Lauren & Jon at McLoone's Pier House, Long Branch

Late summer is a great time of year for beach weddings-- once we're past Labor Day, things start to lighten up a bit, the GSP is a lot more navigable, and the weather is more comfortable, with the heat of July and August in the rear-view mirror. So, we were pleased to be in Long Branch for Lauren and Jon's celebration at McLoone's Pier House. And here they are, in portraits that we made at separate locations during getting ready:

To state the obvious, we have ourselves one good-lookin' couple.... Soon, Lauren arrived at McLoone's for final preparation before the ceremony:

Time for the walk down the aisle, in this case set on the beach in the midday sun. Love the connection between bride and groom, seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day:

Shelley made this wide angle view of the ceremony setting, under a cloudless blue sky:

Exposures in this harsh midday light can be tricky, but we've been there and done that, reversing the view here to show all the onlookers observing from the boardwalk:

And what could be more appropriate on a beach, than the sand ceremony? 

A well-framed kiss, and our newlyweds make their exit, with support from their guests:

As the bridal party made their way up to the boardwalk, Keith made a quick photo of our happy couple:

This is the kind of moment we love to capture, when the emotion is flowing and the look is for real! Another example came up just a few minutes later, having fun on the boardwalk:

After some family photos, it was time to stroll over to McLoone's to get the party started:

And here's the entrance and one of many images from their beautiful first dance:

Time for toasts, and Jon's brother had the room laughing:

Meanwhile, we also were collecting some nice detail shots, simple and elegant:

The cake ceremony was classic and fun:

And a wide angle view of the room, with our newlyweds enjoying the scene:

At the end of the party, all the guests encircled Lauren and Jon, for a beautiful conclusion to the festivities:

But wait, there's more! After the party, we went back to the beach for some fun with the bridal party:

It was great to make some images in the late afternoon light, and we finish the beginning of this love story with Lauren and Jon, finally alone together at the water's edge: