Moments Embraced: Our Favorite Stories of 2016, Part 2

It’s here!

Part 2 of our Favorite Stories of 2016 series! These are some of the most special blog posts we do because we get to pull together moments from so many weddings into one beautiful place.

(If you missed Part 1, you definitely want to check it out. You can find it here!)

So after hours of getting distracted by giggling over memories as I sifted through all the galleries of 2016 to try to narrow down our favorite memories (neither is an easy feat, I assure you!), I bring you Part 2 of 2016’s favorite memories!

{Venue: Hampton Cove Wedding Plantation // Dress: The Something Blue Shoppe // Hair and Makeup Artist: Brianna Cunningham}

Our Favorite Shoes

Shoes are such a romantic part of the day.

These shoes are snuggled in the box all morning, peeking through a tiny slit underneath the lid that was left slightly ajar when the photographer brought it back to the bridal suite.

When the big moment arrives, the bride takes each shoe out of the box and slips them gracefully on her feet. What a splendid moment!

Although we must be honest here – have you ever tried to put on your shoes while wearing a wedding dress? Graceful or not, it’s still a splendid moment!!

These are the slippers that twirl around in excited anticipation as the bride sees her groom for the first time. They carry her down the aisle. They take one faithful step after another as she greets each guest at her reception. They dance the night away, confident and sure.

And at the end of the night, when the car door closes and a blissful silence encompasses the night, these shoes are kicked off and tossed onto the floor. As they sleepily rest their weary heels, they can’t help but smile at at a big, beautiful, wonderful day.

Our Favorite Flower Girl Moments

Oh, to be a flower girl! It’s to be a princess for a day!

With yards and yards of tulle to twirl in, and perhaps a floral crown or basket of petals! And maybe, just maybe, a dash of soft pink lipgloss to make the day complete.

We can’t help but love these sweet, adorable little girls so much!

{Venue: Florence First United Methodist Church // Dress: Couture Closet // Hair and Makeup Artist: Laren Lindholm // Floral: Lola’s Florist // Coordinator: Chelsea Kennedy Events}

Our Favorite Reception Set-Up

What is this magic that transforms a plain, simple space into a fairytale ballroom of drapes and lights and colors?

An empty room, still and silent. Waiting to see what elegance it will hold before the evening is over. As the drapes are swooshed through the air and warm lights are turned on, the magic of the day begins to unfold one floral arrangement at a time.

As voices start to waft through the hallways in a joyous procession to this magical room, I think it smiles a little. To be the place of such memories and moments, to have its dance floor tread upon by so many in love, and to get a little peek into what makes their story unique.

And this ballroom was worthy of the magic. <3

{Venue: The Westin // Draping, Design, & Florals: Kris Clark Designs // Lighting & Edison Chandelier: Metropolitan DJ}

Our Favorite Sunset Portraits

There is something absolutely magical about sunset portraits.

Maybe it’s the way the golden light from a sleepy sun makes its way over the hills, through the leaves, and drifts around two people so in love.

Maybe it’s the promise that with the end of every day is the hope of a brand new one.

Maybe it’s the romantic colors of gold and red and yellow that paint everything with smooth strokes of an invisible paintbrush.

Maybe it’s the mystery of love.

{Venue: The Ledges // Dress: Madison Town & Country Bridal Shoppe // Hair Artist: Amanda Thomas // Makeup Artist: Laney Harris // Florals: Albert’s Flowers // Videographer: Oak Hill Films}

{Venue: Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club // Dress: Couture Closet // Hair and Makeup Artist: Laren Lindholm // Floral: Lola’s Florist // Coordinator: Chelsea Kennedy Events}

{Venue: Meadow Creek Farm // Dress: Modern Brides // Hair Artist: Hannah Fuller // Florals: Nip and Tuck Florist // Videographer: John Gibson}

{Venue: Meadow Creek Farm // Dress: Michael Mason Bridal // Hair Artist: Ashley the Fabulous // Makeup Artist: Leslie Ware // Florals: Simpson’s Florist // Coordinator: Helping Hand Parties}

{Venue: Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club // Dress: Couture Closet // Hair and Makeup Artist: Laren Lindholm // Floral: Lola’s Florist // Coordinator: Chelsea Kennedy Events}

Our Favorite Ring Shots

Every wedding photographer loves ring shots, and we are definitely no exception! They’re elegant and delicate, the stones glisten in the sunlight, they don’t wiggle too much, and they hold so many promises.

Wedding rings hold beautiful stories deep inside.

The story the love of a man in love dropping to one knee, holding it in his shaking hand, and whispering the question that every girl dreams of hearing.

The story of dancing and twirling around her bedroom at night, way too excited to sleep. It proudly shines and shimmers as friends and family come to admire it.

The story of so many wedding details.

The story of the wedding….

And yet that is just the beginning.

It’s story is a promise of forever. That life with love and commitment is held within its golden rim. That through thick and thin, it will remind each of a promise made so long ago.

And that is a beautiful story to hold.

We can’t wait to see you for our favorite memories of 2016, Part 3!

*hugs*

Amber

{Venue: The Taylor-Grady House // Dress: David’s Bridal // Hair and Makeup: Flourish Hair Salon // Florals: Always Always Flowers}