A Joyful May Wedding at Windows on the Water, Sea Bright NJ
Haley and Brandon’s magical wedding day at Windows on the Water at Surfrider Beach Club in Sea Bright, New Jersey was an elegant, oceanfront celebration filled with heartfelt moments, seaside charm, and joyful energy from beginning to end. As their dedicated wedding photographer, Michael Gogean from Red Bank Studio captured every beautiful second of their story unfolding against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Getting Ready at Beachwalk at Sea Bright
The day began at Beachwalk at Sea Bright, where Haley and Brandon both got ready. The bridal suite buzzed with excitement as Haley, surrounded by her closest friends and family, prepared for her walk down the aisle. Soft natural light filled the space, perfect for capturing intimate details like the dress, rings, bouquet, and those emotional moments with loved ones.
At 1 PM, Brandon began his preparations just down the hall. His suite became the setting for cheerful camaraderie and a few quiet moments of reflection. We captured those classic shots — tying the tie, adjusting the boutonniere — and those candid, heartfelt expressions exchanged between father and son, best man and groom.
Ceremony by the Sea
The couple exchanged vows at 4:30 PM on the private beach at Windows on the Water, with the Atlantic Ocean as their backdrop. Gentle waves and soft sands created an ethereal setting for the ceremony. Michael captured sweeping wide shots of the ceremony site before guests arrived — the white chairs, flowing drapery, and delicate floral arrangements stood ready under the sky.
The ceremony itself was full of emotion: tears of joy, laughter, and the kind of stolen glances that speak volumes. As Haley and Brandon sealed their vows with a kiss, the cheers of their loved ones mingled with the ocean breeze.
Family and Bridal Party Portraits
Right after the ceremony, we transitioned into family portraits and bridal party photos. The coastal light at this time of day was golden, making for incredible portraits by the water. With a mix of classic group shots and fun, editorial-style compositions, Michael captured the celebratory energy of the newlyweds’ inner circle.
Romantic Sunset Portraits
At 5:30 PM, we whisked Haley and Brandon away for their romantic couple’s session. The sunset glow washed over the shoreline, giving us that golden-hour magic every New Jersey wedding photographer dreams of. These portraits were full of connection and movement, showing off both the couple’s style and the scenic splendor of their venue.
Coastal-Inspired Cocktail Hour and Reception
With cocktail hour kicking off at 5:00 PM and the reception starting at 6:00 PM, guests moved seamlessly from seaside serenity to lively celebration. The reception space at Windows on the Water was elegantly styled with nautical touches and glowing string lights, creating a festive, upscale beach vibe.
From the first dance to heartfelt toasts, and from parent dances to an energetic open dance floor, every moment was photographed with an eye for both emotion and elegance. Michael made sure to sneak the couple out for some dreamy nighttime shots, using the venue’s ambient lighting to highlight the romantic ambiance.
Vendors That Made It All Happen
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