Long Beach Island, New Jersey

So many people grew up going to Long Beach Island and visiting the now 40-year-old amusement park known as Fantasy Island. It is a nostalgic family fun hangout once the sun goes down in LBI, complete with an arcade, carnival rides, and sticky treats.

Jim & Gabby live near New York but knew they wanted to get married in Beach Haven, their summer respite. It was only fitting to do their engagement photos there as well! The colorful lights and atmosphere of the amusement park give off a romantic, The Notebook vibe (if only we could’ve actually gotten on the ferris wheel!!). Jim, a Jersey native, is one of those people who grew up spending summer nights at Fantasy Island. So we decided it would be fun and unique to incorporate this setting in.

The staff a Fantasy Island was so accommodating to us, letting us in before the season started and turning the lights on the ferris wheel and carousel for our photos! It was raining cats and dogs, but they still made it work. We hustled between the two rides and incorporated my handy dandy clear umbrellas (I always keep a million in my car trunk!), which add in a romantic touch of their own, into the shots when needed.

After our time at Fantasy Island, we went down to the beach for a few photos but the rain had gotten pretty bad. The three of us ended up meeting up again at a later date with sunny skies to snag a few golden hour shots for J&G’s save-the-dates! I am obsessed with how these images came out. It was such a refreshing and FUN idea to incorporate Fantasy Island. I cannot wait to capture Jim & Gabby’s wedding next May at Brant Beach Yacht Club!!