As I sit here on a plane to a photography conference in Las Vegas, I can’t help but think back on this one of a kind wedding and smile. There were so many details and moments that surrounded this big day that I hope I convey to you just how special it all really was. Get ready, this might be a lengthy one! Without further ado, the moment that you all have been waiting for, the wedding of Holly and Charlie!

This beautiful bride may look pretty familiar to you! A little over a week ago I posted her Bridal images, which you can see here. Holly was such a beautiful bride, and I’m so excited that I had the honor of seeing her this way not once, but twice! Even though I saw her on her bridal session in her dress with full hair and makeup, it did not take away anything for me of how she looked on her wedding day. She was classic and stunning. Holly and her girls got ready at the Edwards House, which is one of the oldest homes in Lake City, and honestly one of the prettiest. It really gives my heart all the feels! If you know Holly, then you know that her heart is genuine and thinks about every little thing. For instance, she not only wore her grandmother’s pearls, but had her put them on her and you could tell that it was precious to her. Holly also had all of her parents and grandparents rings place on a safety pin and pinned to her bouquet, which symbolized not only something only and blue, but generations of love. Family is the one of the most important parts of her life, and you really could see that thread woven throughout the day.

When you think about emotions on a wedding day, they are always heightened. From excitement to tears and everything in between. Holly and her dad, Brad, shared quite possibly one of the most emotional first looks like I have ever experienced. It’s nothing unusual for me to cry during first looks or dances, but this one took the cake. It was by far the most intense father-daughter first looks that I have ever experienced and it. was. perfect. I love when we can just be real and leave our emotions out there. Like a real life mic-drop.

On this wedding day, we had quite the allotment for portraits that we were able to capture so much and just take our time. Sometimes we get rushed or behind due to reasons outside of our control, but even with this large bridal party, everything was kept on time! I’m not going to lie, I was surprised with how smoothly everything ran with this magnitude of a wedding. When Holly told me that there were 19 in her bridal party and 500 guests, I was a little anxious. But really, things could not have gone more perfectly. I think part of this is from having an amazing team surrounding you, but that’s another post!

Holly and Charlie are quite the couple! They are sweet as can be and irrevocably in love with each other! They might seem a little reserved, but they love intensely. Holly and Charlie exchanged vows at the church that she grew up in, First United Methodist Church. It’s one of the most beautiful churches is town, from it’s stained glass windows to the large pipe organ. Simply breathtaking. During their ceremony, which was packed as you can imagine, they had a cord tying ceremony, a unity candle ceremony which both of their parents took part in, as well as receiving of communion. I find this act so symbolic and beautiful and this one was no different. Afterwards, their pastor prayed over them, which was really touching. I’m totally a softy!

Once they were pronounced husband and wife we left for their reception. At the reception site, we snuck in a few more portraits since the sun was setting. I didn’t think we would have the kind of sunset that we were blessed with since the skies were gray all day…in fact, it rained for about 15 minutes while we were out doing group portraits! The reception site was perfection. Under a huge white tent, was a winter wonderland waiting. It was so beautiful – Amy with Imperial Productions really outdid herself on this one! This couple surprised their guests with one of the best first dances that I’ve seen! They began their dance to “All of Me” and broke out with Frozen Song! It was so cute! Then the whole bridal party joined in and did a few other dances with the couple. So much fun!! Honestly, this day was packed full of so many things that it really is difficult to convey it all. It was truly the perfect day for Holly and Charlie!

Holly and Charlie, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of such a special time in your lives! I loved capturing these sweet memories for you!

xoxo,

Holly

The Creative Team:

Event Planner: Imperial Productions by Amy Francis

Floral Design: CC’s Flower Villa

Bride’s Dress | Groom’s Suit | Full Bridal Party: The Golden Needle

DJ: Derriel Cribbs    Hair and Makeup: Kate Herndon    Cake: Callista Goos