The stillness of Long Beach: The engagement of Justin and Breanna

December had its mixture of highs and lows for me. Emily and I moved into our first home together. My choir, NJCS, performed 3 holiday concerts, and I finally lost my title as a Covid unicorn. Almost 5 years after the pandemic started I finally tested positive. All thanks to a woman sitting next to me at “Wicked.” No rest for the wicked though. See what I did there? The moment I was no longer contagious I traveled to Long Beach, New York for an engagement shoot with Justin and Breanna.

I photographed them on the most perfect afternoon of 2024. I don’t say this lightly. You know that time between Christmas and New Years? It’s as if the world was hushed for a moment. There was a stillness to everything on the beach. Even though it was 37 degrees, the sun was shining, and all was calm. There’s something very romantic and confusing about snow on a beach. It’s so beautiful but it’s as if it shouldn’t be there.

Justin and Breanna are New Yorkers that have strong ties to the area but now live in West Virginia and work for the government. Super top secret stuff man! I will be photographing their wedding later this year as well at the Allegria Hotel on this very boardwalk. They truly are a sweet couple and Justin says he just doesn’t smile in photos but if you look carefully, you might find one or two in there. Enjoy the love.

-M.Bambuch