Clarks Landing Yacht Club Wedding | Elayna + AJ
I actually met Elayna & AJ years ago while I was photographing another NJ wedding. Our personalities instantly clicked (no photography pun intended), and they told me they loved my energy. They saw me get down on the ground and also standing upon a chair, doing anything to get the shot. Seeing the vitality I bring and witnessing how I photograph weddings is what led them to bookmark me in their minds. They had contacted me a couple of years later to discuss having Daniel Nydick Photography shoot their engagement session and their wedding at Clarks Landing Yacht Club, and the rest is history.
Enjoy the photos, and continue below to read all about the Love Story of Elayna & AJ!
We met in person at Track5 Coffee in Cranford for a consultation. That consultation then turned into a couple’s photoshoot. After seeing the photos I took on the spot in our immediate surroundings, they were hooked and it was official. Daniel Nydick Photography would be their Clarks Landing wedding photographer,
Elayna & AJ met while attending Colts Neck in high school in 2004. High school came and went, yet they always kept in touch.
In the winter of 2008/2009, AJ was driving around their town and saw Elayna. He decided he’d send her a text to say hi. Little did they know, they’d end up finding themselves falling in love, let alone married 12 years later!
They’ve known each other since they were teenagers, which has offered such a unique perspective that not all couples share. Elayna & AJ have experienced many life changes together. From moving in together to working together, to owning businesses together. They wouldn’t have it any other way! These two legitimately keep each other going in all aspects of our lives; as partners & as lovers.
What’s kept them together for so long is that perfect cocktail of love, laughter, and compassion.
Knowing that owning a business together can lead to burnout, Elayna & AJ love to chill out & put our work down. They know when to say when. Being super laid back, even just going to their friend’s house to chill & chat is a perfect “getaway” for us. If we are with each other, it doesn’t matter what we’re doing. They also love going to a good steak dinner, too! With Covid-19 happening, things are definitely a little different now, so just walking around the block or taking a drive down the beach are alternate ways they’ve found to relax and stay in touch.
It was fitting that their January New Jersey wedding at Clarks Landing was somehow over 70 degrees...they ended up heading to Jamaica for their honeymoon, and the vibe followed them their.
Looking towards the future, Elayna & AJ have goals for sure! They already have a 4 legged feline son, Jax. Next on the list is becoming homeowners. Once they’re all settled, they’d love to start a family together.
It’s unfortunate that quarantine happened so soon after their honeymoon. With their usual spirit, they laughed and said, “it’s an extended honeymoon!” They capitalized on the opportunity and decided to be super attentive to their small businesses. The best news is that it’s & it’s paid off. Not only are their businesses growing, but they’ve grown closer as a married couple, and are communicating & laughing more than ever.
Elayna & AJ chose their venue because “Clarks Landing is seriously THE BEST!” Being in the wedding industry themselves, they’ve seen it all! They loved that they were able to accommodate their more intimate cocktail hour style reception with only 75 guests. It was perfect. The decor, the vibe, the food, the staff; all were absolutely perfect.
Looking back on their favorite memories of their wedding day, Elayna says, “Highlights include our first look, our ceremony, our introductions, our first dance; just looking around and seeing how everything came together so perfectly. It wasn’t about the bells & whistles, it was about OUR LOVE. I seriously don’t even remember seeing anyone else but AJ for our ceremony, first dance. It was an amazing feeling to be able to focus on US, and give our love a day to remember forever!”
Elayna & AJ also shared some tips on how to navigate through the process of planning your wedding, especially during Covid-19. “Don’t stress about the little things. You can never cancel love. Your love isn’t going anywhere. Cherish the time you have now & things will fall into place. Patience is key. Some things you genuinely cannot change (it’s completely out of our control) so go with the flow & let your LOVE guide the way.”
Here’s to wishing Elayna & AJ so much love, so much happiness, and years of continued success and growth in all aspects of their lives!
