Point Pleasant Beach has this way of feeling laid back and glamorous at the same time, which is exactly why it was the perfect backdrop for Sarah and John’s engagement session! As a NJ beach photographer, I get to shoot a lot of Jersey Shore sessions, but this one stood out for one big reason: two outfits, two totally different vibes, and neither one felt out of place on the NJ sand!

How Sarah & John’s Love Story Began

Every couple has a story and Sarah and John’s is truly one of my favorites. They met 7.5 years ago working together at Red Lobster. Sarah was on her gap year before dental school, waiting tables to help cover application costs, and on her very first day she met the restaurant’s manager, John. The rest is history!

Years later, John proposed on a beach vacation in Punta Cana, surrounded by roses scattered across the sand. Sarah says it felt like an absolute dream and it is easy to understand why!

Why Two Outfits Made This NJ Engagement Session

An outfit change is never a requirement for your NJ photography session. If picking out two looks feels stressful, just go with one you love! But, when a couple does bring a second outfit, they can end up with two distinct moods from the same session, even though they never left their location. Sarah and John went with fancy chic for their first look and fancy casual for the second, and each outfit gave the photos a completely different feel, and yet still felt like Sarah and John!

Their first outfit gave us some gorgeous, editorial more posed moments, with soft light and polish. Then, Sarah & John changed into something more relaxed for the second half, and the whole energy of the shoot shifted with it!

Dressing for Point Pleasant Beach

If you’re planning your own Point Pleasant Beach photos, here’s what I’d tell you:

• Dress for the location. A tux and a formal gown are stunning, but they are not always the best beach material. Save the black tie look for indoors and let your outfit match the setting. Also, you might think blue would be best for the beach, but I’ll send you a wardrobe guide that’ll show you exactly why it’s actually the opposite!
• Dress for the season. Sarah and John shot in summer, so we kept things light and breezy with summery fabrics and shoes off. Compare that to a couple I photographed on the beach in November, all sweaters, flannel, and jeans with sneakers. Same location, two completely different seasonal vibes. Plus, who wants to be feeling the warm weather elements during their session?
• Wear what makes you feel confident. If you’re not a dress person, don’t buy one just for your session. Contrast in an outfit can balance your features and boost your confidence. Comfort and confidence read on camera and always looks better than a look you’re not used to, washes you out or that doesn’t feel like you!

The Little Details That Made It Fun

Props can take a New Jersey engagement session from great to so memorable. Sarah and John cut into a cake decorated with their wedding date, giving us some genuinely fun, candid moments that had them both smiling and laughing. Little touches like these are an easy way to add personality to your session without overthinking it!

Huge thanks to the vendors who helped make this session so beautiful:

• Makeup: @bellarosebeautyllc
• Cake: @jusiekakes
• Ring: @venusjewelers

Ready for Your Own NJ Beach Engagement Photos?

Whether you’re picturing a laid back sunset stroll or a fully styled two-outfit session, Point Pleasant Beach is one of my favorite spots along the Jersey Shore for engagement photos. If you’re looking for a New Jersey engagement photographer who can help you plan every detail down to the outfits and props, reach out here and let’s start planning your session together!