We met Ray and Jackie just a few weeks ago to talk about their wedding next June and got to see their relationship up close during this engagement/family session with their boy Aden. We enjoyed talking about one of their favorite vacation spots (Universal Orlando) because they’re going soon and then of course that led into a little bit of Marvel nerdiness on our part. We also got to see a few Alligators (from a safe distance of course) and Aden thought they were pretty cool. Getting to know them more and more throughout the hour and learning about their planning process that Ray has taken on made us happy that we’re able to help with vendor recommendations. Next June can’t come soon enough and we’re so happy for this sweet couple!
Dequan & Sherry
We had the absolute joy of meeting this couple in person for their engagement session at Rose Hill in Aiken which you can see here. By the end of that session, we loved this couple and their whole family by association already and were super excited for this wedding day. With some change of plans due to Covid and ease of travel for family, they landed on 2nd on York (aka Second Baptist Church in Aiken, SC) which could host the ceremony and reception easily.
Come wedding day, we met with some of the vendors and walked through the space since we had arrived early. We then went to say hey to the bride Sherry and all of her girls. We started how we typically do with gathering her details to photograph them quickly so we could get them all back to her. Once we finished that, the guys started to show up as well as our third shooter and so we gave her a rundown then I split off to go with the guys for a while. With the guys, we got to make a lot of fun jokes and hang out as well as grab a steamer from the girls to steam some shirts. With the girls, Sherry was having her hair done and they were making adorable tik-tok videos for the wedding day transformation. Once the guys had finished getting ready, we stepped out to the far side of the parking lot to attempt them having shade and greenery somewhat since we knew the bride loved greenery. It was super hot so, of course we made sure to be quick so the guys could go back in and snack on some fruit and water that the Father of the Bride had brought. As I met back up with the girls, the ceremony decor was finishing up as well as the band’s setup. So we captured a few moments there before the room filled up and before we knew it, the bride was finishing getting in her dress and then we made our way to prepare for the ceremony. Once everyone made their way down, the bride’s father (who is hilarious by the way) made a nice little walk half way down the aisle saying hey to everyone and then he stopped to wait for his little girl. She made her way around the corner and we could see Dequan holding himself together super well with the biggest smile on his face. Once she locked arms with her Dad, they walked the rest of the way together with her son on the other side. Now they were together at last at the altar and ready to tie the knot (literally in this case because they had a three strand knot to tie in the ceremony which represents themselves and God in their relationship.) They exchanged their vows and even took communion together before sealing the deal with a kiss. As they made their way back up the aisle as husband and wife, everyone in the entire building lit up with a smile. Everyone followed behind them to hide away in another room which is where they also signed the marriage certificate before doing a quick room reveal of the reception space. Once we finished that, we made our way over to Hopelands Gardens for all of the family, bridal party and a few couples photos. We quickly went down the list and added in a few and still managed to catch back up on the schedule pretty well. It was hot so, we were quick to get everyone back to the Air Conditioning.
Once we all met back up at the reception where everyone else had been enjoying some smaller snacks and the photobooth, we went into the reception space to prepare for their entrance together. I almost always switch to video at this point and Morgan switches to lead photographer during the reception and we’re able to divide and conquer pretty well. The newly weds were announced in and went straight into their first dance, followed by the Father-Daughter dance. Near the end of their song, all of the sudden you hear a record scratch noise and it switches to a very upbeat song and all of the sudden they are joined on the dance floor by the Groom and his Mother just laughing away and enjoying letting loose a little bit together. Once this was finished, everyone sat down to enjoy dinner for a bit and then it was time for the toasts and cake cutting. There were a few toasts/speeches made and a few even that were a surprise to the couple but they all gave genuine sweet speeches before opening the dance floor. After a little bit of dancing, we went into the bouquet and garter tosses which were hilarious seeing the contrast of multiple girls jumping and diving to catch it and then the guys watching it land on the floor and then go to grab it. Once all of that was done, the dance floor really opened up and the couple walked around to different tables and groups for photos and hugging everyone. As everyone danced the night away (I cannot wait for this wedding film for some of these dance moves) the couple headed to the photobooth to take photos together there and with family and friends. It was around then that we got to say bye and congratulate them again. As we were walking out, we had the honor of Dequan walking us to our car and talking some more about their honeymoon and reflecting on the day a little bit before he got pulled away by some more guests in the parking lot. We cannot stress enough how much we love what we do thanks to couples like these two that we feel we can call our friends and that lift us up with kindness. We are excited for the Durant’s and what the future holds for them, their family and their ministry!
Vendors List
Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto
Dress - David’s Bridal Augusta, GA
Matron and Maid dresses - Frills by Scott in Statesboro GA
Groomsmen attire - Simon’s Formal in Augusta GA
Your Signature Floors by Tam out of Charleston SC
Tarnisha’s Touch hairstylist for bride
Set’n with Sinclair by Kadeshia for bride
Stationery invitations and signs - LMH Stationery and Designs, LLC
MUA : Makeup by Montrice & Moments by Tameka Mole
Saxophonist: Chris Grant
Keyboardist: Bubbee Bradham
Vocalist: Angel Miles & Carl Cook
Roneisha Badger & Megan Moore
Treat Table: Nicky’s Treats
Photobooth: JW Wiley Impressions
Wedding Cake: Kyndra’s Cakes by Kyndra Shedd
Caterer: Dream’s 2 Reality by Latreal Strickland
Jeremiah and Amanda Engagement Session
So, this is a a fun two part engagement session with one of our favorite couples. We photographed her sister’s wedding and became friends with the family pretty quickly. You can see that post here. As soon as Amanda reached out, I am pretty sure we looked at each other and let out some sort of excited noise because we loved the family and this couple is so fun!
Now on the first part of the engagement session, we met up with Amanda and Jeremiah at the park and there was originally no chance of rain besides the little bit that happened earlier that day but, sometimes it changes last minute. We were literally about half way into the session and heading back to the front of the park when the sky fell and in that moment you have a decision to make. Do you embrace the rain and go full Notebook, run to shelter that’s close or run to the cars with no cover. So them being such a cool couple decided to embrace it for a second and then we ran to shelter. That also allowed us to plan a part two since they didn’t get their full time and even though we had plenty of great shots, we didn’t want to give them an unfinished session so, as we were drying off a little under the shelter, we planned part two. We had agreed on Redcliffe Plantation in Beech Island but, it was 4th of July weekend and they closed so the day of, we switched to one of our go to parks in North Augusta, Brick Pond Park. Once we met up, we walked into the park together and got to see a bunch of Alligators and start the dreamy sunset session together. The amount of jokes thrown out during both of the sessions made it so much fun and they’re just an adorable couple so, our job was fairly easy really. We ended the session with such a gorgeous sunset by the dock and said our goodbyes. We are so excited to be a part of their wedding day next April!
Vendors List
Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto
Location - Reed Creek Park and Brick Pond Park
Jason & Alyssa
We had the joy of meeting up with Jason and Alyssa for their engagement session back in the Fall of 2020. You can see that session here. We got to learn about the amazing work that they both do and even get a good feel for their fun sense of humor. Fast forward to the wedding day at one of our favorites, Windsor Manor in Augusta, GA. Every time we shoot a wedding there, I swear Ian has done something new again and we get to try out new things and this was no exception!
On the wedding day, we arrived early to start on details as we normally do and got to meet up with the guys for a bit since the girls were showing up already hair and makeup ready to go. Once we said hey and the girls arrived, we split up to cover details and some different venue shots. Morgan stayed with the girls and got to capture this super sweet gift that Alyssa’s Mom gave to her (pictured below) and they had a super sweet moment. At the same time, I was in the room with the guys getting ready and joking around before heading out to do their group photos. I had our third shooter Tom with me outside and we had a great time getting to know everyone a little more. We quickly finished up the group and individual photos with the guys and then just a few of Jason by himself before sending them back up to their room so we can get the girls to do the same thing. In the process of Alyssa finishing up getting ready, her Dad snuck into the room and we had a bit of a surprise first look that went perfectly as he may or may not have shed a few tears and we may or may not have as well. Once that amazing moment had passed, we took the girls outside to do their group photos before getting ready for the first look. We had everyone outside to watch from a distance for the first look and I ran to get Jason from inside and also to mic him for the first look. Once we had him in place for the first look, we moved out of the way to capture it and let them have their own moment. It was so sweet, Jason held back tears as much as he could. We then went straight into the full Bridal Party photos and had a few funny ones in there.
Now it was time for the Ceremony and we had set up everything we needed to set up. So we’re photographing guests arriving and then everyone coming down the aisle all the way to the moment where the Bride walks down the aisle. This is one of those perfect scenarios and examples of times where the first look only adds to the day and makes it less stressful but, the moment of the Bride walking down the aisle still has an amazing reaction. Long story short, everyone got teary eyed again and there was so much joy in that garden. Once they exchanged vows and rings, they kissed and with a fun little twist, walked up the aisle with everyone blowing bubbles! Once everyone had made it out, we took care of the family photos with everyone to make sure we got everything and then went around the venue grounds with the newlyweds to do their couples photos which is always fun. We finished those up and then they made their way inside to prepare for their announcement into the reception and first dance. They shared a beautiful slow dance and also the father/daughter and mother/son dances were super sweet. After the dances, they transitioned into the speeches by the Bride’s Father and then Jason’s best man Humberto who we actually have the honor of capturing his wedding day in December. That was also followed by Alyssa’s Matron of Honor, Rebecca who gave an emotional speech to her best friend. From that point on pretty much, the dance floor was open as well as the cake cutting, bouquet toss and garter toss that took place. As the night was winding down and actually dark enough for the exit, we Mike (the DJ) announce to everyone to meet us where we would do the glow stick exit. As everyone was in place, we made our way walking backwards as the happy couple walked in front of us and had them stop and kiss about half way. Everyone was cheering and so happy to be a part of this amazing couple’s wedding day. Once we made it all the way and they kissed one more time, they made their way back over to the dance floor and we made our way to parking lot. It was such a fun wedding and we felt like we were just an extension of the bridal party most of the day. We are so happy for them and look forward to catching up in December at Humberto and Teresa’s wedding day.
Vendors List
Photography - Beauty & Beard Photography @beautyandbeardphoto
Venue - Windsor Manor
Catering- Silver palm
Dress- Elegant Bridals
DJ - Magic Sounds Production (DJ Magic Mike)
Florist- Rachel Frisell (Garden Gathered Flowers)