Exclusive: Andy Cohen's Heartwarming Gesture to Below Deck's Captain Sandy After Her Wedding

Andy Cohen Sent Below Decks Captain Sandy a Generous Gift After Not Attending Her Wedding

Andy Cohen Getty Images (2)

Andy Cohen was unable to attend Captain Sandy Yawn's wedding to Leah Shafer, but he made sure to send a thoughtful gift. Sandy shared that Andy was very generous, expressing his desire to attend by asking for an invite. Although Andy couldn't be there in person, Sandy appreciated his kind message and the generous gift he sent.

After Leah, 49, praised Andy for being "so supportive," Sandy shared about their close relationship with the Bravo executive producer, 55, saying, "He even responds to Leah's messages. It's really sweet."

Sandy has been a familiar face on Below Deck since she became part of the Mediterranean version in 2017. As the first (and only) female captain in the franchise, she also made history by temporarily joining the original series, filling in for Captain Lee Rosbach in 2023.

In the upcoming season of Below Deck Med, fans will see Sandy's personal life as she gets engaged to Leah. Their wedding in Florida on May 11 was filmed for Bravo, so viewers might spot some other Below Deck alums too.

Andy Cohen Sent Below Decks Captain Sandy a Generous Gift After Not Attending Her Wedding

Leah Shafer and Captain Sandy Yawn shared that their wedding had a limited guest capacity of 60 people. This meant they had to carefully choose who to invite from their Bravo family. Sandy mentioned that they ultimately decided to invite those who had been a part of their lives since the beginning. These were the people who had seen Sandy when she was single at the start of the show, and who were there when she met Leah, as that was all she could talk about.

Sandy made sure to invite special guests from Bravo and NBC to her big day, including executive producer Nadine Rajabi and Bravo's Vice President of Current Production, Josh Brown.

"We had Nadine and Josh Brown there, along with other people from NBC who have been a part of my life. We also wanted to include Kate Chastain, even though we may not interact daily. And of course, Aesha Scott was there," Sandy mentioned, referring to two popular chief stews from the franchise.

Sandy and Leah shared with Us their joy and anticipation for the future after exchanging vows in front of loved ones.

Leah expressed, “At this point in our lives, we cherish every moment we spend together, turning each one into a special honeymoon experience. It doesn't have to be planned in advance. For example, just yesterday, while walking around Tampa, we stumbled upon a cute green two-seater boat and decided to take it out on a whim. Every moment we share feels like a honeymoon for us.”

"We're just so grateful to have found this kind of love at this point in our lives and to feel the support of our family and friends. It's truly a beautiful love story and celebration, and that's the honest truth."

The couple described their life since their wedding as a "fairy tale" and shared that they enjoyed their honeymoon on a yacht.

Sandy shared that they had a mini honeymoon on her boss, John Flynn's, new Sunseeker 90-footer boat with a crew. They sailed to Little Palm Island in Florida for three days. It was a getaway from their busy lives while they are in the process of building a new house, moving, and preparing for Leah's daughter's graduation.

Sandy couldn't stop praising Little Palm Island, mentioning the great food they enjoyed. She mentioned that they indulged in eating a lot since they didn't eat much before the wedding. They also made sure to catch up on sleep and relaxation, basking in the sun and playing in the water during their short escape.

With reporting by Amanda Williams

Below Deck Mediterranean premieres on Bravo on Monday, June 3, at 9 p.m. ET

Editor's P/S:

It's heartwarming to learn about the close relationship between Andy Cohen, Captain Sandy Yawn, and Leah Shafer. Despite not being able to attend their wedding, Andy's thoughtful gift and message show his support and affection for the couple. Sandy's appreciation for Andy's consistent kindness and responsiveness highlights the genuine bond they share. It's also notable that Sandy and Leah carefully curated their guest list for their intimate wedding, prioritizing those who have played significant roles in their lives. This reflects the importance they place on the relationships that have shaped their journey together.

The article provides a glimpse into Sandy and Leah's post-wedding bliss, showcasing their gratitude and contentment. Their impromptu adventure on a two-seater boat and their luxurious honeymoon on a yacht are testaments to their zest for life and the special moments they cherish. Sandy's praise for Little Palm Island and their indulgence in food and relaxation offer a relatable and wholesome picture of their honeymoon experience. As they embark on a new chapter in their lives, it's evident that Sandy and Leah are deeply connected and committed to making the most of their time together.