Dianne wore Ken’s heavy jacket until the last possible moment, then I’d take it, we’d shoot, and I’d run back over to put it back on her ’til we were ready for the next shot.

David had an idea in his head for making sand angels — how fun!

We love to get shots of the rings in some unique way that features something about the couple or the wedding. In this case, having the beach and ocean in the background was perfect. David’s ring is made of a metal called palladium, like platinum in durability and looks, but lighter in weight, since it’s much bigger than Dianne’s dainty infinite ring.

The weather might have been cold, but some of these photos are kinda steamy. ;)

When we were done with everything else, David said he wanted to scoop Dianne up and wade into the water. He promised to keep her dry, but she said if she had to get in the water for a photo, she’d do it. Gotta love a girl like that! (But, for the record, we did keep her dry!)

Gosh! Where do I start in their story??? Dianne and David are the kind of people who make (and keep!) life-long friends. Dianne and I have literally known each other for all our lives, and were pen pals back in the days before email. Our moms have been friends since they were in the fourth grade! Dianne and her matron of honor have known each other since elementary school, and we talked to so many guests of the wedding who have been friends with either Dianne or David for years. Ironically, Dianne and David just barely missed meeting each other for decades: they both grew up in the Charleston area; he dated a girl that went to her high school; they both attended the same medical school and did their residencies within two hours of each other; they lived within five miles of each other for several years in Jacksonville, had mutual friends, and even attended the same church! But when they finally did meet, they spent an entire evening talking like old friends, and were immediately smitten with each other. 
(Want to see engagement photos? They’re HERE.)

As Dianne was having her hair and makeup done, I asked how she felt: excited or nervous? She said nervous, but only about their choreographed first dance. She said “the forever part” didn’t scare her at all because she knows what a wonderful man David is.

Dianne and David chose not to see each other before the wedding, but they did text each other. ;)Meanwhile, David eagerly awaited Dianne’s arrival…

St. Paul’s By-The-Sea, the church where David and Dianne call home, is a very uniquely shaped church, with “tabby” concrete (mixed with tiny seashells) walls, an amazing acoustical ceiling, and a huge pipe organ. Their ceremony was beautiful and meaningful, and included a sweet time of blessing for Dianne and David and their two children, Jack and Natalie, as they became a family.

I am a mother, which means I am an expert in cute kids.
So I can say with authority that Natalie and Jack may just be the cutest e-v-e-r. (Except for my own, of course!)

The guests went on to enjoy cocktails and appetizers at the gorgeous reception site, Palm Valley Gardens, while we stopped at a little park for some sweet photos of the newly married couple. Kudos to David for scouting this place out on the way to the church that morning!

Despite concerns about that first dance, they performed their waltz and cha-cha routine like pros, and the guests loved it!

The cake perfectly reflected the style of their wedding, and was mighty tasty, too! The favors were Hershey’s kisses — because the night was full of kisses — tied up with adorable little personalized tags and a palmetto charm, since they are both from South Carolina.

After a fabulous reception, with delicious food and lots of dancing, Dianne and David were joyfully sent off amidst a shower of lavender!

But that’s not all!
Since they weren’t leaving for that enviable honeymoon until Monday, we met them the next morning bright and early — and COLD — at the beach for an after-session… but I’ll post those photos in a separate post — tomorrow!  {hee hee hee!}

Silliness on the railroad tracks. Not that we’re complaining: we love silly!

Chris had a running commentary going the whole time. We really needed an audio of this shoot. Hi-lar-i-ous! They kept us laughing, and they kept each other laughing. We all got a kick out of the crazy “Watch your step” sign on this door!

It was SO cold and windy! Whenever possible, we found little nooks and crannies to get Chris and Aubrey out of the wind. Like these:

One day, coming back from somewhere out of town, Chris stopped to eat at a restaurant, and someone came up and asked for his autograph. They thought he was a rock star. He guesses that guys in that small down just don’t wear skinny jeans and v-neck tees. He is just that cool. (I bet Aubrey is laughing at that!)
Love this big stucco wall and the tree!

Earlier in the week, Chris sent us this message on twitter: “pretty excited about this weekend-got my smile & smirk all ready for ya. Do you prefer sultry? That’ll take more prep.” I don’t know if Chris accomplished sultry, but Aubrey must’ve been practicing…

Thanks so much for such a fun afternoon!

Alli’s hair and make-up were done by Julie at Formal Faces; she did a fantastic job and was super sweet. She has a beautiful smile, too!
Once Alli was dressed, her little nieces came to see her, and they were convinced that Alli was a real, live princess.

Alli, you are simply stunning!

After all the fun of the reception, Michael gave a few words of thanks to everyone for coming, to Alli’s parents for all their help and planning with the wedding, and to Alli for loving him and praying for him. They said their good-byes and headed out, surrounded by love and bubbles…

By now, Alli and Michael are honeymooning in the Caribbean.
May God bless you both — and thank you SO much for letting us share this amazing day with you!