I met with Cristin and Shawn and in December of 2017 at a Starbucks. We spent a lot of time talking about their big day, what they wanted in terms of photography and about my business. I could immediately tell how in love they were and how excited they were for their big day. Cristin and I immediately connected. We parted ways that day and a couple weeks later I was officially their photographer. Over the next couple of months as they planned all the details of their big day, I spent my time getting excited to photograph their wedding day at the stunning Ruby Cora. May 19th dawned hot and muggy with a chance of rain. I walked into the Ruby Cora to find Cristin in the bridal suite excitedly getting ready with her ladies and Shawn hanging out with his guys in the equally gorgeous groom’s suite. Excitement was in the air. The entire day was smooth sailing. The groomsmen and bridesmaids were so much fun and were clearly excited to celebrate with Cristin and Shawn.
The ceremony came and went and not a drop of rain. Cristin’s mother walked her down the aisle as her father had passed away when Cristin was younger. Everyone there said that her dad kept the rain away so she could have the perfect wedding day. Shawn was so emotional and excited as he saw his bride walk down the aisle. Cristin and Shawn chose to do a first look and many people think that doing a first look will take away the emotions of seeing each other at the end of the aisle but I find that it isn’t usually the case. The moment you see your loved one at the altar is another feeling entirely and Shawn’s face when he saw Cristin said it all. He couldn’t wait to marry her! The two partook in Holy Communion and after some beautiful words by their officiant, Chad Rowland, the two exchanged rings and were officially husband and wife. The look on their faces said it all! The practically ran back up the aisle from excitement.
After a few fun and formal wedding party portraits, we took some time just for the two of them. I let them get close and sink in the moments that were quickly slipping away. Weddings do go very fast and that’s why I love couple time. This time allows you to be with your spouse and take it all in. The photos I took of these two are some of my favorites. They were so easy to work with and an absolutely gorgeous couple! During this time, it got a little crazy as the rain did threaten to start and during the reception it did sprinkle a little but it never poured. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were welcomed into their reception with laughter, clapping and so much joy. The two danced to Chris Stapleton’s Millionaire and after the cake cutting, the bouquet and garter toss and sweet toasts from Shawn’s best friend and Cristin’s sister, the party officially began. These guys can party. The dance floor was always packed and their music selection was on point. As the party wrapped up, everyone headed outside for their sparkler exit and let me tell you, this has to be my favorite sparkler exit. These two drove off from their wedding day in a Cadillac that Shawn has been working on restoring. It’s beautiful! What better way to leave one of the best days of your life then by a Cadillac!!
I can’t express how much fun and love was had on their big day. I asked Cristin to write a little bit about how she felt after her big day and this is what she had to say: “It was the most perfect day I could have ever imagined, my sweet Dad who is in heaven made sure his baby girl had the best day ever. Everyone who was a part of it made things so easy and carefree for me so I was able to soak in each moment without worry!”
Thank you to all of the amazing vendors who helped make Cristin and Shawn’s big day so special!
Ceremony/Reception Venue | The Ruby Cora
Caterer | Simply Catering
Officiant | Chad Rowland
Photographer | Liz Courtney Photography
Band/DJ | Logan Moore
Baker | Sweet Tooth Designer Cakes
Florist | Hair Affair & Weddings Etc
Hair | Whitney Wilson & Courtney Morgan
Makeup | Whitney Wilson & Courtney Morgan
Bridesmaids Dresses | Wedding Belles/Designer-Bill Levkoff
Menswear | Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Dress | Wedding Belles/Designer-Maggie Soterro
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands | Golden Eagle Jewelry and Manly Bands
