Baptism in Toms River, NJ

This was such a special day – the Baptism of little Conrad, a milestone in his life!

Family and friends gathered at St. Lukes Church in Toms River, NJ for the joyous occasion, later joining again in the backyard for an early dinner celebration. For me, it was especially sweet because I was able to reconnect with this amazing family after photographing a surprise birthday party for them a couple years earlier. They welcomed me to the Baptism celebration as if I was family, myself.

We met a half hour before the Baptism to make some family portraits in the parking lot outside. We needed some cute portraits of Conrad with is parents, grandparents, godparents, and the whole family. The cousins had fun running around together, too.

Once inside, the Baptism began and it went perfectly. Conrad was in good spirits and really connected with the priest, making eye contact and giggling in each interaction.

After the ceremony, Conrad was presented to the church to end the event.

While we were at the church, Jeanne from Bogath Events was back home carefully curating the backyard with gorgeous details for the party about to begin. Jeanne and I have worked together many times before and it’s always a pleasure! She is the best at what she does – planning and decorating events near Long Beach Island, NJ. (The surprise party I mentioned earlier was also decorated by her!) Jeanne decorated the backyard with beautiful signage, blue and green details, and lanterns swaying from the trees creating a little oasis for the dinner.

At the party the adults mingled while the kids played on the hammocks, in the sandbox, and all over the house. The weather was *perfect* and everyone had a great time catching up and laughing all afternoon long.