Jessica and Paul are living in California but came home to have their ceremony in their hometown of Santa Rosa Beach.  We were excited when she shared her vision of a candle lit ceremony on the edge of the bay.  Samantha Jackson did an outstanding job planning the wedding at Bentley’s on the Bay.   Thanks to Nouveau Flowers who made Jessica’s vision a reality.

Jessica looked elegant in her floor length veil which was very appropriate for her candle lit evening wedding.

Paul looked extremely handsome in his Hugo Boss suit.

We were excited when these local guys wanted a day after session with a “gorilla influence” as Paul put it.   We took them into the streets and alleyways.

Fellow photographer and now friend,  Kyle Gregory was married to Laura at the beautiful and historic Carnton Plantation in Franklin TN.   The plantation’s history dates back to 1864 when the McGavock’s used their home as a hospital for wounded soldiers.  It’s magnificent garden and one hundred and fifty year old orange tree are whimsical.

Kyle,  his father and friends enjoyed the local pub’s darts and pool before the ceremony.

Laura,  her bridesmaids and her five flower girls were lovely.  We enjoyed exploring the plantation before the ceremony.

THE. COOLEST. GROOMS CAKE.  EVER.

Erin and Jason’s friends and family came to our coast from Illinois to have their ceremony on our beautiful beaches and an intimate reception in a gorgeous beachfront home in the community of Seaside.  Townsend catered the reception with a couple of very interesting elements.  First,  Erin’s Grandma Millie’s creamy tropical punch was served with hors d’oeuvres and then Erin’s father grilled the best fillets I have ever tasted! It was a real treat for everyone.  The family was so sweet,  thank you everyone for making us a part of this memorable day.

Erin’s sister was her maid of honor.  The bridesmaids wore lovely dresses from Anthropologie.  Erin had sashes made from the same fabric used to line the reception tables.  The colors worked very well.

It’s been too long since Paul and I have shared imagery from our sessions taking place here in Rosemary Beach.  Here are just a few!

Dawn’s wedding gown fit perfectly into her garden wedding theme.  The gown she wore came directly from her mother’s closet.

The flower girl laced the aisle with fresh lavender.  The breeze on the beach carried the scent very well.

All day I caught Josh gazing at Dawn.  He was a very sweet romantic guy who was involved in all of the planning process.

Family,  friends,  good food and wine!   Johanna and Steve had a perfect wedding flawlessly planned by Victoria at Carillon Weddings.   Paul and I thoroughly enjoyed being with everyone and especially meeting up with the newlyweds for a day after session.  Thank you guys for giving us the amazing opportunity to photograph your perfect day.

I love Johanna’s smile,  she lit up the whole day!

The ceremony was very sweet and I thought the curtain theme at the alter was very creative.

Each table had a specialty wine with the table number draped on the neck.  On another table were corks with seat assignments.

I love it when the bride can slip off her shoes and eat the fabulous meal she and her groom treated her guests to.

The Day After Session took place just down the road at Alys Beach.  This is a great way to create more beautiful relaxed imagery.

Where to begin,  I wrote Mary Katherine earlier in the week to ask her for more information on a few details I picked up on during our wedding planning and the day of the wedding.  As I read through what she sent me,  I quickly realized there was so much extraordinary history that there was no way I could include it all.   Paul and I were chosen by Mary Katherine to photograph her wedding at the church where her Great- Grandfather,  David Henry Griffin from Melbourne Australia,  was the pastor for over 35 years beginning in 1927.  He was described as an excellent leader and innovator.  With his help,  money was raised to embellish the church with beautiful stain glassed windows.  Jimmy Jackson,  hired by the Reverend David Henry as a custodian,  rang the church bells “Chiming of the Hour” for every special occasion,  for over 50 years.  Even though he is retired, he was honored to ring the bells one more time for Mary Katherine’s wedding.  Behind the red doors of the stone church,  she stood on the steps where her Great Grandfather changed so many lives.  On those steps her parents dedicated her to the Lord,  she sang vacation bible school songs,  was commissioned to the mission field,   and will now marry Alex.

• Yesterday Mecheal and I decided to try a new format for our blog post, going for more of a catalog feel. It’s been fun hearing the mixed reviews of this new format. Today we decided to post this beautiful wedding in our (classic) style so everyone can see it in both formats. I think it’s great to try new things, sometimes they work and sometimes not so much. Either way, Mary Katherine and Alex’s wedding was stunning!

A local artist, Charlie Busler sketched the church for Mary Katherine’s invitation and programs. His art was also hanging on the wall in the Merrit House where she dressed for the wedding.

The reception took place at a beautifully restored theatre called Riley Center.

Alex chose the band who played at the reception. Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funk Monsters rocked the house first in black tie, then in full on 80’s hair band attire. Mary Katherine’s Pop Pop, who is battling cancer right now, was front and center stage having a blast!

This is the catalog style post:

A local artist,  Charlie Busler sketched the church for Mary Katherine’s invitation and programs.  His art was also hanging on the wall in the Merrit House where she dressed for the wedding.

The reception took place at a beautifully restored theatre called Riley Center.

Alex chose the band who played at the reception.   Dr. Zarr and the Amazing Funk Monsters rocked the house first in black tie,  then in full on 80’s hair band attire.  Mary Katherine’s Pop Pop, who is battling cancer right now, was front and center stage having a blast!

Tera’s wedding was purely whimsical.  She was beautiful in her gown and grandmother’s earrings.   Paul and I knew the wedding day was going to be lovely when we had the opportunity to photograph their engagement session a couple of months ago.  The whole day came together well with the help of Jennifer with It’s A Shore Thing,  Christina with Nouveau Flowers,  Rhonda of Confections on the Coast,  and Donna and Dave with Townsend Catering.  The peacock feather theme with twinkle light butterflies and strawberry milkshakes were just a few highlights of the reception.  Tera’s beloved Grandfather opened the reception with a touching blessing for the couple.  It could not have been a more perfect night.