August | 2019 | Janine Collette Photography New Jersey Wedding Photographer

There are two places on the face of this earth that I absolutely adore more than anywhere else, Cape May and Long Beach Island (LBI). Shooting engagement sessions and weddings in Cape May and LBI are an absolute dream to me. The beautiful colors of the grass and sand, coupled with the interesting textures, is pure heaven for a photographer.. or for me at least! So when Emily and Justin said they wanted their engagement shoot at Barnegat Lighthouse on LBI, I was thrilled! Emily has a history of visiting the island, as do I and thus it was kismet.

We had a plan going into the day and as we approached the island, as summer weather would have it, it started to storm; bad. Lightening, downpours, wind, all of it. But, we waited it out and had faith that the clearing would be AMAZING …and it was it. I’m so thankful for that storm, because in that “what are we going to do moment” I had the chance to really bond with my amazing clients. I’ll be forever thankful for those moments.

The aftermath of the storm gave us the the most amazing beachy blue skies and dramatic clouds. Emily and Justin were absolute troopers through it all..walking through the wet sand, outfit changes, and the chance of more rain. And then.. the rainbow hit. We for sure, knew we were in the right place for their session. After the intense stress of the weather, I’m truly amazed by my clients for truly connecting so deeply with each other during their session. I kept calling them my Prince Harry and Megan Markle! Emily and Justin, you are amazing and I can’t wait to shoot your June 2020 wedding at Bonnet Island Estate!