The Asbury Hotel Wedding | Mike and Erin
Venue : The Asbury Hotel
Florist: Flower Child Floral
Cake: Vintage Cake
Hair and Makeup: Boho Hair Salon
There are some wedding days I know I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and Mike and Erin’s The Asbury Hotel Wedding is without question one of them. As someone who has photographed countless love stories along the Jersey Shore, I’ve learned that the weather doesn’t decide the magic of a wedding day — the couple does.
On this wildly stormy Sunday in October, the day before Columbus Day, the skies opened up with relentless rain and wind. But despite the chaos outside, their wedding was overflowing with energy, emotion, and moments I’ll never forget. And for couples currently searching for experienced Monmouth County wedding photographers, this wedding is a perfect example of how the right creative team can turn a rain-soaked day into something absolutely unforgettable.
Getting Ready Inside The Asbury Hotel
Both Mike and Erin got ready at The Asbury Hotel, which immediately gave their day a relaxed, stylish start. The Asbury has this incredible blend of modern design and artsy charm, making it a photographer’s playground — especially when you have a storm forcing everyone indoors.
Erin spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids, laughter echoing through the room as hair and makeup buzzed around her. Mike was getting ready just a few floors away with his groomsmen, keeping things light as the rain hammered against the hotel windows. Their excitement was contagious from the start.
We had plans to take portraits outdoors, but the weather had other ideas. Thankfully, The Asbury Hotel’s lobby gave us everything we needed. Beautiful textures, bold artwork, creative spaces, and dramatic pockets of light — all perfect for the editorial style we wanted.
And for anyone searching for a Monmouth County wedding photographers team who knows exactly how to work in any lighting scenario, this wedding is proof that indoor portraits can be just as stunning as anything outdoors.
Creative Portraits Using Off-Camera Lighting, Paparazzi Style, and Natural Light
Mike and Erin were completely open to creative ideas, which allowed us to mix several lighting techniques throughout the day. We used a blend of off-camera flash, trendy paparazzi-style lighting for those modern editorial moments, and natural light whenever the storm clouds shifted enough to let it peek through.
The Asbury’s lobby gave us a perfect backdrop: rich in texture, filled with reflections and geometric designs, and big enough to set up multiple lighting scenarios. Each setup gave us a different mood, from classic to bold to cinematic.
If you’re researching The Asbury Hotel Wedding inspiration, this venue proves you can create extraordinary images rain or shine — as long as your photographer knows how to adapt.
A Ceremony Moved Indoors — Beautiful Despite the Storm
The rooftop ceremony overlooking the ocean was the original plan, but with sheets of rain pouring down all day, the team wisely shifted everything indoors. And honestly? It couldn’t have been more beautiful.
The indoor ceremony was intimate, emotional, and full of warmth. Guests gathered close, surrounded by soft lighting and the modern aesthetic The Asbury is known for. Mike and Erin exchanged vows with a closeness and energy that felt deeply personal — something only an indoor ceremony can create.
Storms may alter the schedule, but they rarely take away the beauty of the moment.
A High-Energy Indoor Reception
By the time the reception began, it felt like the storm outside belonged to another world entirely. Inside, the room came alive. The lighting was warm, the music was incredible, and the guests were ready to celebrate hard.
Using a mix of off-camera flash and documentary-style photography, we captured everything: heartfelt toasts, dancing, laughter, and all the spontaneous in-between moments we love. Mike and Erin’s reception was the perfect reminder that it’s not the weather that makes a wedding — it’s the energy of the people in the room.
For couples seeking Monmouth County wedding photographers who thrive in fast-paced, indoor settings, this wedding is a perfect showcase.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at The Asbury Hotel
After photographing so many venues throughout New Jersey, The Asbury Hotel remains one of my favorites. It’s stylish, versatile, and packed with creative spaces — even in the middle of a torrential downpour.
For anyone planning The Asbury Hotel Wedding, this venue proves that even the stormiest day can be transformed into something cinematic and unforgettable. Mike and Erin embraced every moment, and their joy radiated through every part of the day.
To see why so many couples trust Delgado Studios for weddings across the Jersey Shore, this celebration is the perfect example.
