Coastal Summer Wedding at Hotel LBI

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Meet Francesca

Based in New Jersey, Francesca is a wedding photographer specializing in Catholic, estate, and coastal weddings throughout New Jersey and the East Coast. She is drawn to weddings rooted in family and tradition.

Her approach blends gentle direction with genuine moments, creating photographs that feel natural yet refined. She photographs weddings with the understanding that the people in the photographs matter just as much as the photographs themselves. The result is imagery that feels just as meaningful years from now as it does today.

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Hotel LBI | Ship Bottom, NJ

In preparing for Caitlyn and James’ rooftop wedding at Hotel LBI in Ship Bottom, NJ, where I had the honor of second shooting for Jill Sahner Photography, monitoring the weather forecast was crucial. The predictions hinted at potential thunderstorms on the horizon; however, as I made my way down the Garden State Parkway to LBI, the clouds dispersed, revealing a clear, sunny sky.

During the event, remaining flexible and adaptable to changing weather conditions was key. We had the Doppler radar pulled up on our phones to map out the course of the storm. Guests arriving at the venue talked about hail storms they encountered en route, but the venue remained sunlit and inviting!

To everyone’s delight, the day remained rain-free, allowing Caitlyn and James to have the wedding they had envisioned – complete with a charming rooftop ceremony. The day unfolded seamlessly from there, and we even had a chance to sneak out for beautiful sunset portraits on the balcony outside the reception space!

Being a part of capturing this special day alongside Jill Sahner was a dream. I loved the laid-back coastal atmosphere of a Hotel LBI wedding and can’t wait to shoot there again someday!

Coastal weddings have such a unique charm. The ocean breeze, the salty air, and the stunning views make for a truly unforgettable celebration. However, planning a coastal wedding in the height of hurricane season can be daunting.

For couples planning their own coastal weddings at this time of year, here are a few tips:

Have a solid weather contingency plan in place. This may include having a backup indoor ceremony space, providing guests with clear umbrellas and ponchos, and working with your photographer to develop a plan for taking outdoor photos in the rain.

Ask your venue about their weather contingency plan. Many venues have experience hosting weddings in all types of weather and will have a plan in place to ensure that your day goes smoothly, rain or shine.

Check in with your photographer about their contingency plan. A good photographer will be able to adapt to changing weather conditions and still capture amazing photos of your wedding day.

Consider your guests’ comfort, especially in coastal locations where weather can vary. Provide shade, fans, or heaters to ensure everyone enjoys the celebration, rain or shine.