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Profile on Chelsi of Chelsi Jane Co. Chelsi is a past ABM Bride and current wedding and event planner with the experience and impeccable taste needed to create anyone’s perfect day. Learn more about Chelsi and her ABM wedding below.

I decided to start this business with the idea of creating beautiful moments for people. After getting married in the 1000 Islands region three years ago, I have had a desire to continue to execute weddings for others. I’ve helped family and friends since then, creating special days through styling, coordinating, and planning. After continuing to bring these beautiful events to life I was encouraged and supported by those who know me well to start doing this for others. I offer everything a Bride might need help with, and with an added bonus of already being married at the Antique Boat Museum, I know what to expect for coordinating and styling.

I was born and raised on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. My parents actually owned a cottage across the harbor from ABM. When we were younger we would sit out on the dock and listen to the music drift across the bay from the many weddings every summer. I always thought it was magical watching the lights dance across the water carrying the sounds of music and laughter with it. I am honored to be a part of those weddings now as a planner bringing to life those very same moments for others. I can assist with anything day or week of the event. For my own wedding, I ran into the hurdle of needing a chaos coordinator because I realized you can’t do it all on your own wedding day, and you shouldn’t have to. Now, I want to be that for other brides. To help wherever they may need it most.

Q: What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

My favorite part about our wedding day actually wasn’t the wedding itself. Which isn’t to say it wasn’t everything we planned. Our team was absolutely amazing in bringing to life exactly what I had imagined for that day! My favorite moment of the whole event was walking to the end of the dock with my new husband and sitting down on the edge with our feet hanging over-like we used to when we dated at the cottage across the bay. We sat in silence witnessing our family and friends all in one place for what would only happen once in our whole lives. Sitting there watching the lights dance on the river, the stars reflected in the waves, the laughter, the music, my new husband’s hand in mine, it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it. It was perfection and my absolute favorite full-circle moment.

Q: What was your favorite spot for pictures on campus?

Our favorite spot to take pictures on the ABM campus was by far the long dock that is in the front of the harbor and has the osprey nest at the end! We also started our processional line from here after exiting the boat we rented to bring us to our ceremony! I don’t know the exact name of it but it’s also the same dock we had our favorite moment on, too. However, all of our family photos were taken on the Gaffney Porch and they are stunning so I guess that’s a favorite as well? I can’t pick just one!

Q: What is something you wish you knew about outdoor weddings before having one?

I wish I had known then what I know now- always keep the weather in mind for obvious reasons. We had to plan for a rain delay with tents but those also helped keep our guests and vendors cool on the hot August day! Keep your ceremony short if you are choosing not to have it under some shade in the middle of the summer! Your guests and bridal party will thank you.

Q: Do you have any tips for future ABM brides?

I could give those future ABM brides tips on two things. Firstly, in the end, make it about you and your partner. When it comes to picking a flower out or a theme, go with what speaks to you both and your story to how you got to this exact moment. Make it special in your own way. Secondly, be VERY clear to your vendors with what YOU are expecting on your day! We really love it when you get picky, it helps us to know what you are envisioning! I had a vendor meeting and wrote up a whole 18-page manual for everyone that described down to the candle votive who was doing what, which made everyone’s job day-of easier. Everyone will say your day will fly by in the blink of an eye. My wish for you is that you get to sit on the end of the dock with your new lifelong partner and witness what a beautiful day it truly was.

Vendors:

Rentals: Amazing Occasions

Details & Styling: Pretty Little Vintage Co. 

Flowers: Primrose Hill Co.

Photographer: Courtney Thomas Photography

Cake & Dessert: Sweets Lorraine

Catering: Jeff Garnsey

Music: Travis Rocco

At the Antique Boat Museum, we love hosting beautiful waterfront wedding ceremonies and receptions. Restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel our 2020 event season, and we greatly missed hosting weddings on campus. As we get excited about moving forward and planning safe events for the 2021 season, we’re sharing some commonly overlooked tips for planning your big day outdoors.

Stable Shoes– Cute and practical shoes are a waterfront wedding essential! It’s important to have a sturdy shoe that won’t get stuck, wobble, or give out when walking on the docks. Stilettos, for example, are very stylish but not the best choice for an outdoor wedding.

Hairstyle– If the wedding is outdoors, your hairstyle will likely be subjected to some of the elements. Choose a hairstyle that is easily touched up, secured with pins, or one that gets better with a windblown look. Be sure to add hairspray and a hairbrush to the day-of kit!

Sunscreen– There’s nothing more beautiful than a waterfront sunset after an amazing wedding, and nothing worse than developing a painful sunburn after spending all day outside. People wearing makeup should be sure to add a base layer before applying, and consider a foundation or moisturizer with SPF! Couples, consider gifting samples or sending out a message to guests to remember their SPF. Sunburns happen, even when it’s cloudy!

Décor– Our facilities provide shelter from the elements, but it is still important to opt for sturdy decorations that stay in place with a bit of wind. Be sure to check the forecast and avoid items that can become litter if blown away!

Water– It doesn’t get better than spending a day on the water celebrating love, but dehydration could dry up the fun quickly. Even without physical activity, guests may get dehydrated when spending an extended period of time outside in the sun. Consult with your caterers to ensure water is available for those who need it throughout the event!

Timing– The timing of the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception is important for summer weddings to maximize sunset time and minimize time outdoors at the hottest time of the day. Opting for an early morning or late afternoon ceremony can provide guests with some relief from the sun. At the Antique Boat Museum, guests can walk through the exhibits and cool off until the Museum closes.

Food Placement– Consider where the light shines into the facility when placing food, and opt for the shadier areas of the facility. Having the hot sun double bake the goods can result in some drippy confections or mushy fruits. Still delicious, but not as fresh and appetizing!

Thanks for reading, we hope these tips help cover some of the little details and provide some excitement for this summer’s wedding season. See you there!