If you tell me you want to take wedding photos on the beach, the only question I will ask is, “When?” As a Boston native, I find the ocean extremely comforting. The sounds of the waves, the feel of the sand, the lack of shade from the sun - it all feels like joy to me.

When Casey and TC decided to host their small ceremony at the Spray Beach Chapel on Long Beach Island, with accompanying first look and couple portraits at the nearby beach, I had no reservations - I just knew I wanted to be there.

THE COUPLE

I met Casey through one of my former wedding couples, and she captivated me from the moment I met her. She is confident, warm, and a pleasure to be around. TC is her perfect match, with his quiet and calm demeanor. They just fit together. Their pup, Wally, rounded out their most adorable little three-souled family.

THE VENUE

Although Casey and TC no longer live in the Tristate area, they planned to host their wedding in LBI because the location is so important and special to TC. He grew up visiting there every year with his family. The beach and the town is his happy place - and it has now become their happy place

Their ceremony was held in the Spray Beach Chapel, a short walk from the beach, which has a rich history, having been founded in the late 1800s when the surrounding neighborhood only amounted to 12 homes.

The Spray Beach Chapel has a beautiful exterior, with greenery in the yard and white walls on the outside of the building. Inside, it has a more vintage aesthetic, with dark wood being the main design component.

THE DETAILS

Although the wedding was small, the details for the day were immaculate and intentional. Casey wore her wedding gown for the first look and ceremony, but changed into a less formal white dress afterwards. The decor for the church was gorgeous and heart-stirring, with framed signage of portions of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 lining the ceremony aisle, and floral arrangements with pops of pink and red being showcased both inside and outside of the church.

Casey and TC’s dog Wally also had a few details of his own - he wore a little pup tux.

I didn’t stay for the couple’s small dinner reception, but I distinctly remember crossing the bridge out of LBI that evening, mesmerized by the pink sunset, thankful that I got to spend a few hours with some wonderful souls on a wonderful beach.

That vibrant sunset felt like the icing on the most beautiful cake.