Joshua and Dakota’s Pretty Pastel New Jersey Beach Wedding by Magdalena Studios

Today’s beautiful wedding sees us jet of to the sun drenched shores of New Jersey for the super soft and romantic beach wedding of Joshua and Dakota. Dakota wears the most gorgeous Grace Loves Lace dress, which I absolutely adore! As for all those pretty pastel flowers, how stunning! They adorn the reception tables, as well as the ceremony backdrop and the super cute bouquets. The gorgeous white sands of Stone Harbor are the most amazing backdrop to any wedding ceremony. However, the most gorgeous aspect of this wedding is the first look and just how crazy Joshua and Dakota are about each other! Big thanks to Magdalena Studios for the beautiful images.

Our wedding was an intimate celebration on the beach with our closest family and friends. 

Joshua and Dakota were married on 24th September 2017. The ceremony was held at 96th st beach Stone Harbor and the reception at The Reeds at Shelter Haven in New Jersey. The bride has a very large family and grew up spending summers in Stone Harbor. we had 90 guests and it took just 5 months to plan.

How they met 
Josh and I met on a dating website and we have been together for 4 years.

The proposal
Josh surprised Dakota after a girls weekend. He was waiting at the top of Saint Mary’s Glacier with their two dogs and a beautiful engagement ring.

Where did you splurge and where did you save?
We splurged on our venue and food. We saved on our DJ using one that would provide multiple services.

How did you choose your photographer?
She was recommended by our venue and we spoke with her in person and knew she was the one!

The outfits
The wedding dress was Grace Loves Lace. All accessories were my mothers jewelry. Bridesmaid dresses were Joanna August. Suits were Men’s Wearhouse.

Colour scheme and flowers
We chose pastel blue, pink, purple. We chose to stick with our pastel theme that carried over to our flowers.

Decoration
We purchased gold lanterns and filled them with shells and candles. We also filled the room with tea light candles and beautiful flower arrangements.

Food 
Our options were crab stuffed flounder, roasted pork loin, filet mignon and stuffed portobello mushroom.

Wedding cake
We had a vanilla pound cake with raspberry filling and chocolate cake with cookies and cream filling.

Personal touches
Dakota’s mother hand painted all of the invitations, save the dates and menus. They were hand done water colour and absolutely stunning.

Special moments 
Having our ceremony on the beach with our closest family with us.

Advice for other couples
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It will all come together!

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I am based in the Philadelphia area, and am from Ocean City, New Jersey. Growing up on the beach, I am influenced by the colors of the ocean and the flow of the sea.  Adventuring to all corners of the earth, we thrive on crafting JOYFUL, VIBRANT & AUTHENTIC FINE ART IMAGERYfor stylish, laid back, free-spirited & romantic couples. We’ll tell your love story over and over in the most organic and soulful of ways, timelessly – artistically – effortlessly, for all the years to come. We want to know you and your story SO well that by the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll be so comfortable and excited to be in front of our lens. And the chances are by then, you won’t just feel like an old friend – you’ll be one.