Winter Wedding at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY | Jackie & Alex
A WINTER WEDDING AT WHITBY CASTLE
Winter weddings are undeniably magical, especially when they take place at a venue as timeless and romantic as Whitby Castle in Rye, New York. Jackie and Alex’s elegant January celebration was nothing short of breathtaking, even as it unfolded on the coldest day of winter we’ve had this season. With temperatures hovering somewhere around just 10 degrees, these two proved that love truly does conquer all… including the cold!
Alex and Jackie fully embraced the beauty of a winter wedding. Their vision blended classic elegance with personal, heartfelt details that reflected who they are as a couple. From Jackie’s timeless bridal look to Alex’s polished winter attire, every detail felt intentional and elevated, perfectly suited for a wedding at Whitby Castle in January.
Arturo and I photographed Jackie and Alex’s Waveny Park engagement session in the fall, and not even 5 minutes in, I could tell these two shared something special. That chemistry emerged once again as their portrait time began, and we loved every minute of it! Despite the frigid temperatures on their wedding day, the bride and groom were more than ready to step outside for romantic winter portraits. Let me tell you, it was absolutely worth it! Wrapped in love (and a little extra determination), they braved the cold with ease, sharing quiet moments together as snow covered the grounds around them. The result? Dreamy, snowy wedding portraits that feel intimate and uniquely them.
One of the most beautiful parts of this Whitby Castle wedding was how deeply personal the day felt. Every detail, from the ceremony to the reception, was infused with intention and meaning. There were emotional exchanges, happy tears, and so many genuine moments shared between Jackie, Alex, and their loved ones.
Their ceremony was heartfelt and moving, and centered around the new family that they were becoming. As Jackie and Alex exchanged vows, you could feel the love and support surrounding them. It wasn’t just a wedding day; it was the coming together of two families, united by love and joy.
The reception carried that same warmth and elegance. Candlelight, refined décor, and joyful energy filled the space as guests celebrated late into the evening. Laughter echoed through the ballroom, and the dance floor stayed lively as Alex and Jackie soaked in every moment of their first night as newlyweds!
THE LOVE STORY
Jackie and Alex met on Bumble in April 2023. Alex knew within the first 30 minutes of their first date that Jackie was special! She was kind, family-oriented, and beautiful. Jackie loved that Alex was passionate, driven (he was training for an Ironman race at the time) and kind. On their first date, they talked about all the places they had each traveled and all the places they had yet to go; the pair agreed on many that were top of the list for both of them. The pair spent so much time talking that they were kicked out of their table at the restaurant they were at, and had to move the date to another bar down the street!
Over the next couple of weeks, Alex planned plenty more fun dates, including a Mets game and a Blink-182 concert. Eventually, they decided it was time for their pups, Stashu and Freddie, to meet. Jackie and Alex both later agreed that we were nervous; if their dogs hadn’t gotten along, their relationship probably would have ended there. Fortunately, the dogs were fast friends, and both took to the other’s human right away!
In August, Alex did his first Ironman in Mont Tremblant, Canada. Jackie drove him the 7 hours there and back, spending the whole weekend cheering him on with his parents. From there, Alex and Jackie’s relationship continued to flourish, and they decided to move in together in June 2024. Alex proposed in May of 2025, and the rest is history!
Congratulations, Jackie and Alex! Cheers to many travels and exciting moments in the years ahead!
I hope you enjoyed this winter wedding at Whitby Castle! Do you know Jackie and Alex? Show the newlyweds some love by commenting below!
CREATIVE TEAM
Wedding Venue: Whitby Castle | Photography: Shaina Lee Photography | Wedding Coordination: Etta Events | Floral Design: Arcadia Floral Co. | Hair: Laura Moore Beauty | Makeup: StudioK Beauty & Skincare | Band: Hank Lane | Bride's Wedding Gown Designer: Vagabond Bridal | Bridal Dress Boutique: Lovely Bride | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Groom's Attire: Zohreh Uomo | Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique | Invitations & Paper Goods: Minted | Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: The Jewelery Gallery of Oyster Bay | Specialty Event Lighting: Fox Haus Events
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shaina Lee Photography is a husband and wife photography team serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. We specialize in timeless, elegant, and romantic weddings while celebrating all couples in love.
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