is a very simple his & her vow book for your wedding day. These photograph so nicely, and it’s a lot better than holding a folded piece of paper. They are wonderful memories to look back on, and will easily slip right into your nightstand to re-read over and over again the words your husband/wife read to your on wedding day. 
   9. 3 Pc Rose Gold Diamond Pens – With so many things to write down, you should probably enjoy writing with this fancy diamond pen! Yes, there is a huge diamond on the end of the pen! I actually own these, and I’ve been married since 2013. No shame here, I love them! 
   10. A Great Party – One of the wedding planning books that you need to read, is this one right here! Bryan Rafanelli has been voted one of the best wedding planners in the world, by Vogue. He’s planned tons of events and weddings for high profile clients and is known for throwing parties that you will never forget! (Including Chelsea Clinton’s wedding and many events for President Obama!) Even if you don’t was a huge party, you will definitely pick up one or two things (or 10 or 20) from this book!

 

I hope you enjoyed this week’s Top Ten Tuesday – ‘Wedding Planning Books’. Subscribe to our mailing list and be sure to come back every Tuesday for more amazing Top Ten’s!

 

*Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

 

Nicholas contacted me just a few days before he would pop the big question! He planned an entire Cape May Winery Proposal! His soon to be fiance had no clue, and I was so excited to capture this special moment for them.

He had set up a tour with Mattie, at Cape May Winery, to walk around the vineyard. The end of the tour brought them to a table set for two, complete with wine from Cape May Vineyards as well as a cheese and cracker plate. My hideout was perfect. I was sitting, relaxing in plush chairs on a patio (secretly texting Nicholas to let him know we were there and ready!) As they passed by, I slowly got up and hid in the bushes and started clicking away! I was crying behind my camera, it was perfection!

I cannot thank them enough for allowing me to capture their beautiful Cape May Winery proposal, they will truly cherish this forever!

As for Cape May Winery, wow! You guys, they were so helpful, so totally in love with this idea! They not only made it absolutely perfect for them, but they were so kind to me as well! Working together as a team to make something so memorable and amazing for two people in love… It’s just the best thing in the world. A huge shout out to the owners of Cape May Winery (Toby it was SO nice meeting you!), and Mattie for being so totally awesome! If you are planning to ask your special someone, really look into having a Cape May Winery Proposal, you will not be disappointed!

Venue: Cape May Winery