In the tender embrace of a June 2020 evening, Stephanie and Alan vowed their love beneath the Spanish moss-draped oaks of Crane Cottage at Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia. Their intimate elopement, celebrated by Martha Stewart Weddings for its heartfelt elegance and timeless charm, was a testament to love’s resilience. Captured through the cinematic lens of Matthew Snyder Films, their day unfolded like a classic romance, blending Southern sophistication, personal touches, and the quiet magic of a 21-guest celebration. As we revive their story in 2025, its feature in Martha Stewart Weddings—archived but never forgotten—reminds us why this love story continues to inspire.
A Coastal Haven for Love
Crane Cottage, nestled within the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, is a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece with ivy-clad walls and a serene courtyard that feels like a step into a bygone era. The venue’s lush gardens and coastal breezes set the perfect stage for Stephanie and Alan’s al fresco elopement. Spanish moss swayed gently overhead, framing each moment with natural elegance, a detail that Martha Stewart Weddings praised for its romantic allure.
Our cameras danced between golden-hour glow and soft shadows, capturing the couple’s stolen glances and the delicate flutter of Stephanie’s champagne gown. From sweeping drone shots of the cottage’s grandeur to close-ups of their teacup Yorkie nestled in Alan’s arms, every frame told a story of love, connection, and place. The Martha Stewart Weddings feature highlighted the venue’s timeless beauty, and our film brought it to life with cinematic depth.
A Love Forged Through Change
Originally set to wed in Cartagena, Colombia, Stephanie and Alan faced a sudden pivot when COVID closed borders just a week before their planned date. Undeterred, they chose an intimate elopement at Crane Cottage, reserving a grander celebration for later in 2021. Their 21-guest ceremony, live-streamed for loved ones unable to attend, was a masterclass in meaningful simplicity. As Martha Stewart Weddings noted, their day was rich with personal touches: custom-embroidered handkerchiefs for Stephanie’s parents, a welcome bag with local honey and canned wine, and a blush-toned ketubah from Israel, signed in a heartfelt pre-ceremony moment.
Filming their first look was a privilege. Under the dappled light of ancient oaks, Stephanie, radiant in her floral tiara and sparkly Badgley Mischka heels, shared private vows with Alan, dapper in his black tuxedo. Their emotions—raw, joyful, and unscripted—became the heart of our film, with the violinist’s melody and the rustle of eucalyptus in the chuppah adding a soulful soundtrack.
A Ceremony of Intimacy and Tradition
The ceremony unfolded on a sprawling lawn, where a chuppah adorned with silver dollar eucalyptus and white flowers stood beneath a canopy of moss. A single violinist set the tone as Stephanie and Alan exchanged vows, their closest family and friends bearing witness. The groom’s breaking of the glass sparked cheers, and their joyful run down the aisle—hand in hand, with their tiny dog trotting nearby—felt like a scene from a classic romance.
Our film captured every nuance: the sparkle of Stephanie’s champagne gown against the sunset, the laughter of bridesmaids in sleek black dresses, and the quiet pride of the couple’s parents. The ketubah signing, with its intricate ivory floral overlay, added a layer of cultural depth, a moment we framed with care to honor its significance. Martha Stewart Weddings lauded these details, noting how they elevated the elopement’s intimacy.
Sunset Portraits and Bridal Party Charm
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we captured Stephanie and Alan’s portraits, their love illuminated by the golden light. Their teacup Yorkie, a star of the day, added a playful charm, scampering alongside them in shots that radiated joy. Stephanie’s four bridesmaids, elegant in formal black gowns, joined for group photos, their laughter echoing through the gardens. These moments, paired with the couple’s private post-ceremony walk, became some of the most cherished scenes in our film, reflecting the warmth and authenticity that Martha Stewart Weddings celebrated.
Why Jekyll Island?
Jekyll Island Club Resort is a destination that blends history, luxury, and coastal serenity. Crane Cottage, with its romantic architecture and verdant surroundings, is a dream for couples seeking an elopement that feels both grand and intimate. As Martha Stewart Weddings once noted, the venue’s versatility—part historic estate, part coastal retreat—creates an unforgettable backdrop for love stories. For Stephanie and Alan, it was the perfect setting to begin their journey, a choice that resonated deeply in our cinematic retelling.
A Timeless Film for a Timeless Love
Crafting Stephanie and Alan’s elopement film was an honor. From the emotional first look to the joyful aisle run, every moment was a testament to their unbreakable bond. Our use of 35mm lenses and drone footage brought the lush beauty of Crane Cottage to life, while careful editing preserved the day’s intimacy. The Martha Stewart Weddings feature may be archived, but its recognition of this elopement’s elegance lives on in our work.
Thank you, Stephanie and Alan, for trusting Matthew Snyder Films to capture your love story. Your day remains a beacon of what elopements can be—personal, heartfelt, and utterly cinematic.
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Photography provided by: Cavin Elizabeth