Channel Yacht Club Wedding :: Stephanie + Scott

Weddings

August 17, 2015

It was a rainy start to the day as we met up with Scott and his gang in Sea Bright, New Jersey. We all huddled in the small room overlooking the water as we watched the rain come down. They say a little rain is good luck and that is what we were counting on! We had plans to travel to Asbury Park where Scott and Stephanie live for wedding party photos. We were all believing for a miracle filled with puffy clouds and blue skies. And would you believe the skies cleared, the sun came out and it was a gorgeous day! Scott was with his best friends and mom as they prepared for the day. This group was a hoot! Lots and lots of laughter as they recalled the night before shenanigans. There may have been way too many shots taken at the bar the night before! Injured arms, Ray Ban sunglasses and a Golden Girls tribute shirt- it was hilarious and awesome. Everyone was hurting from the night before, but the big day was here and it was rally time. Everyone was down for a good time and excited for the day when we packed up and headed to Stephanie’s mom’s house.

Much to our surprise, when we arrived all of the bridesmaids were sitting in the floor coloring! I was a little confused! They were bridesmaid coloring books to keep everyone calm and zen. They looked so cute in their matching robes as they colored away and giggled like little girls. Stephanie was all smiles as she showed us the home she grew up in. She said her room was deemed the “scary doll room”. She wasn’t kidding…the room was exactly the way it was when she moved out. She collected dolls as a child and they were all there- starring at us. We loved it though. It was like we stepped back in time and got to see how she grew up. So of course, we incorporated some of those childhood things in the storytelling photos. Stephanie’s mom was bustling around making sure everyone was fed, dressed and doing ok. We even found her dancing by the front door to the music when no one was watching. She was totally ready to boogie with her sequin dress on. The kitchen was dedicated to hair and make up as all the girls watched Steph finish up her look before getting dressed. Her cute little dog, Pookie, even made it to the party. Such a cutie! Stephanie’s sister helped her into her wedding gown in her childhood bedroom. It was a beautiful moment between the two of them. A squeeze, a smile and some last minute advice were given before we jumped on the trolly to go see Scott for the first look.

The trolly pulled up to the Tides Hotel in Asbury Park where Scott was waiting on his bride. The bridesmaids watched in the trolly as they saw each other for the first time. It was truly moving as he walked down the stairs to meet her. Time stood still as they took each other in. A loud cheers came from the hotel as the groom’s buddies joined us all on the trolly. The purple bridesmaid dresses were absolutely stunning in the wind. The wind was crazy on the boardwalk as we shot photos. Cathedral veils are AMAZING…until you add gusting wind. But I will say it made for amazing photos! I have to say, the veil flying off, the flowing gowns, the people of the boardwalk and the arm cast really made for some fun times. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

The ceremony and reception were held at The Channel Club. The sun was shining and the wind died down. We were surrounded by gorgeous yachts and blue skies as Stephanie made her way to Scott. There were several readings by family and friends that were truly moving. After the ceremony we whisked the wedding party and happy couple away to go down where the yachts were docked. The yacht owners were all very sweet and accommodating. They let us on the boats, shoot through the boats, lay on the boats….HA! The yacht folks just couldn’t get over how gorgeous this wedding party and couple were. Neither could we! We headed back for a night of dancing and partying. Nothing was going to stop this wedding from being spectacular…even a dress malfunction! The bridesmaids were hands down the craftiest and most attentive we have ever seen. Good job girls! We ended the night was after dark photos at the yacht club. Stephanie and Scott are so very kind and genuine. We are so honored they invited us into their lives and let us tell their love story.

Cheers and we wish you many years of joy and happiness. May your marriage be blessed year after year.

Leaha + Jeffrey

RIP Pookie… you will be truly missed by your friends and family.