Real-life weddings on Amelia Island
Oyster Bay Yacht Club
A
new marriage, a new business, and a new life together keep Justin and Shannon
Taylor more than busy. The entrepreneurial couple got married last fall, and their
wedding was more than a loving commitment ceremony, it was also an investment.
“The rental company we own, Apex Rentals & Events, came about because of our wedding. When we began to shop around for event rentals, we were unable to find exactly what we wanted. We bought what we needed and those purchases became our first inventory,” explains Shannon.
The two had actually met while both were working at a sporting goods store. Little did they know at that time, that they would one day start their own business together. Four years after they met, Justin’s proposal to Shannon was an unforgettable surprise. Shannon was told that she and her mom were going to Chicago. Justin and her step-dad took the ladies to the airport, but the woman behind the ticket counter said the tickets were for LaGuardia.
“It was around Christmas time, and I had no idea that Justin had planned for the two of us to go to New York. But that was only the beginning!” remembers Shannon. The couple arrived at the airport and a limo was there to pick them up. Inside the limousine, there was a pair of Broadway tickets. They enjoyed the Big Apple in style, and the culmination of their adventure was a trip to the top of the Empire State Building. “It was December 14, and it was so cold and windy. Nobody was up there; it was very special and private. When Justin proposed to me the tears froze to my cheeks!” Shannon recalls.
Just less than a year later, the couple exchanged their wedding vows overlooking a gorgeous sunset marsh vista at Oyster Bay Yacht Club. The couple held one of the first wedding ceremonies to take place at the brand new clubhouse at Oyster Bay. They chose the venue because of the beautiful new clubhouse, the exceptional outdoor setting, and the charming marina. “The view overlooking the marsh is amazing. It also has little marina, and since we are both boat people, we appreciated that, as well as the oak trees on the property. We loved the whole feel of it,” says Shannon.
The
purples and golds of the evening sky provided an exquisite backdrop for an elegant
evening. Chivari chairs lined the pool deck, the aisles draped with toile sparkling
with crystals. Ivory and harvest gold were the choice colors for the occasion.
The ceremony began as the mother of the bride walked down the aisle with a red
rose in hand. She placed it on an empty chair in the row where the groom’s
mother would have sat. Justin’s mother had passed away, and, as a loving
gesture acknowledging her presence, the bride picked up the red rose as she made
her way back down the aisle after she and Justin had been bound in holy matrimony.After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktails inside while the pool deck was transformed into a dazzling reception. “The pool deck is covered at Oyster Bay Yacht Club, which was great because we didn’t have to worry about rain. It really didn’t need much decoration because the view is so beautiful. The staff moved everything while we were getting our pictures taken,” says Shannon.
It was a perfect fall evening and guests gathered for drinks and passed appetizers outside around the indoor/outdoor fireplace. The patio and deck were set with tables covered in ivory satin linens with gold paisley overlay, each with a vintage cake plate topped with beautiful flower arrangements.
Gourmet Gourmet catered a wonderful buffet-style dinner, including smoked salmon spirals, Asian chicken skewers, buffalo mozzarella / tomato caprese salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and pork tenderloin. Guests dined by candlelight and danced under whimsical paper lanterns. For Justin and Shannon Taylor, it was a night of celebration and the dawn of new beginnings.
