A Laid-Back Jersey Shore Wedding with a Block Party Reception

Rachael and Joey’s Jersey Shore wedding day was effortlessly fun, deeply personal, and centered on what mattered most to them: time with their people. From a golden hour beach ceremony to a block-party-style reception in the streets of Margate, every part of the day reflected who they are and the life they’ve built together. This wedding was especially meaningful for our team. Rachael is Magi’s sister, making it a true family celebration. Kelee, Arianna, and Ashley from the Magdalena Studios team all played a role in capturing the day, which made documenting these moments even more special.

The morning began in Margate, where Rachael got ready at a rental house surrounded by her closest friends. Kelee photographed the chic bridal details and the relaxed energy of the morning as Rachael slipped into her look and soaked it all in. Meanwhile, Arianna captured Joey getting ready nearby before heading to Linwood Country Club for their first look. The couple met on the golf course, using the lush greenery as a backdrop for portraits. The bridal party joined shortly after, leaning fully into the laid-back vision. Bridesmaids wore mismatched champagne-toned dresses, sipped champagne, and rocked sunglasses, setting the tone for the fun that was still to come.

Later in the afternoon, guests gathered at Robert’s Place, a local restaurant owned by Joey’s family. From there, they strolled down the beach block toward the ceremony site. They dropped their shoes at the beach access, and oysters and canned cocktails were waiting as they arrived on the sand. As the sun lowered, Rachael and Joey exchanged vows during a ceremony that felt intimate, relaxed, and completely true to them. Cocktail hour followed right on the beach, keeping the celebration flowing without missing a beat. Ashley joined our team to capture the prettiest golden hour portraits of the couple, and we absolutely love how they turned out.

Back at Robert’s Place, the street was closed off for an unforgettable reception. Planned and designed by Elizabeth Margaret Events, the block party featured a clear tent with a packed dance floor, surrounded by local food trucks, custom bars, a cigar roller, a tattoo bar, and lounge areas for guests to relax and mingle. There were no assigned tables, just friends and family moving freely, toasting, laughing, and reconnecting.

As the sky turned purple, Rachael and Joey shared their first dance beneath twinkle lights inside the tent. It was one of those moments that felt quiet and electric all at once. From there, the party truly took off, with guests dancing late into the night and celebrating in the most joyful way. Ashley provided a portrait booth for the guests throughout the reception. The Portrait Booth is our newest offering, and it was such a fun treat for the guests!

Rachael and Joey’s Margate wedding was proof that the best celebrations are the ones that feel authentic. Thoughtful, relaxed, and filled with love, it was an honor to capture a day that felt like home in every sense. If you’re planning a New Jersey beach wedding or dreaming up a non-traditional celebration by the shore, we’d love to tell your story. Get in touch with us here.

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Vendors

Planning, Design, Florals: Elizabeth Margaret Events
Production: Revolution Event Production
Makeup: Steph Masco
Hair: Hi Tech & Co.
Catering: Ike’s Famous Crab Cakes
Catering: The Pizza Wagon
Catering: Stir It Up
Catering: Taqueria Rendon
Oysters: Salty Soul Oyster Company
Video: Matt Crowne
Music: Jordan Kahn Music
Live Painter: Alampat Artwork
Cigars: Mobile Cigar Lounge
Tent: Sperry Tents
Decor: Rustic Drift
Transportation: Jitneys
Rentals: Vision Furniture

[Venue] Wedding Photographer