There was never any doubt that Emily and Mike were going to take their LBI engagement photos in Holgate, NJ. Nor, was there was ever any doubt that Emily and Mike were going to plan a wedding on LBI. It was a total no-brainer. They are both tied to the island through family. For years, Mike was a wrestler coached by Emily’s father. They knew each other, but Emily had no idea how deeply Mike felt for her until he confessed his feelings to her parents! Flash forward to Christmas Eve, and Mike proposed to Emily at the Engleside in Beach Haven. When it came time to start planning the wedding, this sweet couple considered a destination wedding, but quickly decided that there was no destination that meant so much to them both as Long Beach Island.

LBI Engagement Photos | Emily & Mike

Emily and Mike wanted to incorporate a rustic feel with natural colors and a bohemian inspiration. Both of them love to surf and are, understandably so, obsessed with their adorable pups, Bertha and Barney. We chose a palette of earth tones, and a photo shoot in Holgate, where Emily’s family home is located. They arrived about an hour before sunset to take advantage of the beautiful golden hour light. We met on the ocean side of the island. You might think that wouldn’t be the “pretty side” of the sunset, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It is! The sunset side of the island is perfect for silhouettes, but the other, well… check this out, it’s more subtle and imo, steals the show. Well, that’s not entirely true. Bertha and Barney stole the show!

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