Manasquan River Golf Yacht Club Late Summer September Wedding NJ New Jersey Wedding Photographer

I told myself I wouldn’t forget all the incredible moments from Ashley and Mike’s wedding day at Manasquan River Golf Club, which means I sat down at 1:23 am after I got home to write down everything that I remembered! It was during the toasts, of course, because they almost always leave me in tears, but these toasts were something special because Mike’s brothers and Ashley’s best friend didn’t try to embarrass them or roast them, they simply honored them by calling out their strongest qualities. The one that kept coming up was Mike’s passion for family and relationships and Ashley’s unwavering loyalty to everyone in her life. They weren’t just generic statements or vague compliments, they were genuine and so apparent even from someone who just met them in person that day (these Chicagoans didn’t have an engagement session with me since they were planning their wedding across the mile, but they felt like friends from the moment we met this morning).

I could see that every person who came up to talk to Mike and Ashley throughout the day received both of their full, undivided attention. They spent time with every guest, caught up with each family member, and made each person feel like they were the only one they were with in that moment. That’s something special – that’s something that people don’t forget. Mike’s older brothers spoke heavily on the fact that Mike is the glue to their family with his constant reminders that these relationships are so valuable regardless of the distance between them. Ashley’s best friend since first grade and matron of honor spoke so highly of Ashley’s intense loyalty to the people she loves and her meticulous care for details. Every detail from today showed just that from the thoughtful gifts she gave to her bridesmaids in the morning to the perfectly designed table names with locations that mean something special to her and Mike. This couple exudes confidence, excitement, joy, love and most of all, passion for loved ones. You could feel it in the room.

To say the least, their wedding day was stunning. I could recount every little detail that stood out to me, but I’ll let you live through it as you keep on scrolling to see all that goodness! Major heart eyes for everything from the invitation suite to the golf cart rides with the bridal party to the unreal couple portraits we captured! Also, they were kind enough to invite me to their after party at a local pub where their guests continued dancing and partying to the live band! It was so much fun and such a great way to end my night (I had a looong drive home, so my night ended way earlier than this party crew hahah)!

These two cuties met through mutual friends about 6 years ago while they were living in NYC! They had met a few times before, but one night at their friend’s Manhattan boat cruise birthday party (oh, should we just pretend this doesn’t sound like an absolutely perfect romantic movie?!), they completely hit it off! They exchanged numbers, and of course, the rest is history!

After work on a Friday night, Ashley thought her and Mike had very important weekend plans to watch Netflix and eat lots of takeout. Instead, Mike surprised her with a ring and asked her to spend the rest of their lives together! He planned a trip back home to NYC for them where all of their friends and family were waiting at one of their favorite restaurants to celebrate! How perfect are they?! Ashley and Mike, I am in awe of your love and your genuine hearts. Thank you for being so sweet, inviting, and kind – I am so lucky to know you both and to have been able to document this beautiful day in your lives! I seriously can’t wait to see where your love story goes from here – I know many new adventures are ahead for you two (and Hank, of course)! Love you two so much xoxo!!!

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Nancy Doran says:

September 26, 2018 at 4:10 pm

I love every single picture taken. It brings the whole day back over and over again. I can’t wait to see more.

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