New Jersey Outdoor Wedding | Monmouth University Wilson Hall

This beautiful outdoor wedding in New Jersey felt like the perfect way to start the Summer! It was the first day of June and the weather was gorgeous.

Ashley & Thomas contacted me just under a year before their wedding date, so I’ve gotten to know this couple during that time, and I consider them friends. I couldn’t be happier for them! They are so much fun and know how to kick back, have a good time, and thoroughly enjoy the company of whomever they are spending time with. When we did their engagement session in Sandy Hook, we hung out afterwards at a local spot off the bay and had some drinks. Tons of fun! You can see that session HERE.

Armed with my knowledge of how lovable this couple is, I found it quite fitting that Ashley & Thomas were surrounded by tons of friends & family, as well as a large bridal party of awesome friends. I loved the time in the early part of the day when Ashley was getting ready. All of her friends adore her and were fighting back tears as Ashley shed some of her own while reading Thomas’s letter to her. I admit, I shed some tears too – it was so touching! And, they gushed over her when first seeing her in her dress, just the best group of girlfriends!

Our first look and bridal party photos were taken at Monmouth University Wilson Hall, which was a beautiful backdrop! I wish we had all day there. After our early-in-the-day fun, we headed to the venue and photographed their families and ceremony. Ashley & Thomas each had a glass filled with sand (Ashley’s sand from Long Branch beach, & Thomas’s from his golf course, Emanon) and they poured the sand together as a representation of their union. Once they spoke their vows and sealed their marriage with a kiss, it was time to party! Their band, Mission Dance, was so energetic and no one could resist going out on the dance floor.

Ashley &Thomas had a tower filled with cupcakes, topped with a single layer cake, which they cut together and enjoyed feeding to each other. Ashley couldn’t resist taking a few extra bites to enjoy the tasty confection :). At the very end, they pulled me aside and told me how happy they were to have me there and thanked me. I was so touched and moved, I had to hold back some tears, again! It seriously made my day. I felt so special!

Thank you Ashley & Thomas for the honor of being your wedding photographer. I’m so, so happy for you both and can’t wait to see you again soon! Big, big hugs, and cheers to you!