Waterfront Elegance at Clarks Landing Yacht Club

A Waterfront Wedding at Clarks Landing Yacht Club

Laura and James’s October 26, 2025 wedding at Clarks Landing Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, NJ was the perfect blend of sophisticated waterfront elegance and warm, meaningful moments. With the venue’s sweeping views of the Manasquan River, stunning architecture, glass-enclosed ceremony space, and refined reception settings, the day unfolded in a calm yet celebratory atmosphere that truly reflects the beauty of a seaside celebration. 

From morning preparations to sunset portraits and late-night reception moments, we had the honor of capturing many moving details — from laughter and candid glances to formal portraits and heartfelt exchanges.

Getting Ready: Anticipation & Family Moments

The day began at 11:30 AM at the venue itself, where Laura met with her bridal party — Linda, Carolyn, Lily, Abby, Sam, Jennifer, Shelly, Kerri, and Sydney (with her mother present) — in a suite filled with light, soft energy, and calm excitement. The bridesmaids wore matching pajamas as they prepared, and we captured detail shots of the ensemble, the bouquet charm from Laura’s uncle, and the tender pre-ceremony moments with her mom and the girls.

Meanwhile, James began getting ready at 12:00 PM in the groom’s suite. He was joined by Jim, Richie, Brett, Matt, John, Ian, Pat, and Luke. We made sure to document a few very special moments: James with his mom helping him with cufflinks and tie; candid “getting ready” energy among the groomsmen; fun and relaxed candid photos by the pool table, dock, and the bar area; and thoughtful portraits acknowledging James’s hearing loss — ensuring intimate, clear captures that respect his comfort and the importance of communication and connection.

Throughout the morning, we aimed to preserve both the small details (shots of invitations, rings, accessories) and emotional moments — building a narrative that reflects not just the glamour, but the genuine warmth of the day.

First Look, Couple Portraits & Private Moments by the Water

At 1:30 PM, Laura and James shared a private “first look” by the dock — weather permitting — offering one of the most intimate and emotional moments of the day. The water, gentle light, and serene surroundings made for a perfect setting.

After that, we captured formal portraits of the bride and groom individually, as well as together. Inside the venue, we also explored creative setups: seated on the ceremony-room steps for letter or vow exchange photos, balcony shots upstairs, and cozy images in the cocktail room’s library/ lounge / bar area. As sunset approached, the deck offered the perfect backdrop for golden-hour portraits — a magical hour to seize few truly cinematic images before the reception.

Bridal Party & Family Portraits — Full Gallery of Connections

At 2:30 PM, the bridal party joined for portraits. We captured many combinations and requested groupings to reflect relationships and friendships:

• Laura with each bridesmaid individually (Abby, Lily, Sam, Jennifer, Shelly, Kerri, Sydney)

• James with each groomsman individually (Jim, Richie, Brett, Matt, John, Ian, Pat, Luke)

• Various groupings: full bridesmaids, full groomsmen, mixed bride/groom + attendants, and smaller subgroupings (e.g., Laura + Maid-of-Honor, James + best men, etc.)

Then at 3:30 PM, we gathered extended family for formal family portraits. Additional must-have combinations were requested — including cousins, aunts/uncles, and extended-family groupings.

This process allowed us to build a comprehensive gallery that honors close friends, family, and the full support system surrounding Laura & James.

Ceremony — A Heartfelt, Elegant Moment on the Water

The ceremony began at 4:30 PM, in the beautiful glass-enclosed space at Clarks Landing Yacht Club overlooking the Manasquan River, giving guests panoramic water views and natural light. Guests and family gathered for a short, meaningful ceremony which included:

• Two readings — by both the mother of the bride (MOB) and mother of the groom (MOG)

• A symbolic sand-mixing ceremony

• Vows and ring exchange

• The couples’ first kiss as newlyweds

• Group selfie with everyone toward the end (a fun, memorable group moment)

The combination of architectural elegance, water views, and emotional ceremony details made for a timeless, romantic record of their vows and commitment. 

Cocktail Hour, Sunset Shots & Reception Celebration

Cocktail hour began around 5:00–6:00 PM, giving guests time to mingle and relax while we captured: decor details (welcome sign, seating chart, guestbook, photos, fireplace upstairs, bar area), candid guest interactions, the food stations, and ambient shots. As the sun dipped toward the horizon (sunset ~6:01 PM), we ushered Laura & James out for dramatic golden-hour portraits on the back dock — a signature moment before dinner.

At 6:00 PM the reception officially started. The evening highlights included:

• Their grand entrance and first dance

• Parent dances (Bride & Father; Groom & Mom)

• Speeches — by the Father of the Bride, Best Man, Maid of Honor

• Cake cutting (captured candidly, off to the side)

• A special 90’s-style birthday tribute for Grandma with a small cake

• Large group photos of the bride’s side and groom’s side as requested (on the venue staircase and at tables), coordinated with the DJ announcements

• Additional family-group photos featuring extended relatives, friends, yacht club members, and guest groups (cousins, family crews, etc.)

We paid special attention to capturing candid laughter, dancing, heartfelt embraces, and ambient lighting — ensuring the night’s spirit was preserved in both stills and video.

Why Clarks Landing Yacht Club Is a Top NJ Waterfront Venue

Clarks Landing Yacht Club offers the quintessential Jersey Shore waterfront wedding experience: panoramic river views, a glass-enclosed ceremony space, private dressing suites, and a grand ballroom with a circular dance floor and crystal chandeliers. 

Their “Princess of the Sea” wedding package includes open bar, custom wedding cake, catering, and full décor — making it possible to trust the venue with not just the view, but outstanding food, service, and seamless execution. 

For couples like Laura & James, who value a mix of waterfront romance, formal elegance, and fun, heartfelt family moments — Clarks Landing delivers on all fronts.

If you’re planning a wedding there (or any waterfront NJ venue), we would love to help you capture the magic.

Schedule a consultation: https://redbankstudio.com/meetings

Vendors

• Venue: Clarks Landing Yacht Club, Point Pleasant, NJ

• Photography & Videography: Red Bank Studio

• Hair: Pin It Up Bridal (Renee)

• Makeup: Make Me Up Eva

• Entertainment / DJ: Love of Music Entertainment

• Florist & Décor: Petal Street Flower Company