The Mallard Island Yacht Club is an exquisite wedding venue on Barnegat Bay in Manahawkin, New Jersey.
When I first moved to New York from Florida, I found myself missing beachfront weddings! This beautiful space was the first beach-style venue that I photographed at after my move, and it's had a soft spot in my heart ever since.
I really love how Mallard manages to bring the outside inside. There is brilliant natural light inside the getting ready spaces, as well as gorgeous light that floods the reception and cocktail hour rooms. Mallard feels like a real destination wedding location without even having to leave New Jersey!
I think one of my favorite things about a Mallard wedding are the numerous places you can have your ceremony. If you choose to get married inside, you can say "I do" in front of a gorgeous stone fireplace. It's a really quirky, charming space and sets a really intimate tone for the wedding day. If you want to get married outside, you can have your ceremony under the brilliant shore sun, near the water.
One of my favorite things to photograph on a wedding day is the preparations that take place before the ceremony. It is a wonderful opportunity to document the interactions between brides and grooms and their wedding parties and families. Whether or not the couple are going to see each other before the ceremony for a first look this time of day is full of joyous photojournalistic moments.
Location: 1450 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050.
Keywords: Jersey Shore (8), Mallard Estate (8), Manahawkin (8). Filename: 0105_081410_Ashmore_Wedding.jpg. 1/160; f/4.0; ISO 640; 85.0 mm.