I think in this business there is no better compliment than a referral, and this was one of those weddings where I was truly blessed. When Mandy and Kyle got married I just adored them both, and so when Mandy referred her best friend to me, I knew I would love these two as well. And while, they are adorable, and sweet, and perfect in every way, what I loved most about them was their undeniable faith, both in their love, and in God. Amber was most excited about the foot washing ceremony that these two did during their ceremony, and I have to say, she was right, it was a beautiful poignant moment for them both, and truly showed their love and devotion to each other and their marriage…

But, I would be lying if I did not say I had some other, less serious moments that took the cake for me as well. Like when their chiecken nuggets were delivered to the girls getting ready room, or when the maid of honor, and best man did a mock up of a Disney song and serenaded the bride and groom, or when the mother of the bride cried during the father daughter dance- all moments that had me laughing, crying, and thoroughly enjoying this Ribault Club wedding. But my favorite of all? When Amber ran into Brandons arms a la “dirty Dancing” style, and Brandon actually CAUGHT her and lifted her up in the air. BEST. WEDDING.MOMENT.EVER!

Amber and Bradon- what an honor to be a part of this day with the two of you. I love when friends and family come together to make a wedding happen, because a wedding is not about the flowers, or the details, or even the dress- although we all know this dress has gotten its moneys worth! Its about two people, loving each other, and sharing that love and commitment with everyone they love. I hope that you two have a blissful and blessed life together!

 

Ceremony and Reception Venue  Ribault Club      Flowers A Fantasy in Flowers

Coordination The Wedding Assistant       Makeup  and Hair Cassandra Throckmorton

Invitations  St. Augustine Paper Co    Reception Music Planut Plexus

Ceremony Music  Tamrè Bennett   Bridal Gown  The White Magnolia   Catering First Coast Technical College

 

How did you two meet?
We met in high school through one of our best friends. He had a crush on me my freshman year and he wanted Brandon to meet me so he introduced us. Instantly, we hit it off and became friends. We began dating some that summer and then seriously dated at the end of Brandon’s senior year/my junior year. Our sweet friend, Paul, that introduced us was actually in our wedding too!

How did he pop the question?
Brandon had a surprise scavenger hunt planned with the help of two of our friends. Our friend Kelly, took me to Washington Oaks were we had a “surprise” picnic planned for Brandon and Sam. When we showed up to the ranger station, I was greeted with an envelope with my name written on it. I opened it up to find a picture of a tree stump and a short letter from Brandon. He took me to memory lane by having my walk around the park and find letters explaining our first date (The Dark Knight) to when he knew he was in love with me. It was the sweetest most amazing day ever. At the end, Brandon was waiting to pop the question and of course I said YES!

How did you choose your theme? Flowers? and overall wedding design?
I really struggled making a decision. I had so many wedding ideas in my head before we booked anything. Once we looked at the Ribault Club, my decision was made. I wanted a classic garden wedding. All I knew I needed there was my family, my best friends and Brandon. The other details weren’t too important to me. I got a lot of help from my friends when planning. I would present an idea to them and ask if it was crazy or tacky and they were always honest. I ended up going with an elegant soft pink and green details throughout.

What was the best moment{s} of your wedding day?
The best moment of my wedding would have to be getting to wash Brandon’s feet during our ceremony. It was the most meaningful part of our wedding. I wanted to begin our marriage by committing to serve one another and letting myself be served like Jesus did. It was also made extra special when Brandon’s brother, Jamer, wrote a song for the moment and played it for us.

How would you describe your overall wedding experience?
Fast! Crazy! Exciting! There are so many ways I could describe planning the most wonderful day of my life. We had a year long engagement but it flew by!

What photography related advice would you offer to a couple?
Make sure you are comfortable with your photographer. You’re going to spend a lot of time with them on your wedding and you want to be able to laugh and have fun with them in the room (like I did)!

Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
Now this is a funny story… Wedding dress shopping is a stressful experience I’m sure. But my dress was actually borrowed from my best friend and MOH, Mandy who borrowed the dress from her sister. It’s a stunning Jim Hjelm French chantilly lace gown. I fell in love with it the first time I saw it, and the second and the third 😉 it fit perfectly, no alterations needed! We call it the sisterhood of the traveling wedding dress.

How was your experience taking photos/working with me on your wedding day?
AMAZING! I felt 100% relaxed with Kelly and Ashley around. They answered all questions I had and made the day even better!

Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you have rather done it differently? Tell me why or why not!
No, we wanted to wait to see each other until I walked down the aisle. It was such an amazing and sweet moment to see Brandon for the first time that day looking so stinkin’ handsome! Once I made eye contact with him I couldn’t look at anyone else.

Any tips on how to prepare for the wedding photos?
Relax. Just enjoy the moment you are in because the more relaxed you are the more natural your emotions appear. I was laughing throughout my pictures because I was having so much fun.
What were you most anxious, nervous or fearful about regarding your wedding day and what was the outcome?
I was most nervous about trusting other people to show up to do their part. I was absolutely terrified that everyone was going to decide not to show up and it would fall apart. But, everyone was wonderful and they all showed up and did so much more. We have amazing family and friends who spent many hours pouring into this day. We love them so much!

What do you want to always remember from your wedding day?
I want to always remember how it felt dancing with Brandon and having all of our loved ones standing around us.

“IF I only I knew!” what is one piece of advise you would give to brides planning their wedding day?
Don’t sweat the small stuff! I heard that so many times while planing but I kept worrying about everything. Things will go wrong the night before your wedding and you’ll just have to give your mom or MOH your phone and take a zzzquil and let them handle it. Because, when you wake up it won’t matter. It’ll be your wedding day and you’ll get to see the love of your life in a few hours and you won’t remember what you were worried about.