back yard wedding

Curt & Ashley

 

So I (Jordan) have known Curt for years from us working together for a long time at a dealership together. We always got to enjoy talking about music and fun camera/production type things together when we had a chance. Years later and we have both started beautiful families and when they mentioned having us capture their wedding day, we knew it was going to be an absolute joy full of little Clara smiles and beautiful floral arrangements.

The day started for us with the girls at the ceremony location and we actually bumped into Ashley outside while we were looking around at everything with perfect timing and got to say hey. We then all went upstairs to get details while the girls finished getting their hair and makeup done so I left Morgan and Bella to do the details while I went down the road to the Markey home where the guys were getting ready still. We did just a few photos there of them getting ready and then I made my way back to the girls just in time for photos of the dress and the girls finishing up hair and makeup. Upon finishing hair and makeup, we photographed some more details outside and helped get the guys boutonnieres pinned on and their group photographs completed. Once Ashley finished getting into her absolutely beautiful dress, we got some last few photographs and gave her a moment to facetime with her mother who was not able to travel for health reasons. Shortly after that, some more family came into the room for some impromptu first looks that were incredibly beautiful moments that we’re honored to have been a part of.

The backyard oasis of a ceremony kicked off beautifully all the way through Curt giving his Mom a kiss. Anyone who knows Curt and Ashley would suspect that that changed up a little bit just after he did that with it switching to Outcast’s “So fresh, so clean” as the guys put on sunglasses and Curt added a little extra swagger to his step going up. It’s completely in character and was a fun little transition between songs to accompany the rest of his walk. As Ashley came out accompanied by her Father in law, everyone stood up and from what we could tell, were all either crying or smiling ear to ear. It’s such a beautiful moment and we could tell that it would be by the tears flowing in the room earlier when Ashley asked to be walked by her Father in law. During the ceremony, the exchanged beautiful vows which will probably translate into the video better than if I typed them here or anything but, the whole thing was incredibly beautiful and full of both tears and laughter. After they said their I do’s and sealed it with a kiss, they threw their hands up in the air together in an adorable and happy moment before they walked back around together as Mr. and Mrs. Markey. It was then time for family formals which we decided on doing in the front/side yard because of the even lighting and beautiful greenery background. We managed to time Clara’s nap pretty well and she came out near the end of the photos in a great mood and we got to take a ton of photos of them all together. As we made our way back to the reception time in the back yard, the food was blessed and a small speech was given. After everyone ate their fill of tacos, we then made our way to cut the cake. Also, to explain the custom cake toppers, they were representative of Curt, Ashley and Clara and fit perfectly with the garden the flower themes. Shortly after they cut the cake and fed each other, there was a beautiful speech given by the best man Mark. Ashley and Curt shortly after also shared their first dance as husband and wife which was then followed by open dance floor for a while. Before we left, we also got to take some more couples portraits by the beautiful brick wall and gate into the neighbors yard which then led us to how we ended our night, Smores! We’re so excited for Curt, Ashley and Clara and honored to have been a part of this beautiful day marking the start of the next chapter in their lives together.

 
Augusta Wedding Photographer

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Ashley’s Dress: Custom dress from Tonena at Etsy 

•Alterations: Professional Touch by Tira - Augusta

•Rings/Jewelry: Windsor Jewelers 

•Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal/Windsor

•Junior Bridesmaids’s Dresses: Consignment 

•Flower Girl Dress: LittleStitchesbyT at Etsy

•Flower Girl headpiece: FeltGardenBoutique at Etsy

•Bride/Bridesmaids’ Hair: Madelyn Annis with Dahlia Salon + Spa

•Junior Bridesmaids’ Hair: Megan from Bloom Studio

•Bride/Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Gaby Gumus with GG Beauty Artistry 

•Groom/Best Man/Officiant suits: Men’s Warehouse 

•Venue: Bragg Family Home

•Flowers: Bride and friends with Southern Landscaping and Gifts 

•Welcome Sign: TheOopsyDaisyCo at Etsy

•Invitations: GildedSwanPaperie at Etsy

•Catering: Monterrey’s Restaurant 

•Cake: Publix

•Additional desserts, brownies, and cookies: Cherrie Alexander with Smeal’s Cookies 

Zach & Rebecca

 

So our last blog post was in Harlem and now, we’re right back with another one from Harlem but at a different venue in the Bead and Breakfast/Restaurant/Wedding Venue that is Red Oak Manor. Before we get into the rest of the day, we got to do Zach and Rebecca’s Engagement Session back around the beginning of 2022 which you can see here to read a little more about that and see some of our first time together in person.

The day started pretty simple with us being greeted as we walked up by Rebecca who was doing makeup in one of the spare rooms at the front. Once Zach showed up, she went to a different room and gave him that room so he hid out on the porch to keep from seeing her. Before long, they were both dressed and so we setup to do a first look with Rebecca’s Dad. In that moment you could see so much pride from him in his baby and his last daughter being married which made it a super sweet moment for us to see knowing that. We then hid Rebecca just around the corner while I put a mic on Zach and brought him out to get in place without seeing her. Then she came up to see him by the gazebo and shared a super sweet moment that we could tell slowly helped set in the reality of the moment and what was about to happen as they got a little more emotional near the end. Once they let us know they were ready for more photos, we did some with just the two of them around the gazebo there and then most of the family was already there so we hopped right into formal photos before taking them around the property more for other photos of just the two of them. Once we finished all of their photos, it was then time for the ceremony led by a family pastor who preaches just down the road in Harlem. They said their vows and had some advice and inspiration from the officiant before exchanging rings and sealing the deal with a kiss. Once they exited the ceremony and everyone was over at the reception, Rebecca bustled her dress and switched her shoes then we got ready for their entrance into the reception.

They entered into the reception and made their way to the dancefloor for their first dance which was followed by everyone eating their dinner. Once everyone was finishing up dinner and having fun talking with everyone else, they prepared to do toasts by the sweetheart table right after we did their cake cutting. The speeches shared a little insight into the relationships they share with their friends and each other. From here, it was pretty much an open dance floor the rest of the night until it was time to do a fake exit with glow sticks outside which was beautiful and everyone enjoyed the glowsticks enough to take them back inside with them for the rest of the dancing which is how our night ended. Rebecca and a few of her girls danced for a while then they decided to start packing up so we said goodbye as Zach got one more cupcake and we got to congratulate them again on our way out. They’re such a sweet couple and seem to have a ton of good family and friends that love them so very much, I know they will have a great future together and we’re excited for what adventures lay ahead!

 

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - Red Oak Manor

Dress - Tiffinie Bleu Bridal

Suits - Men’s Wearhouse

Everything Else - Venue or DIY

Chris & Helena

 

Right off the bat, I just want to say that if anyone ever told you that you can’t have a beautiful wedding in your back yard or at a courthouse, it can totally be done! Plus, it makes for a really great Thursday to be surrounded by your favorite people with the comfort of home while also just having the best BBQ brought from one of their favorite places in Statesboro called “I hope you like it”. The wedding day itself took place between their home and the Appling Courthouse’s Gazebo.

The day started with us following gps to a nonexistent road to their house and then I figured it out going another way and then have Chris meet us outside letting us know we were in the right place. Once we were inside, we got to meet their boys and the dogs of honor as well as get a good layout of where everything was going on in the back yard. From there, we gathered details and did some photos which turned out so elegant and we loved the pops of Yellow so much and then headed back inside as Chris and Helena got ready pretty quickly and then before we knew it, everyone started showing up at their house. We started doing some of the couples portraits early then got to witness everyone meeting and greeting as they showed up and then we did family photos with everyone just before making our way to the courthouse. Once we all made it there, we walked up the hill to the courthouse to get everything going then everyone met up at the gazebo outside to gather around during the ceremony. They said their I do’s and signed the marriage license then we did a few more family photos before everyone leaving to go back to the house while we did a few couples portraits around the courthouse area. Before long, we all hopped right back into our cars and went back across I-20 to their house in Harlem where a few more things were being placed before dinner and all of the kids were playing soccer or chasing balls that flew out of the fence from another game that I have no idea what to call it, but it was cool and entertained everyone for a long time with a sticky inflatable backboard thing. Enough about that though, a few dances from family members enjoying themselves later and it was time to eat. The food from “I hope you like it” blessed our souls and it was probably some of the best BBQ we’ve had, and we have had a lot of BBQ. Really, the night besides some playful dancing, cake cutting, more soccer and opening gifts, the night was more just about spending time together for the family and friends so it was nice. At one point, Helena took her friends to show them the new gym rack setup in the garage with a huge smile on her face and then there was a hunt where we were all walking around looking for a family members wedding ring in the grass and it turned out it was in his pocket after about 15 minutes of searching. That was about where the night ended for us just a little bit after that, we said bye to everyone and headed home but, it really was just an amazing way to spend a Thursday and we’re so excited to see what the future holds for the newlyweds!

 

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Leverett & Elizabeth

 

We can officially say we have photographed our last wedding of 2020 which is such a bittersweet sentence but, this last one went out with a bang! We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect wedding to end out the weddings for this year and we cannot say enough kind things about Leverett and Elizabeth. The entire wedding day you can literally feel the love from their families surrounding them and how in love/perfect they are for each other.

It’s always a joy to work with Wesley Cadle and his crew on a wedding but, this one was different and was close to home since the groom’s mother is one of his best friends. We knew right off the bat that it would be a special day and it started with meeting everyone in the kitchen gathered around enjoying each other’s company. Not too long after, Leverett made his way upstairs to his old bedroom to finish getting ready. We talked about some of the amazing details like his shoes and the custom cuff links that his bride to be bought for him. Then before too long his brother came and visited and helped him with a few last touches while we awaited the bride to arrive. He stayed in his room for a little while to avoid the chance of seeing her too early. Once she arrived and was finished getting ready, it was time for their first look. This was more than just one first look though, one of his best friends surprised him by showing up the first time in a dress unexpectedly and Leverett was surprised and couldn’t stop laughing. After they laughed and took a few photos together, it was time for the real first look with his bride. He turned back around and she came out then told him to turn around and he was again surprised and filled with joy at the sight of his beautiful bride. Once they finished their moment together, we took a few family photos and then headed into the yard just a little behind the pool area for some photos with the happy couple.

As we arrived to the chapel located at the Church of the Good Shepherd, it was getting to be a little darker and we learned that this would actually be the first wedding in the chapel which is really cool. We took a few photos in front of some of the beautiful architecture of the church with Leverett and Elizabeth as well as some family photos just before we went inside to start the ceremony. It was an intimate ceremony in a pretty dark but beautiful chapel room and their families gave beautiful scripture readings and one of our favorite parts after they said their vows and kissed was the fact that they did communion with the groom’s grandparents. The oldest marriage and the youngest marriage sharing in communion in a room alone and we had the honor of capturing such a beautiful moment for them. Once that was finished, we made our way back to the house from the earlier part of the day to have one last big party before his mom sold the house. There was an amazing 4 course meal and as they walked around with the champagne for everyone, the toasts began to start and everyone came outside. There were many toasts and amazing things were said including one of the funniest speeches we have ever heard delivered by his grandfather that until that moment seemed to be relatively quiet. Everyone erupted with laughter and more toasts were given welcoming the couple into the other family and showing an abundance of love. As soon as they were finishing up with hugging everyone and most of the crowd was still there, we took a big group photo of everyone and then started taking everyone out to do the exit. As they made their way towards the Classic Toyota SUV, everyone cheered and threw flower pedals. Once they hopped into the SUV, we had them share one last kiss and say goodbye to everyone before everyone hopped in the limo to go to Bodega Ultima for their after party. We are so excited for the joining of these beautiful families and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Leverett and Elizabeth!

 

Vendors List

Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto

Venue - Private Residence and Church of the Good Shepherd

Planner/Coordinator - Wesley Cadle Inc.

Dress - Garmentory (Designer: Kamperett)

Men’s Vests - Sid Mashburn

Rings - Windsor Jewelers

Catering/Cake - Southern Way

Limo Service - William Murrell