Crescent Bay Beach Club

Happily ever after. This is the goal right? We all want to meet and fall in love with that special someone who fills us up, pushes us to be the best version of our self, holds us up when you are vulnerable and falling apart, supports us, believes in us but also doesn’t let you get away with shit….(and for the record, that is the first time I have cursed on my blog BUT I think that love is some pretty heavy shit so there ya go). OK, back to the ever after part… And we are the same supporter, dreamer, and lover in exactly the way that they need.

Let me introduce you to one of the happiest most loving couples I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Now, their path hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows but the light and joy that radiates from them is totally infectious. Try not to smile, I dare you. Alyssa and Amanda met while playing softball at Siena College and every anniversary they would go to the field, even after they had graduated and moved to a different city. It was their special thing, take a walk on the field, reflect and appreciate each other and then celebrate with a wonderful dinner. Two years ago, I got an email from Alyssa. She was planning something special for their next anniversary, a surprise proposal and she wanted me there to capture it. Of course I was in and we created this entire plan where I would bring someone with me and have them “model” so that it wouldn’t be weird that a girl with a camera was hanging around the softball field.

The weather of their anniversary and surprise engagement was scheduled to be rainy (and it certainly was). I talked with Alyssa the day before and told her rain or shine we are a go to capture this amazing moment. I can not begin to tell you how emotional and exciting this the whole proposal was. They walked onto the field and made their way to the pitchers mound where Alyssa dropped the umbrella and got down on one knee in the middle of the rain. I had been hiding in the dugout trying not to be noticed. My stomach was in knots and I had to keep breathing to keep from sobbing! Amanda’s face says it all – she was beyond excited and surprised…..

BUT THEN THE BIGGEST AND MOST SURPRISING THING OF ALL TIME HAPPENED….

Amanda looked at Alyssa and said “I’ve been waiting for you to ask me.” and now I have a question for you… SHE PULLED OUT A RING BOX. (and I am AGAIN tearing up just thinking about that moment) We all absolutely lost it. No one had any idea that this surprise engagement was going to have another SURPRISE Engagement! Amanda had been carrying Alyssa’s ring around for SIX months so that when Alyssa asked her, she could return the question! Later we learned that this bit of Kismet is not odd for this couple – they are always on the exact same page (even without knowing!) For example – They both brought champagne to celebrate (glasses and all) and secretly stashed it in the car so the other wouldn’t know! They even bought the exact same brand. Amanda said to us later that the softball field is the exact place that she always wanted to have the proposal. It was beyond perfect and we could not be any more excited to share in this amazing moment with these incredible women! I told them that day that I HAD to be there to capture their wedding. Pushy, I know but seriously understanding the connection and love between these women, I had to be part of their story. Later I got another fateful email from Alyssa asking me to capture their day.

They both wanted a destination wedding but also wanted to make sure that all their friends and family could be with them to celebrate. I am still over the moon for their Crescent Bay Beach Club BRUNCH wedding, which was the perfect mix of tropical bliss and local love. And yes, you heard me correctly, brunch – such a fab idea and it was a blast. We couldn’t be happier for Amanda and Alyssa and I am just so incredibly grateful that I was able to capture such an amazing love story.

A little look back on their amazing engagement!

And now for their wedding!

Venue: The Crescent Beach Club
Photography + Video : YTK Photography + Film by Katherine Wright and Sabrina Nastasi
Videography: YTK Photography + Film
Band: Arcadia
Invitations: Brittany Simms
Suite: Bindle + Keep