Celebrity wedding draws swarms of Swifties to beach haven

I scream: An ice cream shop in Brant Beach posted a sweet proposal for the pop megastar, who attended her producer’s wedding weekend in Beach Haven. (Photo by Curt Travers)

While celebrity sightings are not uncommon on Long Beach Island during the summer, the phenomenon was taken to a whole new level with the appearance of pop megastar Taylor Swift in Beach Haven last weekend. She was in town to attend the wedding of her producer, Jack Antonoff, and actress Margaret Qualley.

The festivities took place at three establishments close to each other, starting with a Friday night rehearsal dinner at the Black Whale Bar and the Fish House. The wedding ceremony was at Bird & Betty on Saturday evening, followed by a reception at Parker’s Garage and the Oyster Saloon. Later that night, there are more parties at Bird & Betty’s.

In addition to Swift, other celebrities seen included actress Andie MacDowell, mother of the bride, as well as Channing Tatum, Zoe Kravitz, Lana Del Rey, and Cara Delevingne.

Deborah C. Whitcraft, whose New Jersey Maritime Museum and home is near the three installations, said Friday’s scene was “pretty chaotic.”

“Word spread on social media about Taylor Swift in Beach Haven and a huge crowd gathered outside Black Whale, people clutching their smartphones hoping to take pictures,” Whitcraft said.

He said security was tight for Saturday’s activities.

Whitcraft said, “It’s a shame they can’t get any privacy.” “She probably has to go through this every time she goes out.”

With celebrities and fans expected to flock to Haven on a summer weekend when it can be busy even under optimal conditions, Police Chief James Markowski said he and his officers were well prepared.

“We knew this was going to happen,” he said. “We met with the production company’s security several times and had an idea of ​​what to expect. The fans were patient and followed the rules we had set with them. At the beginning of the day, when the fans came, we put up barricades and asked them to stay in those areas. We have had no problem with fans going beyond the designated lines. The reason for the road closure in that area was to protect spectators from motor vehicle traffic.

He said officers from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department were also on hand to assist.

Mayor Nancy Davis said, “I hope he enjoyed his time in Beach Haven.” “It is great that these well-known people have decided to choose our city for this special occasion. It was good that we got a lot of extra help so that we didn’t have any problems.”

Antonoff, 39, grew up in Bergen County and often spent summers at LBI. His parents have a home in Long Beach Township.

Eric Englund

ericenglund@thesandpaper.net