An insight into why we choose Rockaway Beach for our wedding

The Planning Processes

We had initially planned on having one ceremony in one city, but after a few unforeseeable events, we decided to split our celebration into three different events. We choose to have our first wedding ceremony in New York City. As a couple, we had a lot of favorite spots, so it was hard to decide where our wedding would be and where we would take our photos. We eventually landed on Rockaway Beach. Some of our first memories as a couple were on the beach, and we love the water, so it was essential for us to be near it while we made our vows to each other.

We rented a bunch of Airbnbs for all our friends from out of town and spent a glorious weekend together. Luckily we had good weather (which is good because we didn’t have a plan B), and our dear friend Pooja, which is the person that introduced Tarun and me, helped us pull off the wedding details. The amazing part? The entire ceremony space cost us only $25 for the permit.

The Morning

On the morning of the wedding, I got to sit on the beach with my closest friends and relax before getting ready in an eclectic beach house right by our ceremony location. My friends are so darn talented, and it was important to have them be a part of our wedding in a unique way. Sarah Patch did my makeup, Kaytlyn Cockrell did my hair, and Marissa Bero did our flowers.

While Tarun was getting ready, our friend, Nate, led the charge in clearing off a spot for us on the beach. It was a gorgeous Saturday, so it was super crowded, but because I photograph elopements in the city all the time, I love that New York feeling of being surrounded by strangers and possible friends.

The Ceremony

It was vital for me to have a wedding where we could walk to everything, and I also wanted snacks and drinks for our friends to have while they were waiting for our short ceremony to begin. After we finished getting ready, we walked to the beach, and I was so nervous. I’ve photographed so many weddings, but I had never been the bride in one. It was an out of body experience seeing all our friends in one spot sitting on blankets, and walking towards each other at one of our favorite places.

We had our dear friend M’elissa officiated the wedding, and she killed it. I was so nervous, so having her up there with us helped so much.

The Reception

After the ceremony, we hugged all the people we love, and they started the five-minute walk to the reception at Community House Restaurant. We snuck away and got some photos before the sun went down. And then we joined the party, ate way too many lobster rolls, and danced the night away. We gave away plants as a wedding gift, and our friends still send us text messages with photos of how our little plant babies are doing.

Thanks for letting me share about our beach wedding day in New York City!

Our Favorite Wedding Photos

Wedding Dress: Sally Eagle

Suite: Suits Supply

Shoes: No 6. and Birkenstock

Photography: Sidney Morgan

Hair: Kaytlyn Cockrell

Makeup: Sarah Patch

Flowers: Marissa Bero

Ceremony: Rockaway Beach, NYC

Reception: Community House Restaurant, NYC

Lodging: Airbnb