Who:

Amy + Justin

What:

Wedding

When:

April 27, 2008

Where:

Eden Gardens State Park | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

I remember the first time I met Amy face-to-face. Charles and I were in Atlanta for the wedding of Heather + Michael last July and Amy agreed to swing by and meet us at our hotel restaurant. We had already spoken via phone and emailed back and forth quite a bit and Amy + Justin had even signed a contract and retained us for their wedding date - so this meeting was more of an excuse to get to officially meet and chat about her big day… and I just remember how incredibly striking she was to me. And it was more than just ‘wow, she’s a beautiful girl’ - which is undeniable, but more the absolute joy she shared when she spoke with such excitement about marrying her very best friend. We did not have the opportunity to meet Justin until we shot their engagement session in Seaside late last year, but in that session I could see her affections were returned. Just the way these two look at each other… It makes you want to fall in love all over again.

With such amazing chemistry between these two, how could I not make this wedding another 100:1 feature?

Again, we’re trying to share a little bit more about how we ’see’ a day, start to finish - so here’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Pay special attention to their ‘first sight’ in the garden - I think that just maybe you can actually FEEL the love:

Girls spend hours primping, hugging, and even a little bit of crying.

Guys dress in a matter of minutes, throw a football in the house, and hit golf balls in the backyard. Incredible.

Eden Gardens State Park is a gorgeous venue located just north of 30-A in the Santa Rosa Beach area. As far as outdoor ceremonies go, it is definitely one of the favored non-beach spots along the coast.

Amy + Justin’s first sight was just breathtaking. Even Charles cried a little.

It was so touching to see two people so in love, and so overcome by emotion. They began the long walk towards each other here…

… and I’ll never forget Amy saying, barely above a whisper, “Come to me faster.” I was a pile of tears when Justin eagerly RAN to meet his bride!

The magic moment:

A thoughtful gift from his bride - a locket with a photo of Justin’s late father that he wore down the aisle.

Following the first sight, we were supposed to meet up with the bridal party and family and roll right in to group formals, but with a setting so perfect and such awesome chemistry between the soon-to-be weds, we had to take a few minutes for some couple work.

And because we don’t show group formals much outside of 100:1 features, here are a few extra for you:

If you thought the first sight was something, just wait for the ceremony:

The reception was held at the lovely Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort.

The couple was greeted by their fans on the waterfront patio & had their first dance as the sun was setting… unfortunately, with overcast skies we didn’t get that pretty orangey pink hue overhead, but the upside was nice, even light!

The best man ended up stealing the show with a musical toast. It had an Adam Sandler-esque quality & delivery… I’ve never laughed so hard!

All in all, a beautiful and emotional day that reminded us why we love what we do. Thanks for letting me share.

- Meg