We love the barefoot bliss of a beach wedding and this elegant affair by The Studio B Photography is no exception. The bride and groom, who live in New York, chose to head to Nassau for their laidback, but sophisticated destination wedding. You can see all the oceanside goodness right here.

Beach Wedding

Click here to see the rest of the beautiful beach affair

Shannon and Jesse met their freshmen year of high school. They instantly became good friends, but it took four years for them to realize that they should be together.

Jesse and Shannon currently live in New York City, which is where Jesse executed his elaborate proposal. The two were about to have brunch with Jesse’s parents at The Boathouse in Central Park. After arriving early, Jesse suggested a quick boat ride before the meal. While rowing, he started talking about marriage and proposals and asking if he should he invite family and friends to be a part of it. Shannon told him that of course that would be amazing, but that would be extremely difficult since they live on all corners of the country. At that moment he turned the boat so it faced the bridge overlooking the water and standing on it were his parents, her parents and her two best friends from college! He had flown them all out to New York just for this moment. She looked over in surprise and he had pulled out the ring! He asked her to marry him and of course she said yes.

As native Floridians living in New York City, planning a wedding back home would basically be the same as planning a destination wedding, because most of it would have to be done from afar. The couple chose Nassau, Bahamas as the site of their destination wedding. Shannon had always envisioned a barefoot wedding on a beautiful private beach. The couple wanted a place that would be easy to travel to, but still give their guests the feeling of being somewhere far away. The Bahamas was the perfect destination because of gorgeous setting, the rich culture and the friendly people.

The morning of the wedding, Shannon woke up really early because she couldn't sleep. All of the running around in the days preceding the wedding made it hard for her to relax and take it all in. Jesse must have been feeling the same way because he came over to the villa that her family was staying in and picked her up for a walk on the beach. It was early enough that the two of them had the beach all to themselves. They talked and laughed about all the things that were going to happen that day and that got all the jitters out. Once Jesse left, Shannon felt much calmer and completely ready to walk down the aisle.

Although the forecast called for cloudy skies and rain, the day was perfectly sunny and breezy. After walking down the orchid covered aisle, the pair exchanged vows on the private beach of the ultra-exclusive Lyford Cay Club. Immediately following the ceremony guests were treated to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while a local steel drum band provided some island sounds to sway to. Cuban cigars were available during the reception and several guests enjoyed them during breaks from dancing. Their island celebration was a big success! The couple plans on honeymooning in Europe later this year.

Vendors Credits: Ceremony Venue: the beach at Lyford Cay Club / Reception Venue: The Little Club at Lyford Cay Club / Photography: Rebecca & Matthew Enslein at The Studio B Photography / Planner and Florist: Natalie Appleyard, Wildflowers Bahamas / Cake: Anne Lever / Caterer: Philippe Sahnoune, Food & Beverage Director at Lyford Cay / Bride's Dress: Reese by Maggie Sottero / Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jim Hjelm Occaisions Style 5983 / Groom's Attire: 3 piece charcoal grey suit at Makeyourownsuits.com / Groomsmen's Attire: khaki linen suits from Makeyourownsuits.com / Stationery: all homemade! / DJ: Stephen Bain / Makeup Artist: Brynda Knowles / Hairstylist: Debbie Isaacs / Jewelry - Necklace, Earrings, Tiara, Veil: Jewelry from Dillards / Shoes: Bermuda by Sizzle