Asbury Park is more than just a beach town to me. Along the shore, you can find a variety of shops and restaurants, along with historic buildings and structures, each with its own story and legend.

The moment I stepped into the Asbury Hotel, I was captivated by its interior design. Unlike a traditional hotel lobby, its high ceilings and expansive space created a mansion-like grandeur. Yet, instead of feeling like one enormous, empty room, the lobby was thoughtfully divided into different areas without physical barriers. There was a reception desk, a coffee shop, and lounge areas where people could relax, chat, or work in a quieter corner.

Among all these spaces, my favorite was the media wall, featuring vinyl records, audio cassettes, and record players. It gave the hotel a distinctive personality and created a nostalgic retreat. Nearby, tiered seating formed what felt like a small performance space, adding another layer of character to the lobby. I also loved the giant backlit sign displaying the names of my wedding couple and their wedding date, giving the space a personal touch for their celebration.

Then I noticed a brick wall running through the middle of the lobby. Suddenly, I wondered whether it was part of an older building that existed before the hotel was built. The thought changed the way I saw the entire space. Perhaps the new interior had been designed around a surviving piece of the past, allowing an old structure to remain part of the building’s present life.

An old structure, carrying traces of its history and the lives once lived around it, had become part of a new experience of living.

When I saw Jessica in her wedding dress, I suddenly understood another connection between her and the Asbury Hotel. Her dress was not the traditional floor-length gown, and even her veil took a shorter form. Her choice felt like the hotel itself: a fresh, personal take on something familiar.

The wedding was heartwarming, and I especially loved the vows Jessica and John exchanged. They are genuine and authentic people, with their own special ways of expressing love and showing how much they care for one another.

Congratulations to Jessica and John! Your wedding beautifully reflected who you are: thoughtful, creative, genuine, and wonderfully yourselves. Just as The Asbury Hotel celebrates the beauty of bringing old and new together, your wedding reminded me that traditions become even more meaningful when we make them our own. Thank you for allowing us to witness and capture such a personal celebration of your love. May your marriage be filled with meaningful conversations, shared laughter, endless curiosity, and the freedom to always be yourselves. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness and wonderful adventures together!

With the strong sunlight along the beach, I chose ISO 100 film: Kodak Pro Image. Although I knew film might not deliver the same sharpness and contrast as digital, I was still surprised and pleased by the results. The images  with fine grains had a tranquil quality that seemed to soften the scene, almost as if I could feel the sea mist drifting.