Is this not the perfect backdrop?!
Wave Resort Wedding : Bride Morning
The other day I received an incredibly flattering email from a potential bride, who said:
I must say your photos from the wave resort are what lead me to their Instagram which then led me to viewing and booking!
Um, thank you for making my day! Anyway, on to this extravagant celebration.
This Wave Resort wedding is quite possibly my favorite wedding of all time! This new New Jersey wedding venue is a bit up and coming but is an ideal venue for beach-y brides, looking for an oceanside wedding, located beach front in beautiful Long Branch, New Jersey, just walking distance from the pier village boardwalk. They do everything from intimate celebrations to large ones, hosting everything from intimate rehearsal dinners, to wedding brunches and will even host a micro wedding or engagement party. If you are getting married at Wave Resort or considering having your wedding at this NJ wedding venue, you will definitely want to see these photos!
As a wedding photographer, Kristen and Ryan’s wedding day was a dream wedding to shoot! My bride Kristen, left no detail unnoticed. I love the beachy elements she incorporated, using driftwood, neutral colors and dried pampas leaves to create an elevated Beachy look. The hotel guest room they rented for getting ready was an incredible space for getting ready photos. They also got beautiful blue skies for their wedding day which is amazing for couples, but tricky for photographers when shooting on the beach! Luckily we got the shots!
Not only did Kristen have a first look with Ryan, but she also had one with her dad!
Read More: Heart Warming First Looks with Dad
Wave Resort Wedding : Groom Morning
Bridal Portraits
Wedding Shoes: Bella Belle Sandal / Bella Belle Pump
Shoe shot styled by the incredible Hazel Dust Studio
Photographing a full shot of the bride from the back with her dress all fanned out has become sort of a signature shot for me! And how gorgeous is this ceremony space created by the Magnolia Floral team?!
Cocktail Hour
Every wedding needs a pretty signature drink!
Sunset Portraits
Sunset portraits are a must for all weddings- especially beach front weddings! Shooting on the beach during the day can be tricky on a sunny day. The hour before sunset, also known as golden hour is the perfect time to squeeze in a few more photos. And its totally worth sneaking out of your reception for a few minutes to get!
Dream Bride + Champagne Bar = Perfection
I took a few shots with my film camera and this was one of them! Shot with the Pentax 645n!
How would you like to be greeted with welcome cocktails like this?!
Related Read: Kristen & Ryan’s Spring Lake Engagement Session 
The happiest groom!
This is a shot of the groomsmen seeing the bride for the first time. So cute!
Sunset photos on the picturesque white sand beach in Long Branch.
The Reception
If you look at the top of the building, you can see the scope of the indoor-outdoor rooftop where the wedding is being held. It is truly an unrivaled rooftop event space. The wedding ceremony was held on the outdoor part and it is one of my favorite ceremony spaces ever!
We didn’t have time to walk to the Long Branch Boardwalk for photos like we wanted to, but during the reception we snuck out onto the beach for a few sunset photos.
I am always asked to share more reception photos so here you go! Even the indoor space at The Wave Resort is beautiful with its floor to ceiling windows.
Kristen and her dad choreographed their father daughter dance and it was so cute!! It was so much fun watching them tear up the dance floor! After that, it was time for the grand celebration.
Have you ever seen a happier couple?!
How cute is this shot of the first dance? And a sparkler exit was the perfect way to end the night and this memorable occasion
I love a good sparkler exit! Especially with just the couple and the bridal party. We always have a lot of fun with it! I do recommend doing it at the end of dinner because if we wait until too late in the party things can get sloppy and a bit dangerous! 🙂
Congratulations again to Kristen & Ryan! Thank you for choosing me to photograph your big day! Thank you to Jackie and the entire hospitality team for throwing a truly remarkable event.
Pin this image:
Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Keri Calabrese Photography // Venue: Wave Resort Long Branch // Hair: Blush & Brush // Make up: Lauren Damelio Cosmetics // Florals: Magnolia // Video: Fresh New Angle // Dress: Enzoani
