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Carolina Country Club wedding | Jackie-Lane + John

When you find the perfect someone, you just know. Sometimes you run across that person. And sometimes, other people run across that person for you. That’s how it was for Jackie-Lane and John. Jackie-Lane’s sister and John’s family were neighbors and friends in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It was clear to them that Jackie-Lane and John would be perfect for one another. The trick, however, was to get them together since Jackie-Lane was in school in Raleigh at Meredith College and John was down in Hilton Head. Unbeknownst to both Jackie-Lane and John, however, a plan was being put into place. Knowing how important her nieces and nephews are to her, Jackie-Lane’s sister convinced her to come to Hilton Head to babysit. That would be the first time she would meet John. Even though Jackie-Lane was there on a “mission” – to babysit – and therefore, not really interested in John, he was smitten! And the wheels of this love train were set into motion. He pursued her and it didn’t take too many dates for the feelings to become mutual.

The night before the wedding, Jackie-Lane recounted how she had prayed for her future husband since she was a little girl. She prayed for a good man. An honest man. A man who loved the Lord and would put Him first in his life and in their relationship. And a man who would love her wholly and completely. And with tear-filled eyes and a breaking voice she shared that her prayers had indeed been answered. And that John is so much more than she ever had even dreamed and hoped and prayed for.

So on a gorgeous, almost fairy-tale-like summer day, surrounded by family and friends, Jackie-Lane and John said “I do!”. Through happy smiles and joyful tears, they pledged their love and lives to one another. To be honest and  faithful. To be steadfast in their commitment. And to love each other deeply and strongly. Forever.

Jackie-Lane and John, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love you both! You came to me strangers back in the fall and are now so much more than clients. You truly embody what friendship and family mean. You and your family are gems of the rarest kind, and I am not only honored but completely humbled to know you and to have had the opportunity to share in your day. May the joy and happiness that you felt on this day pale in comparison to each new day in your life together. I love you to pieces! OXOX ~ R

The creative team:
Ceremony Site: Hayes Barton United Methodist Church; Reception Venue: Carolina Country Club; Band: The Main Event; Cake Baker: My Heavenly Sweets; Florist: LML Events; Hair & Makeup: Hair Graphics and Bobbi Brown at Belk/Crabtree; Bridal Attire: Waters & Waters; Shoes: Nina; Groom’s Attire: Jos. A Bank; Bridal Party Attire: J Crew and Jos. A. Bank

The day began at Hayes Barton Methodist Church photographing gorgeous details…like this classic gown with portrait neckline, pleated bodice and gorgeous bow by Waters & Waters Gorgeous flowers for two gorgeous women! I love the look of pride and excitement on the faces of Jackie-Lane’s mom and sisters as they help her into her dress.  JL’s niece was mesmerized by it all. She said JL looked like a princess! The final touches… This much gorgeousness in one room shouldn’t even be legal! 
Meanwhile, in the groom’s dressing room…. A little help from two special parents… Such a look of adoration. Love. It.! JL – you are one lucky lady! Such a handsome man you just married!
Okay – this may be my favorite part of the day. JL and John were adamant about not actually seeing each other before the wedding. But, they wanted to talk in private – and JL had a very special gift for him. So, they opted to do a “non-look” first look. The parlor where JL and her girls dressed had a partition that made this whole “non-look” thing work well.  I think this is the most unbelievable gift a bride has ever given her groom. JL started a journal of letters to her future husband long before she ever met John – a journal that she intended to give him on her wedding day – whenever that would be. She didn’t know who he would be but she wrote letters to him that described his characteristics, what she hoped for in him and what she envisioned their relationship being like. After meeting and dating John, she continued to fill the journal with letters to him throughout their relationship and up until their wedding day – when she presented it to him and asked him to read the first entry right then. Talk about an emotion-filled moment between the two of them – it is probably the single most touching moment between a bride and groom that I have ever seen. (Do you know how hard it is to take photos through tears? Not. easy!) And, judging by JL’s reaction to John’s card to her, she’s not the only writer between the two of them.
And the card even had hydrangeas on it – JL’s favorite! One final sweet moment before they went their separate ways again. And then it was time for a handful of portraits — is this a happy bride or what? I’ve said to JL on more occasion that she looks like the “Estee Lauder bride”….and it couldn’t be more evident than in these photos. She just radiates! LoveloveLOVE this photo! Gorgeous!  Handsome men… And gorgeous ladies… Think JL’s friends love her? Just a little?  This is one of my favorite photos of the day. Just as we were finishing up our portraits, a gust of wind came through and took JL’s veil. Awesome capture by Wade, my second photographer. Don’t ask why I’m a huge fan of church steeples…but I am.  A most heartfelt prayer by JL’s sister before the processional… and a few words of advice for John as well… A sweet moment between father and daughter… You never know what little ones will do… So adorable!  🙂 A big kiss and…you think she’s a happy woman? Love. This. A very happy couple. I love this shot of JL watching guests leave just before they head over to CCC for the reception…
Beautiful and elegant details at the ballroom…. This cake is just wow. No seriously. It. was WOW!!! One of the most stunningly beautiful – and oh-so-Southern – cakes imaginable (and yes, I can personally testify that it tasted as good as it looked!). GOR-GEOUS! Personalized favors for the guests.
I couldn’t decide which ring shot I liked best — the one with the tees on the greens or… the one with the Bentley emblem… (the car buff in me is leaning toward this one!) This was one awesome bridal party! You totally ROCK! Heading out for a few private moments and photos together… H-O-L-Y-W-O-W!!! Gurl…could you be any more stunning? Seriously? Beautiful! Yes, I admit to loving the wind on their wedding day!  We only had a few short minutes to capture photos of JL and John, but it’s easy at CCC – there’s gorgeousness at every turn!
Love this little walkway we found….and glad we had a moment for you to enjoy some peace and quiet… Introducing the new Mr. & Mrs.!
What a touching first dance…I’m so in love with your love! Are these proud parents or what? Love this! JL and her daddy – dancing to “You Look Wonderful Tonight”…..as sung by none other than the groom himself (talk about a voice! Wow!)…Such a sweet moment! Love the two mothers as they look on together… And John deservedly received two thumbs up for his performance! AWESOME!!!  What few dry eyes that remained after the first two dances quickly disappeared during the mother-son dance… The room was just overflowing with love! Love the reactions by John’s sisters… It was almost a shame to cut such a beautiful cake… and who knew John was such a prankster…. I love this look on his face….so mischievous! Priceless!  And then it was dance time with The Main Event who completely rocked the house… JL and her NINETY TWO year old grandmother! Obviously good genes run in this family! STUNNING…and so sweet! It would not be a “Meredith-girl” wedding without a group photo and the showing of the rings….
These bouquet toss photos just make me laugh….Check out the reaction of the other girls as Jordan does her best linebacker impersonation to catch it…PRICE-LESS!  Best. exit. scene. EVER. Confetti poppers so rock! A final wave to the crowd and they’re off….to sunny St. Lucia!

 A big thank you to Wade Alexander for photographing this wedding with me.
F A C E B O O K
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