Ray's Boathouse Wedding

I had an absolute blast helping make this Ray’s Boathouse wedding come together. Melissa and Justin reached out to me with the plan of having a laid back experience for their non-traditional nuptials. These two are not looking to over-do their day, and wanted that reflected. No frills, no grand gestures or events, just being with their loved ones and having a great time. A midday timeline that embraced the sun, the cool sea air, and having only the best of friends there to see it.

A Relaxed Ray’s Boathouse Wedding with Golden Gardens Portraits

Every couple should focus on what matters most to them. For Melissa and Justin, this meant skipping getting ready photos. Instead, they chose a portrait session at Golden Gardens, conveniently located near Ray’s Boathouse. Moreover, this choice gave us extra time for portraits together. As a result, their day started on an incredible high note. Their priority was clear – they didn’t want photos to overshadow time with friends.

A Different Kind of Wedding Welcome

They chose to skip the traditional secret reveal. Rather than hiding away, they simply joined their friends after portraits. Consequently, the atmosphere felt more like a casual hangout than a formal event. While many couples prefer grand wedding traditions, their organic approach felt perfect. Furthermore, I loved watching their friends greet them naturally. Everyone caught up and relaxed together. Above all, the energy was fantastic. When couples allow their celebrations to be casual, the day often feels calmer.

Handcrafted Details at Ray’s Boathouse

A personalized ceremony space makes any wedding special. In fact, Justin crafted their Chuppah by hand. Then, they added subtle decorations. Meanwhile, beautiful fabric hung overhead, creating a stunning visual element. I made sure to capture every detail that was DIY like that. I always encourage couples to create something personal for their day. Doing things like that really help bring a wedding day to life, and feel more personal.