Katie and Ryeley Kuykendall’s Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ wedding was Jeff’s and my first sibling wedding. Last September, we photographed Katie’s sister, Susan’s, wedding. At the end of the night, as we were saying good night to everyone, Katie asked if we traveled for weddings. She and her fiance were looking for a wedding photographer. Jeff and I looked at each other, looked back to Katie, and said yes. She asked if we’d travel to NJ on October 13, 2018. Jeff and I looked at each other, looked back to Katie, and said yes. And we told her that that was OUR anniversary. She thought we’d say no then, as we probably didn’t want to work on our anniversary. After 22 years of marriage, traveling to Jersey for a weekend was something different. It was destined to be!

I emailed Katie the following week to invite her and Spencer to our house for a consultation. Kept saying how much fun we had with them at Susan and Eric’s wedding. Katie responded very politely and said her fiance’s name was Ryeley, not Spencer! Don’t ask me where I came up with Spencer – I swore that was the name I heard. He’s such a good sport, I still joke around and call him Spencer! We even told that story to his parents at the wedding.

Anyway, the Kuykendall’s definitely know how to throw a party!! Hosted at The Columns, a restaurant co-owned by Ryeley’s grandfather, we were directly across the street from the ocean. We climbed on jetties for spectacular bride and groom portraits; horsed around with the bridal party on the beach for some fun shots; celebrated the marriage vows under a pavilion on the boardwalk; all within 50 yards of the venue!

Once the reception got under way, Katie and Ryeley were never off the dance floor! Ryeley and his 3 brothers ruled the floor – these guys had the moves! I love watching awesome dancers, and these 4 had it going on!! Katie and her girlfriends were just as great, channeling their inner Kelly Clarkson all night long. The music was perfect, the food was fantastic, the venue was gorgeous – terrific wedding and a cool anniversary for Jeff and me!!

We hope whenever you look at your wedding images, Katie and Ryeley, you find some shots that make you laugh out loud; some that make you choke up; some that make you cry (happy tears); some that remind you of a loved one not around anymore. Whatever emotion you feel, we hope you never forget the way you felt when you were pronounced husband and wife on October 13, 2018!!! Happiness, health, joy, love and tons of laughter to you both!! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Kuykendall!

Venue: The Columns, Avon-By-The-Sea, NJ
Wedding Coordinator: Allison
DJ: Chris Gray
Florist: Wegman’s
Bridal Shop: Something Bleu
Tuxedo Shop: Futia’s Formal Wear
Hair: Kelly Borden Horton
Makeup: Salon Tsunami