Gabrielle and matt
The day started early — I woke up at 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. The city was still asleep as I drove through Manhattan. I love days like that — foggy and moist, with no one around. It reminds me of the quietness of Scandinavian countries I used to travel to on weekends when I was in college.When I arrived at Long Beach Island, it felt like a scene from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind — the place where Clementine and Joel met and used to go in winter. Very solitary: the stores and all the vacation rentals were closed.I started capturing Matt getting ready. Tying the bow tie was a bit tricky — it took a whole village to get it done, but we succeeded in the end.
Then I headed over to Gabrielle’s parents’ house, where she was getting ready. Her mom and sisters were all around, helping with different things — adjusting her dress, finding the right earrings, making sure nothing was forgotten. There was a calm, cheerful energy in the house. They chatted, laughed, and worked together to get everything just right. It felt warm and close — like a regular family morning, just with a bit more hairspray and excitement in the air.
The first look and couple’s portraits took place at a small local museum and library, filled with ocean-themed things — old maps, shells, and ship models. The place had a fun, slightly quirky feel that reminded me of a Wes Anderson movie, which was a nice touch since Matt loves his films. It was quiet, and made for a really sweet and relaxed moment for the two of them.
Then we headed to the ceremony at the local church, where family and close friends were already starting to arrive.
The reception was held at Brant Beach Yacht Club, where guests were treated to amazing oysters and all kinds of fresh seafood. Everything was delicious — definitely a highlight of the evening.
And as the mood of the day shifted into something more playful and bold, my approach to photography shifted with it. I pulled out an off-camera flash and leaned into the retro vibes of the wedding, capturing the energy and fun of the evening in a different light.
It was a long day — Gabrielle and Matt had chosen full-day coverage, from the very beginning to the very end. I drove home late at night, but I didn’t feel tired — I felt recharged and deeply inspired. I truly value and honor the trust couples place in me when they choose me to capture their day. It’s an incredible feeling to know that these photos will become part of their family history — something their children and grandchildren will look at for years to come.Shot on film and digital.