Some weddings feel like a party from the very first toast, and Sabrina & Alex's wedding at White Chapel Projects in Long Branch, NJ was exactly that! It felt light and playful from start to finish. If you're planning a wedding at White Chapel Projects yourself, we hope this one gives you a real feel for what a day there can look like.
A White Chapel Project Wedding, Just Steps from the Shore
Sabrina and Alex were married at St. Michael's Church, with their reception at White Chapel Project just a few blocks from the beach. That proximity gave us the perfect window to sneak down to the water for portraits while guests were still arriving at the venue, with golden light, salt air, and two people who couldn't stop laughing at each other.
Inside White Chapel ProjectS: Four Spaces, One Incredible Flow
One of the things we loved about hosting a wedding at White Chapel Project is how the reception moved naturally across four distinct spaces, each with its own feel.
Guests entered through a courtyard, set up with a stage, tables and chairs. This is where the custom cornhole set, the photo displays, and an arch lived throughout the night, and where people gathered to relax between everything else going on. It would make a beautiful ceremony space too, for any couple considering hosting their ceremony and reception together at White Chapel Project.
Inside, one room was set for dinner and toasts, while the second indoor space held the bar, DJ booth, and dance floor, including a fully choreographed first dance that kicked off a night that barely slowed down after.
Around back, a second outdoor space hosted the photo booth, set up inside a cute vintage-style trailer. It was a big area, but most guests barely left the dance floor long enough to use it.
Dancing All Night, With a Little Extra Flair
The DJ kept the floor packed all night, but the real surprise was a live saxophonist who played alongside him, adding a burst of live performance energy that had guests cheering every time he stepped in.
The Detail That Got Us: "Love Is..."
Of all the personal touches throughout the day, one stood out above the rest: framed drawings from the kids in Sabrina and Alex's family, each answering the prompt "Love is..." in their own words, paired with drawings of the couple. Hearts everywhere, and Sabrina and Alex rendered as sweet, wobbly stick figures. They were displayed right on the reception tables, and honestly, we could've spent the whole night just reading them.
The Team Behind the Day
Videographer: @smallstoryweddings
Venue: @ whitechapelprojects White Chapel Project, Long Branch NJ
DJ: @elegantmusicgroup
Photo Booth: @ediemaephotobooth
Hair: @rickwellman
Makeup: @bridalgabriellaloren
Sabrina & Alex's wedding was photographed and filmed by Small Story Weddings, a documentary-style wedding photography and videography team based in Queens, NY, serving couples throughout NYC and the Jersey Shore. Get in touch if you're planning a wedding at White Chapel Project or anywhere along the coast.
