So our last blog post was in Harlem and now, we’re right back with another one from Harlem but at a different venue in the Bead and Breakfast/Restaurant/Wedding Venue that is Red Oak Manor. Before we get into the rest of the day, we got to do Zach and Rebecca’s Engagement Session back around the beginning of 2022 which you can see here to read a little more about that and see some of our first time together in person.
The day started pretty simple with us being greeted as we walked up by Rebecca who was doing makeup in one of the spare rooms at the front. Once Zach showed up, she went to a different room and gave him that room so he hid out on the porch to keep from seeing her. Before long, they were both dressed and so we setup to do a first look with Rebecca’s Dad. In that moment you could see so much pride from him in his baby and his last daughter being married which made it a super sweet moment for us to see knowing that. We then hid Rebecca just around the corner while I put a mic on Zach and brought him out to get in place without seeing her. Then she came up to see him by the gazebo and shared a super sweet moment that we could tell slowly helped set in the reality of the moment and what was about to happen as they got a little more emotional near the end. Once they let us know they were ready for more photos, we did some with just the two of them around the gazebo there and then most of the family was already there so we hopped right into formal photos before taking them around the property more for other photos of just the two of them. Once we finished all of their photos, it was then time for the ceremony led by a family pastor who preaches just down the road in Harlem. They said their vows and had some advice and inspiration from the officiant before exchanging rings and sealing the deal with a kiss. Once they exited the ceremony and everyone was over at the reception, Rebecca bustled her dress and switched her shoes then we got ready for their entrance into the reception.
They entered into the reception and made their way to the dancefloor for their first dance which was followed by everyone eating their dinner. Once everyone was finishing up dinner and having fun talking with everyone else, they prepared to do toasts by the sweetheart table right after we did their cake cutting. The speeches shared a little insight into the relationships they share with their friends and each other. From here, it was pretty much an open dance floor the rest of the night until it was time to do a fake exit with glow sticks outside which was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the glowsticks enough to take them back inside with them for the rest of the dancing which is how our night ended. Rebecca and a few of her girls danced for a while then they decided to start packing up so we said goodbye as Zach got one more cupcake and we got to congratulate them again on our way out. They’re such a sweet couple and seem to have a ton of good family and friends that love them so very much, I know they will have a great future together and we’re excited for what adventures lay ahead!
Vendors List
Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto
Venue - Red Oak Manor
Dress - Tiffinie Bleu Bridal
Suits - Men’s Wearhouse
Everything Else - Venue or DIY