I was SO excited to hear from Meredith–she and I had been friends way, way, back in the day when my family first moved here and we went to the same pool club together. Our families were friends and we see each other around town sometimes, but she and I went to different schools, so over the years we didn’t see each other. Time passed and she grew into a beautiful young woman, fell in love, and got engaged! You could imagine my surprise and excitement when she said she was getting married at her parent’s home! They had a beautiful garden and a large piece of yard to put up a tent with elegant centerpieces and other decorations. Meredith is still as sweet and genuine as the little girl I knew from childhood. Justin has a great sense of humor and is a lot of fun! She and Justin are perfect for each other. It was really a joy to return to this house and this wonderful family and spend the day with all of them!
Adored the bow detail!
Loved these clutches that Meredith gave to each of her girls as a gift–it was in the wedding colors and they can use it so many times after, too! So thoughtful!
So cute, Meredith touches up her sister’s hair in the home they grew up in together…and now on her wedding day!
Meredith did her mom’s hair, she’s got some talent! 🙂
Meredith gave each of her bridesmaids a heartfelt letter along with a gift, she’s such a doll!
Cute little “Bride” unders! These are something fun to wear and are also nice because they have that bit of blue for your charms!
All the little girls loved seeing Meredith in her stunning gown!
Meredith’s dad came in to see her in her gown, what a moving moment 🙂
Kissing her niece hello!
Meredith had quite a few charms on her bridal bouquet. These were trinkets from special people in her family–a pin, a bracelet, and this one that her father found and added on moments before, a bracelet made out of elephant hair from a traveling family member. What a wonderful way to incorporate the relationship you have with your family and friends into your wedding day!
Sisters 🙂 It was an emotional day for both of them–so many happy tears 🙂
We had some time before the ceremony, so we did the Bride and Bridesmaid portraits before the events got started! This was a nice way for the girls to relax and have their photos taken without a crowd, we did individuals of all the girls as well as some funny ones for a good time 🙂
After hanging out with Meredith and the Bridesmaids, I stopped over to see Justin and his groomsmen, who looked very sharp in their gray tuxes! We did shots of them before the ceremony as well…and some pretty hilarious photos that I’m sure Justin will remember for quite a long time 🙂
LOVED doing a First look without actually looking! This is such a cute concept–you meet with each other before your ceremony in a location where you can still remain hidden from view of each other! We decided on this location when I went to Meredith’s house to meet with her and Justin, we liked it because it hid each of them perfectly, and it showed off Meredith’s family’s flags, which made a really cool backdrop. This is a wonderful way to take a moment to each other on your special day and still keep tradition 🙂
Loved getting these shots of a beautiful young lady in the back yard she grew up in!
All the details of her exquisite gown!
Awaiting Meredith 🙂
All of the lovely bridesmaids lined up, ready to walk the ceremony! 🙂
During the ceremony, they took some space as a couple to read letters that they wrote for each other. Very intimate and unique!
There wasn’t a dry eye in the audience as this lovely lady sang a romantic song for her dear friend! It was such a heartfelt song, and Rachel has a stunning voice!
Such a beautiful duet!
Parents of the bride, so cute, looking on with pride as their daughter says her vows!
She’s just got the most charming smile!
The little ringbearer was so proud of his “job”–he got to ring the bell in the yard after the ceremony!
Everyone was literally SO excited for these two! 🙂
We noticed some gray clouds rolling in, so I grabbed my trusty clear umbrella I use for shoots just to cover them in case! Luckily the rain held off so I could get some photos of this gorgeous couple in this pretty garden–they were so cute and beamed with happiness!
Loved the backdrop the vibrant, colorful zinnias provided!
Look at how she looks at him–isn’t that sooo romantic? 🙂
This photo is my personal favorite! I adore ivy and vines, and with Meredith and Justin framed in the beautiful green leaves, it just speaks of Wedding Romance!
At this time it started to rain, so Justin was a gentleman and carried Meredith’s shoes and also the umbrella and they walked into the house together. All of the guests joined them for a few minutes inside the house until the rain stopped.
We took a break for a house party while it rained for a bit 🙂 Everyone just found a spot and continued having a good time! Meredith’s sister said that this felt very normal–she said this is what the house was like every holiday, so it was just like all their other family parties 🙂
Still life during the house party! One of the guests remarked that you couldn’t set this up if you tried–a sliced baguette, a tomato with one bite taken out of it, and a shot glass. Perfect 🙂
I thought this was so cool–someone wrote Justin’s and Meredith’s (new!) initials on the chalkboard in the kitchen. As a child, she saw notes and drawings, and now she sees her and her husbands shared initials together!
Meanwhile back at the reception area… the place settings…. 😉 crackers!
The distressed shabby chic door made a wonderful seating arrangement holder!
Loved the h’orderves table–a shabby chic desk topped with wildflowers–beautiful!
There was no knife or server to be found around the cake, but that was ok because Meredith’s nephew came to the rescue with his sword! His toy sword, that is! He lent them his sword so they could cut their cake!
Loved all these paper crowns everywhere! So festive and unique!
So I gotta say…these guys have it going on. This band, Tricky Dick and the Cover Ups did an AMAZING job at rocking Meredith and Justin’s party like you wouldn’t believe! The energy and talent they had kept the party going like crazy! Everyone had such a good time, and the music they played was something everyone could enjoy. The dance floor was packed the whole night and were so much fun! If you want a talented, creative band to play your next event, visit them at their website here or follow them on Facebook here! You’ll be impressed just like we were!
It’s good luck to do keg stands with the bride assisting you 🙂
All tuckered out 🙂 So sweet!
Even the ring bearer got to try his hand at the drums!
Bride and Groom on stage! 🙂
Meredith and Justin, thank you so much for allowing me to share in your special day! It was an honor to capture these beautiful moments for you. Thank you for all of your kindness and hospitality, and I wish you two the best on this wonderful new life together!
Kate Stutz Photography 