Kathleen and Justin are getting married this June at The Mill Lakeside Manor, one of my favorite NJ wedding venues. I met up with them in Union Beach for their engagement session last spring and now we’re nearing their wedding in a few short months! The beach is near their home in the area, so it made perfect sense to have beach engagement photos. They told me so many times how lucky they feel to live so close to this gorgeous beach – and I have to admit, I’m pretty jealous.
Their Love Story
Kathleen and Justin met through mutual friends and had their first date at Kathleen’s house. Together, they watched “A Quiet Place”, which Kathleen didn’t realize had absolutely NO dialogue… so they spent most of their first date in complete silence. Obviously, it all turned out okay because Justin proposed on a trip to the Bahamas around Christmastime. Kathleen wasn’t expecting the proposal for another year or so, so she was very surprised when Justin got down on one knee.
As you can see, the beach is definitely a special part of their love story. They live there, got engaged on one in the Bahamas, and spent lots of time with friends in Manasquan NJ on the beach, too, throughout their relationship! I loved spending the afternoon with Kathleen and Justin during their Union Beach engagement session! Here’s a peek at my time with them:
Tell us about the proposal!
“We were on a vacation to the Bahamas with Justin’s family. We hadn’t really talked in depth about an engagement and we were closing on a house in January of 2022 so I figured that was our project for the year of 2022. He completely surprised me while on the beach in the Bahamas with a ring! The cherry on top was my dad and step mom flew into the Bahamas to surprise me even more and have a beautiful dinner with us and my future in laws that night.”
Tell us about the ring! What is your favorite feature? Did you pick it out?
“I did not pick out my ring! It is an oval shape with a halo of diamond and diamonds around the band. My favorite part is halo it really makes the center diamond pop.”
Tell us one thing you love about each other.
“We love each other’s sense of humor. We are always laughing when we are together.”
Tell us how you chose the location for your engagement portraits!
“We chose the beachfront right by our home. We were new to the area in January of 2022 and we are a block from the beach and bay. We had our engagement shoot in May of 2022 and we thought what better way to celebrate our new roots and town than a photo shoot right on the beach?”
Tell us about your wedding day vision and style!
“Our wedding day will be very classic and detail oriented. An early church ceremony and then a beautiful cocktail hour and reception at our dream venue, The Mill in Spring Lake! We can’t wait!”
About the Photographers
Idalia Photography is based out of Central NJ and specializes in romantic, timeless, and classic weddings. Our photography style can be described as a perfect blend of classic, romantic portraiture and authentic, candid moments. Are you planning a wedding? We serve NJ, NY, PA, and beyond. Click here to view our wedding portfolio or contact us for availability.
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