Ashley and AJ | South Jersey Fall Wedding | Beautiful Backyard Wedding

A South Jersey Fall Wedding took place in Mays Landing, NJ on October 17, 2020.  Ashley and AJ had a beautiful backyard wedding at AJ’s family home.  AJ’s family has an awesome backyard and it was perfect for their celebration.  The weather couldn’t have been any better for a Saturday in October.  It was sunny and warm which was perfect weather for getting married!

I enjoyed getting to know these two. We spent a chilly January morning at Batsto State Park for their engagement session.  Ashley and AJ didn’t let the cold bother them. They were always smiling and laughing and I think AJ enjoyed the cuddling part.  Click this link to read their engagement session blog.  If you like a rustic vibe, Batsto Historic village is a great place for photos.

| Beautiful Bride |

Ashley was very calm the morning of her wedding.  She had some up and downs leading up to her big day but was very peaceful and was ready to finally get married. When I arrived, I took photos of her beautiful gown and her accessories. Ashley had made the bouquets for the wedding and they were so pretty.  I love the soft greens she used.  Her bridesmaids and mom helped her get into her dress at Ashley’s home.  I had a fun time getting photos with them before I headed over the AJ’s family home.

Handsome groom and groomsmen

AJ and his groomsmen were ready for their photos when I arrived.  The guys all looked so sharp.  I adore the blue suits that are very trendy right now. AJ’s groomsmen were a fun group.  I love when the groomsmen have some fun with the groom. I was also able to get some photos of AJ and his beautiful little daughter, Isabella.  She is such a cutie and looked so pretty in her dress.

A beautiful backyard Wedding

Ashley and AJ are so thankful for everyone that helped make their day so special.  I loved all the touches of fall decorations that were placed around the ceremony space and inside the tent. They had strung bistro lights up and down the yard. That added such a nice touch to the space. It was all so lovely and Ashley and AJ were just thrilled with how everything turned out.

The best part of the day for Ashley was seeing AJ’s expression when he first saw her. They chose to keep it traditional and did not do a first look.  Ashley had kept her dress a secret from AJ and couldn’t wait to see his reaction when she walked down the aisle.  She will never forget his reaction when he turned around and saw her for the first time. After their ceremony was over, we took family photos and their bridal photos.  The sun was setting directly behind the trees which I was able to capture in some of the photos.  I just love sun flares!

Advice for future brides

Ashley enjoyed the planning process but was so happy that the day had finally arrived.  Her advice for future brides is to take a breather. “Things will happen but, in the end, it’s your day with your significant other. Enjoy that and everything else will fall into place.”

Thank you

Ashley and AJ, thank you for choosing Memories by Maria Photography to capture your day.  I enjoyed getting to know you two and just loved being part of your day.  Your families and friends are so nice and were so happy to see you two finally be married!  May you have a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.