Wedding Date: June 3rd 2023

Imagine being whisked away to a far off island with all your closest friends and family to celebrate your love story. Well, Courtney and Chris didn’t have to imagine this because thanks to the help of Jenna Culley and her team, this dream became a reality at the remarkable Stout’s Island Resort. Our incredible team photographer, Tasha, joined them for a two day celebration that seemed like something straight out of a movie.

When Tasha arrived for their rehearsal dinner the day before the big event, she walked through the lodge and somehow found herself in a dreamy garden that looked more like an old hollywood movie set than a wedding. Jenna Culley and her team pulled out all the stops and brought modern glam to this traditional rustic setting. Everyone lounged on sofas and cozy chairs under the tent in the warm evening air. Toasts were given and their laughter echoed across the calm waters just down the hill from the lodge. It was the perfect way to kick off the wedding weekend. Everyone got to know one another and it already felt a bit like summer camp full of your closest friends.

The wedding morning was already warm and it was set to be a hot one that day but that didn’t stop everyone from buzzing around getting ready for the big event. Courtney put on her finishing touches and went outside to show off her look to her best friends who gave the best and biggest reaction of the day. They were screaming and in tears and I’m pretty sure the rest of the lodge was smiling too. Then Tasha led her to a quiet weeping willow where Chris was waiting for her. This was their favorite place on the property and made for a peaceful sanctuary where they could cry some happy tears and enjoy a moment together before going back out to the party. They explored the grounds while the finishing touches were being put on the ceremony site and the guests were starting to gather. The time was almost here!

The breeze rustled the trees and brought some welcomed cool relief from the hot day as everyone took their seats at the beautiful outdoor ceremony. The scent of flower petals floated in the air as Courtney rounded the bend and walked down the aisle toward Chris. Their close friend, Zee, led the ceremony which was funny, silly, touching, loving, and oh so personal and sweet. Everyone wore smiles and a few even shed tears of joy as they exchanged their very personal vows and were pronounced married. As they shared their first kiss as a married couple everyone threw petals into the air and they danced down the aisle wearing the biggest smiles of all.

Tasha escorted them down to the water where they all boarded a beautiful wooden boat. They floated in the water with the breeze cooling the air as the happy couple gazed into each other's eyes. This is one of the best things you can plan on your wedding day, some quiet time to take in all the events and excitement that just happened. Giving it space to live and sink in really does make for some beautiful memories. They made their way back to shore and took in a few sunset twirls before meeting their cheering guests for the reception.

I thought it couldn’t get more spectacular than their ceremony, and then I saw their reception! Flowers adorned every table, unique decor gave each space a special touch, and the lounge seating brought the inside outdoors and made for a fun and memorable setting. After a beautiful dinner and a few toasts, the dance floor opened and the party really began. Everyone flooded the dance floor to show off their best moves. Halfway through the dance, the newlyweds snuck off to change into their second look and stole the show all over again with their old Hollywood glam. The heat hung in the air, but I don’t think anyone noticed or cared because the dance floor was on fire and so was this party.

Vendors: Stout’s Island Lodge (venue and catering), Jenna Culley (wedding planner and decor), La Petite Fleur (florist), Linen Effects (decor), Miriams Bride (dress designer), Galia Lahav (getaway dress designer), Nicholas Joseph (suit designer), Maggie J Makeup (makeup), Hair by Heidi (hair), Epitome Papers (stationery), Generation Now (dj)