Weddings are always a family affair but this one REALLY was. Lauren is my cousin on my dad’s side. When she got engaged to Chad I was just waiting for her to ask me to photograph their wedding- I’ve shot a few weddings for family members over the years and they are always my favorite days. When she did I was so thrilled! And it was a destination wedding to boot- yippee! Lauren has wanted a beach wedding ever since she was little. Chad wanted to keep it small and simple and wanted a court house wedding. So their compromise was an intimate little wedding of just family and a couple close friends on the beach in Florida. We all got down there a couple days ahead of the wedding to hang out, beach it up, sip beers poolside and take in some beautiful sunsets. It was an atypical wedding morning for me in that I got to shoot the getting ready portion in my jammies (perks of knowing your “clients” really well 😊 ). There wasn’t much anxiety or nerves like there gets sometimes pre-ceremony. Everyone was chill and simply ready for this day to be here already. Chad met Lauren in a little round about way through Lauren’s mom 7 years ago. After their first date, driving around back roads in Chad’s truck, Lauren texted her best friend and said, “I’m going to marry this guy someday”. When you know that quickly without hesitation you’ve found something truly special. They’ve been through a lot together already and you can see how strong their relationship has become. Seeing Chad watch Lauren as she made her way toward him down that sandy aisle, you could feel the love. The ceremony was officiated by our cousin, Ryan (told ya it was a family affair) and was finished with a good wishes sea shell toss into the ocean. After a few pics we had to take a water and shade break. It was a record breaking heat on Saturday, the hottest day in Navarre, FL in 115 years. People were melting but no one complained, simply waited for the sun to dip to get a little relief. Once it did it was beautiful and the evening was perfect. We danced, toasted, cried, drank margaritas, sang along to the music at the top of our lungs and ended the night with a sparkler send off. I’m so happy I was able to be there, to share their joy and to capture these moments for them. I really can’t say enough how special it is to do this job, particularly for people you love. Lauren and Chad, you guys are great, even better together and I couldn’t be happier for you both. You are puzzle pieces that fit just right. All my love!
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