A full windy and rainy coastal wedding day on St. George Island Florida for the new Mr. + Mrs. Evans.
(Disclaimer: Wedding Services are available exclusively to 3-5 couples per year. I strive to provide the highest quality experience and thus limit my availability to serving couples that truly feel connected to me and/or the Lady K experience.)
My bride Katie, was an absolute sweetheart, her approach to the wedding day was simple "slow." She wanted to take time to embrace each part of the day with those she loved. Prior to the big day that was the number one thing she emphasized and I loved that. (As photographers, we don't want to rush anymore than you do!)
The details were simple and perfectly suited to this island wedding and Katie's personality. A glittering sandal for her feet, that if I remember correctly didn't actually make it to the "alter." Which is fantastic in my opinion, considering I walked barefoot through the woods for my own wedding.
This meaningful momma moment really had all of us shedding a tear. While Katie wasn't the deeply religious type, I asked her mom if she had any advice for her daughter or maybe a prayer she's like to pray. You could tell there was nothing that would make her happier than to pray over her baby girl. If there was nothing else good I did this entire wedding day, this moment was all that I needed to feel fulfilled. As a Christian, knowing God was invited into part of this day lifted my spirt. Seeing the joy on Katie's moms face, and the tear swell in both of their eyes made it clear they both needed that.
Destination weddings often mean a limited bridal party, in this case we had the best man and maid of honor only. I could tell they really were connected to them, and the photographs that really stood out to me as I crafted this blog were these candid moments.
Katie chose to share a first look with her dad. It was heartwarming to see his face as he walked up the stairs to his little girl. Of course the whole exchange was proceeded by the perfect furry companion.
Bridal Portraits by the Bay were a must for this coastal loving bride. With a train full of detail I found myself leaning towards wider full length shots and I don't regret it one bit. We were thankful the rain cleared out just in time for some outdoor bridal portraits.
On to the beach we went for the Evans' ceremony. While it was still fairly windy, the exchange of rings and a kiss were not the slightest bit interrupted. These lovers were ready to become husband and wife.
Now for the part everyone is dying to see...
These Bride and Groom portraits were everything. The rough surf masked the dark angry waters and created a stunning light backdrop to beautifully highlight the coastal look we wanted. In spite of the wind, Katie looked absolutely jaw dropping from head to toe. Josh looked quite dapper in his linen suit too.
We made our way back to the house on the bay for the wedding reception. Close friends and family welcomed the bride and groom in for their first dance, a loving embrace, followed by laughter in the arms of her father.
The best treats are round and filled with sugar, a cookie exchange far outdoes a cake cutting if you ask me!
Toasts, prayers and dancing with a doggy led us into the final moments of daylight. We wisked away the bride and her groom for a handful of additional portraits by the water.
It was the perfect way to wrap up their wedding day and send them back ready to bask in the love of their family and friends.
Until tomorrow I told them... in lieu of Katie's very special request. A dip in the Gulf dressed in their wedding attire.
We took a trip out the afternoon following the wedding to the St. George Island State Park. Only a few short minutes were spent taking jaw dropping wide landscape portraits before Katie couldn't resist any longer. It was time to get in the waves. After the initial crashing waves they got a little steamy on the beach. I'm still a little obsessed with how those turned out.
From start to finish this Florida wedding experience was absolutely beautiful. St. George Island did not disappoint and served as the perfect destination for a relaxed coastal wedding weekend.