Jackie and Michael are a classic love story. They are both from New York, but met for the first time in San Diego, on the beach, 3000 miles from their respective homes. After spending a few inseparable years together in San Diego, they decided to make a cross country road trip back to New York and be closer to their families. But Jackie didn’t know Michael had a surprise proposal prepared at their destination, and he documented their entire epic journey. (Michael is a documentarian at heart, and now runs an incredible cinematic wedding film endeavor, Michael Justin Films.)

Jackie and Michael knew they had to have their wedding on the beach. Michael spent his childhood summers in Montauk, and Gurney’s Inn felt like the perfect fit. Michael spent two days gathering driftwood from the beach they would get married on and built a beautiful arch altar. The whole wedding was filled with thoughtful details. After learning they are durable flowers that last a long time, Jackie chose to incorporate orchids into the reception centerpieces to represent the endurance of their marriage. On Michael’s final trip to San Diego, he snapped photos of all their favorite landmarks and hangouts, and made reception table signs for each location. They both wrote their own vows. And during the ceremony they mixed sand collected from the areas they each grew up in.