A Dreamy Beach Wedding on Long Beach Island- Ruthie & David

When you imagine a perfect Jersey Shore beach wedding, you might well picture the one we just had the honor to capture for Ruthie & David Kissel. From getting-ready moments to romantic sunset portraits on the sand of Long Beach Island, their day was everything a beach wedding should be — intimate, emotional, and full of seaside magic.

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Why Long Beach Island is the Ideal Wedding Destination

Long Beach Island (LBI) is a barrier island off the coast of New Jersey that offers everything couples dream of for a beach wedding: Atlantic Ocean views, soft sands, and the relaxed elegance of the Jersey Shore.
For Ruthie & David, choosing LBI meant setting their “I do” against a salt-air backdrop, big skies, and the warmth of a familiar family beach house location. It has been Ruthie’s dream since she was little to get married on Long Beach Island, and I’m happy to say, that’s exactly what they did!

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Getting Ready—Family, Tradition & Joy

The day began with so many sweet details. Ruthie prepared at her grandparents’ beach house — the same place she had visited as a child — bringing familiarity and warmth into her wedding day. Meanwhile, David got ready at a nearby hotel with his parents.
We started with detail shots: the bouquet, the ring (which is extra special because David made Ruthie’s ring himself after taking goldsmith/metal-work classes — yes, handmade and heartfelt!), the shoes, the little touches that tell a story.
Ruthie’s bridal look was absolutely radiant; the beach breeze, the light, the smile — it all came together effortlessly.

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The Emotional First Look

Before the ceremony, Ruthie shared a “first look” moment with her dad. I always love when a wedding allows these pauses of emotion — and yes, I got a little teary too. The mix of father-daughter love, the beach house setting, the anticipation of the moment—it was all real and beautiful. One of my favorite little moment was catching Ruthie’s mom peeking through the door as she watched the moment unfold.

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Ceremony by the Sea at a Gazebo

Just one block away from the grandparents’ beach house stood a perfect little gazebo — an intimate ceremony spot with just the right sense of place. The flowers from Sow Wonder and décor accented the setting beautifully.
Even more special: Ruthie’s grandpa officiated. Dressed in his new suit (proud as he should be), he led the vows with joy and sincerity. It was a heart-filled moment in that gazebo, surrounded by salt air and loved ones.

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Family, Bridal Party & Those Surprise Hydrangeas

After the ceremony we transitioned into family photos, then bridal party shots, and finally the couple portraits. And here’s a little magical moment: while I was photographing Ruthie & David, a neighbor of the house next to the gazebo kindly invited us into her backyard — “I’ve got blooming hydrangeas and a dock if you’d like to use it.”
We accepted and wandered into what looked like a Taylor Swift “Lover” era dream: purple hydrangeas (especially fitting since purple is Ruthie’s favorite color and their wedding accent), a dock, water reflections, gentle breeze. It was spontaneous, candid, and absolutely perfect for the day.

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Reception at Calloway’s Restaurant — Laughter, Cake & Dancing

The celebration continued at Calloway’s Restaurant where guests mingled, danced, and enjoyed the fun of a beach-wedding reception done right. The wedding cake (lovingly made by Ruthie’s mom!) stole the show in its own sweet way.
As the night wrapped up, Ruthie & David made their send-off in a family tradition — waving napkins as they departed. It was joyful, heartfelt, and delightfully unique.

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Sunset Couple Portraits on the Beach

To cap it all off: we returned to the beach for just the two of them against the sea and sky. As the sun dipped and the shoreline grew quiet, we captured those intimate moments of love, laughter, and calm after a day filled with joy. Wind-blown hair, golden light, one beach, one perfect pair. If you’re looking for a place to feel deeply connected, this might be it.

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Why This Wedding Was a Perfect Fit for Me

Okay — I’ll admit it: if I could shoot beach weddings only, I might. (Just kidding… but seriously.) This day had everything: family-roots, handmade meaningful details (hello, handmade ring!), intimate gatherings, the beach setting, the hydrangeas, the dock, the gazebo, the sun and sea.
It reinforced why I love the Jersey Shore, why I love LBI, and why beach weddings have that special kind of magic.