LBI is Their Happy Place So a Bayfront Wedding at Brant Beach Yacht Club Was Perfect

For Gabrielle and James, when it came time to choose a wedding venue, there was never really a question: it had to be Long Beach Island. Jim’s family has had a beach house there since the 1960s, when his grandparents bought it, making LBI a place full of memories for both of them long before they ever said “I do.” Their May 3, 2025 wedding at Brant Beach Yacht Club—beautifully photographed by Alexa Lynn Photography—brought their closest family and friends to the bayfront venue for a celebration that felt deeply personal from start to finish, right down to the custom wedding logo flag Gabrielle designed herself, which flew from the flagpole outside throughout the entire day.

Their Story

“We met in our junior year of college at West Virginia University and immediately had a connection,” says Gabrielle.

After a few months of talking, Jim asked Gabby on a sushi date. “Our love continued to grow. We graduated college together and eventually settled right outside of NYC with our dog, Harley.”

The Proposal

Fast forward to November 2023, Jim got down on one knee and proposed at ‘Summerhouse at the Dene’ in Central Park.

Choosing the Venue

“We knew we wanted our wedding to be on Long Beach Island, which has always been our happy place,” says Gabrielle. “Jim’s family beach house has been there since the 60s, when his grandparents bought it, so it’s a spot that holds a lot of memories for both of us.”

“The Brant Beach Yacht Club felt like the perfect venue because it’s right on the island and offers a beautiful bayfront view. We couldn’t think of a better place to bring our family and friends to celebrate.”

Details of the Day

“It would have to be the personalized touches we added that made everything feel so ‘us.’ One detail that stands out was the custom flag that I made with our wedding logo that hung on the flagpole outside during the ceremony and stayed up throughout the evening. It added such a beautiful, personal touch.”

Favorite Moment

“Honestly, it’s hard to pick just one moment, but I think our favorite was when we shared our first dance. All of the nerves melted away, and it felt like it was just the two of us in that moment. The whole world disappeared, and we were able to take in the love and support from everyone around us. It was so special to be surrounded by our closest family and friends while celebrating such an intimate moment.”

Advice For Other Couples

“Take a deep breath and enjoy the process! It can get overwhelming at times, but remember that it’s all about celebrating the love you share. Focus on the moments that matter most to you both, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, have a solid support system, whether it’s friends, family, or a great planner and photographer, it makes a world of difference.”

Honeymoon

“We went to the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman for 11 days, with a relaxing recovery day at home before jumping back into work. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure,” says Gabrielle. “Every day, my husband had planned something new – whether it was exploring the island or a beach cabana day to unwind. We also had incredible dinners every night. It was definitely the best trip ever, and the perfect way to kick off our new chapter.”