Chelsea and Derek got married at Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City on an October Sunday, and it was one of those days where everything lined up. Fall was in full swing, the whole property was dressed in pumpkins and barrels, and the two of them were up for anything.
This one was personal for me before it even started. I photographed Chelsea’s sister’s wedding back in 2015, so I already knew the family, and I love this family. Walking in that morning felt like seeing old friends. Derek fit right in. He’s a really fun, easygoing guy, the kind who makes a whole day feel relaxed.
Getting Ready at the Château
Chelsea got ready at Château Renault, the hotel on the grounds, and before anything else she had a first look with her dad in the suite. The suite has a big arched window, and watching a dad see his daughter in her dress for the first time in that light is one of my favorite few minutes of any wedding day.
Derek and the guys got ready over in the Vineyard Ballroom suite.
A First Look at the Bottom of the Stairs
We did Chelsea and Derek’s first look at the bottom of the grand staircase in the hotel. I love this hotel so much. It feels like an Italian villa, checkered floors and curved railings everywhere. We did a little of their portraits right there inside before heading out.
The Vineyard in the Fall
Then we walked out to the vineyard. The light was beautiful that afternoon, low and warm, and Renault had the whole place set up for fall, pumpkins everywhere, wagon wheels, barrels. At one point the breeze caught Chelsea’s veil out in the vines and I just kept shooting.
The Wedding Party
We did the wedding party at the bottom of the building where the two staircases come together. It’s such a cool spot, and I wanted to play with this group a little. We did the bridesmaids and the groomsmen on their own too, and then some wider frames in front of the pond, the kind that look great big on a wall.
And their ring bearer and flower girl? The cutest I’ve ever had.
A Ceremony on the Back Lawn
The ceremony was right on the back lawn, down a long garden aisle, with fall flowers on the arbor and the sun going down behind everyone.
One of my favorite behind-the-scenes moments of the whole year happened here. A group of moms out on a wine night got a little rowdy in the parking lot next to the ceremony, right as things were about to start. Their planner, Krista of Champagne Magnolias, took off in a full sprint to quiet them down. It was awesome. That’s the kind of planner you want on your side.
The Reception
Their reception room looked brand new, like it had just been redone, with wood floors, a wood ceiling and big round chandeliers. It’s a really cool space.
And they partied. Like, really partied. Derek’s in a band, and his bandmates were there, so you can guess how the dance floor went. By the end people were getting lifted over the crowd.
The Barrel Tree at Night
Before the night wrapped up, we took them outside to the lit-up barrel tree, Renault’s Christmas tree built out of old wine barrels. It’s such a pretty view at night, and those black-and-white frames of the two of them in front of it are some of my favorites from their whole gallery.
What Chelsea Said
“My one bridesmaid told me she’d never been in a wedding where the photographer remembered every person’s name in the bridal party, which Jordan did (and provided some funny nicknames for some that live on).”
Thank you, Chelsea and Derek. It was a blast.
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Vendors
Venue: Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City, NJ
Photography: Jordan Brian Studios
Planner: Champagne Magnolias (Krista Logue)
Florals: Stemtations
Hair and makeup: The Beauty Room
Dress: Castle Couture, Sophia Tolli
Cake: Classic Cake
DJ and photobooth: 2OAK Productions
Invitations: White Lace Design
Signage: Creamery Hill
Transportation: Mike’s Affordable Shuttle