This past June, I had the chance to fly to photograph Alexandrea and Dylan’s intimate beach wedding on the coast of Oregon. I have been traveling more and more to photograph beautiful couples and I have to say, I could get used to life as a destination wedding photographer! Alexandrea and Dylan originally planned their wedding at her grandfather’s gorgeous private estate in New Jersey, but when COVID altered their wedding plans, these two decided to bring their families to the Oregon Coast – where they now live happily as husband and wife – to celebrate with them. I have to tell you, it was pure magic (but you’ll see that in the photos!). If you are looking for a wedding photographer (in New Jersey + beyond!), you can learn more about my wedding photography and videography packages here. Or, click the button below, and let’s chat!
Getting Ready for their Beach Wedding
I knew that Alexandrea and Dylan had been incredibly thoughtful when they were planning their wedding. Because of that, I couldn’t wait to start the day photographing some of the gorgeous details. One thing that stands out, in particular, were the envelope liners from their wedding invitations – they were the most uniquely stunning I have ever seen!
Because it was going to be a destination wedding for many of their guests, Alexandrea and Dylan kept the guest list to family-only. They each got ready only with a couple of their closest people. The whole day felt incredibly intimate and special but honestly, getting ready photos are some of my favorites every single time. I love capturing all of the sometimes unexpected moments as you are in complete anticipation for what’s next to come!
First Look Wedding Photos on the Beach
The Oregon Beach terrain wasn’t smooth but it was WORTH IT. Alexandrea and Dylan headed to Chapman Point on Cannon Beach and exchanged their first look and had a private moment before the wedding ceremony. I was loving life as a third wheel! It was a little windy but I loved the shots we got with Alexandrea’s veil blowing in the wind (so I think it was worth it!).
In a way, it was also so fitting to have their first look on the beach. In March 2020, a week before they moved to Oregon, Alexandrea and Dylan headed down to Newport Beach where they first met and spent some time reminiscing. While they were waiting for their dinner reservation, they took a walk along the beach and Dylan got down on one knee to propose. It was super intimate and special – much like their first look photos were now. Shortly after he proposed, it started raining and they both felt like it was a sign of good luck as they entered the new phase of their lives! Looking at the photos, I see a lot of beach days and love in their future.
Destination Wedding Ceremony
One of the things you might not consider about a destination wedding (even though Alexandrea and Dylan live in Oregon, their family all flew in to celebrate), is that it makes it easier to justify a weekday wedding because guests are flying in – and likely booking a few days off – anyway. If you are looking to get married in 2022, we are already recommending couples release the idea of a dream Saturday wedding date (for which many wedding vendors and venues are already fully booked). A weekday date can end up being a GREAT idea (and really prevent you from having to compromise on anything else).
Alexandrea and Dylan chose to have their wedding ceremony on a Monday and it was pure magic. The Haystack Gardens were an absolutely stunning wedding venue and their family-only wedding ceremony was incredibly moving. There were many tear-jerking moments! After their wedding ceremony, we headed straight to Cannon Beach for some family photos.
Surfsand Resort Wedding Reception
Alexandrea and Dylan brought the beach wedding vibes indoors for their wedding reception. Everything felt soft and romantic, with candles and blue linens on every table. They also made sure to add some fun – and included disposable cameras on each table for guests to snap away. These two love to soak up the nostalgia. Their wedding reception was full of incredibly sweet moments. From the speeches to the cake cutting, to the fact that these two could not stop holding hands all night. Alexandrea’s mother’s toast had everyone in tears and she surprised them with some beautiful jewelry after her toast.
Sunset Wedding Photos on the Beach
You may remember it from my post about my own wedding, but I love when couples sneak away for some golden hour wedding photos. We really don’t need very much time to get a few extra photos that you’ll want to hang on your wall (and show your kids for the next fifty years). When I asked what they were most excited about on their wedding day, they said that they couldn’t wait to celebrate with their closest family and friends, be completely present in the moment, and trust that they can look back at the moments I captured to share with their future children for generations. As a wedding photographer, they completely won over my heart.
Planning (+ Pivoting) their Micro Wedding
I could go on and on about Alexandrea and Dylan – I truly believe I get to work with the most incredible people. Although things weren’t as they originally planned, these two worked as such a team and took everything in stride. It’s a beautiful thing when a couple stays focused on their love for one another. I am wishing Alexandrea and Dylan a HUGE Mile Square Moments’ Congratulations and I can’t wait to watch the next chapter unfold. If you are madly in love and looking for a wedding photographer, I hope you will get in touch below!
Vendor Team
Hair: Debra Castellanos
Mile Square Moments | New Jersey Wedding Photographer
Mile Square Moments is a wedding photography company based in Hoboken, New Jersey. If you are new around here, you should know that we love getting to know each couple personally. Wondering if we would be the right fit? You might be a MSM couple if you aren’t afraid of getting a little up close and personal in photos. We love natural chemistry. A little PDA is encouraged around here! BUT, also enjoy a night binge-watching Netflix. Are you planning a wedding in New Jersey? If you are, Contact us here to find out about our photography/videography packages. We also love stories on Instagram. If you want more beach wedding inspiration, check out Chelsea and Jeremiah’s beach wedding. Enjoy!
