When I arrived at Arleen’s room at Oceanbleu, she was sitting in an actor’s style chair in a white on white hampton-esque room. Among the flutter of people coming in and out – Arleen and I made eye contact. Without a word she sprang from her chair and greeted me as if I was a long lost friend rather then just another vendor.
There are really no words for how grateful I felt at that very moment to be there.
As if that is any indication of how fabulous Arleen is…Stuart is just as awesome. Believe it or not, he actually joined the vendor table for a bit during dinner to make sure we were all having a good time.
They have a way about them that makes you feel at ease. They have a way about them that is just authentic.
I think Marcel Proust may have said it best…’let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.’
Thank you for making me happy!
***
I looove invitations with texture and layers. Such fun!
Check out how different Stuart’s ring was…
One more ring shot…
How thoughtful was Stuart to get Arleen a necklace?
Arleen got prettied up by lovely make-up artist, Kerrie Plant-Price, who has worked on the set of Sex and the City (among other fabulous shows and events).
The boys…
The dress…
Final touches…
Some details…
I love a photojournalistic approach to a wedding, but it’s important to get a few classic shots for the folks.
Off to the ceremony…
The table seating…and flip-flops, sun screen and umbrella’s for the ceremony!
The walk down the aisle…
Seeing Arleen…
Now that is the look of a happy man…
The big billowing gray clouds threatened the day, but during the ceremony the sun sneaked out to say hello.
Mr. & Mrs.
The fun and fabulous bridal party!
‘Starla’ (Stuart + Arla) drinks
Gorgeous lanterns at various heights highlighted the nautical draping of the ceiling at Oceanbleu…
Christine from the Cottage Cakery made the fabulous cake!
When night came around the chandelier sparkled and the bottles were filled with messages from the guests…
Have I told you both yet that you make me happy?!
Weeee!!
Mmmm…Arleen and Stuart put together the most amazing candy bar for their guests!
Do you remember the game ‘Hot Potato’?
Please tell me I’m not the only one that remembers that game?!
That’s what this was like…except with a hot bride instead.
Going…going…SAVED!
They are always laughing or kissing…
Arleen and Stuart’s collection came with “The Hangover Session”…otherwise known as the “Day After Session”. It’s hands down my favorite kind of session.
I spent the night at Oceanbleu so we could rise and shine to greet the sunrise. However, mother nature had other plans. I watched through the window as large raindrops danced in puddles on the outside deck. We almost had to re-schedule when the clouds started to part.
These two were game for anything!
One of my faves…
I wish everyone reading could have been with us there that morning.
It was so playful.
Dear Wind…thanks!
You kinda just want to stick them in your pocket, right?!
The gray clouds started to part to semi blue sky…
It was still standing when we came back the next morning….
I have been feeling pano cropped images lately. I really like how they incorporate more of the landscape and look a bit more modern as decor.
Okay, forgive me Stu for posting this next one, but I can’t tell you how many times I looked at this picture and had the biggest grin on my face.
This my friends is having fun with your best friend on the first full day as husband and wife.
…just living the moment fully…
as if I wasn’t there…
I love how he scooped her up through out their wedding and the morning after…
“…watching the tide roll away…”
‘From Here to Eternity’ was never so funny… ; )
So some of you may be cringing thinking ‘ahhh the dress!!’
I’ll let you in on a little secret if you haven’t noticed. Since Arleen didn’t want to take any chances with her real wedding dress – she bought another one in a similar style off of Weddingbee classifieds for $40 bucks!
Weddingbee is a great resource for wedding decor too!
I like how the dress looks like the foam of the tide…
Reminds me of a mermaid…
Pretty sky!
What a day…what a morning…and what fun I had working with you both. Your enthusiasm, affection towards each other, and genuine smiles made my heart happy.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for having me along!
P.S.
Before you go, leave your thoughts below!
20 comments = complimentary gift for the couple.
P.P.S
To check out Stuart and Arleen’s engagement session. Just click here!
follow along on instagram @dearstaceyphoto
These pictures are so beautiful. Stu, you picked the perfect woman to be your wife. Arleen, I love having you as my “sister”
Beautiful! These pictures look like they came out of a bridal magazine. If I ever need a photographer, I know who I’m using : )
You’ve captured the setting, the fun, the venue, the details & the Newlyweds perfectly!!
I’m glad I was able to be there for the “morning after” pictures. You’re right, their mood was fun & bright & love was in the air!!! Congrats to my gorgeous Sister & my new Brother-in-Law! Xx
Awww…thanks Jenn!! Congrats on that gorgeous new little bundle of joy. Talk about perfect!! : ) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I don’t even have words! Only tears right now…of joy of course! These pictures bring me right back to the hotel room on Sept. 8…you did a great job!!! As I look at these pictures, I want to do it all again!!! Not a do-over, just another one because it was so much fun!! How about a winter wedding next time…snow on the ground…twinkling lights everywhere…fur stole…are you booked next December!! LOL! But seriously, we love you, your passion and your talent…I’m so glad you quit your day job!!
And Leslie…thank you!!! I am so happy to be part of your family!
Wonderful photo’s of a fantastic wedding! Love you guys!
Phenominal does not even begin to describe how beautiful & amazing these shots are. And what a beautiful couple! I wish I could save these shots in a file…..they make me so happy! Stacey you’re amazing!!!!
Absolutely gorgeous shots of a beautiful day. We are so sorry that we were unable to be there, but are so very ery happy for you both. Arleen looks like an angel and we hope to meet her in the near future.
Stacey, these pictures are BEAUTIFUL! You are incredibly talented and captured Arleen and Stu’s love in an incredible way.
Arleen, congratulations again! You’re going to have a tough time picking which photographs to include in your wedding album. It was a joy to work with you and I’m so happy I was able to be a part of your wedding day!
Thanks for stopping in to have a peek and for the lovely comment!
Stacey, your talent just blows me away!!!! I can’t wait until my wedding day!!! Gorgeous pictures. Congratulations to the couple!
Aliiiiii!! You’re the best. Thank you for taking a peek at the blog and leaving a comment. I’m super excited to document your day next year! It will be here before you know it. : )
Wow!!!!! W. O. W. !!!!!! Looking at these photos, I felt as if I shared all of these moments with them. Tender, romantic, fun, carefree. If I could do it all over again….I would do it just like this!