A day that started out misty and gloomy turned out to be a beautiful, bright and shining wedding day as Chelsea and Derek said “I Do”. When I first greeted Chelsea at the door of her bridal cottage where she was getting ready, she told me “Emily, I’ve been praying so much about the weather! Hopefully I made the right choice to keep the outdoor ceremony as planned!” She did make the right choice! Right after Chelsea and Derek were announced Husband and Wife, the sun came out and started shining with all of its might! It was amazing!
The sun wasn’t the only thing that was amazing about their wedding day! Chelsea and Derek’s bridal party was literally making me laugh out loud all wedding! They were beyond fun to be around and kept the portrait time very interesting (lots of selfies & tush grabbing, just to name a few!) At their reception, wedding guests drank sweet tea out of glass Mason jars (so Southern!), bridesmaids donned their cowgirl boots, and each groomsmen (including the groom himself!) wore crazy-awesome socks, and they wore them proudly! While dancing, Chelsea showed everyone how she could “whip & nae nae” it on the floor and her brother (also a groomsman) made the whole dance floor “Ooh & Ahh” as he pulled off the classic “Worm” move. (Of course, I was on the floor doing my signature Robot & Sprinkler moves…yes-camera in hand!)
Some of my most treasured moments from Chelsea and Derek’s wedding day was when we had tried to set up a “Separated First Look” for the two. We had it planned out perfectly…we were going to photograph the “First Look” right by the stables and it was going to be gorgeous! Just like the weather, things don’t always go as planned. Derek was at another location and the stable barn door couldn’t open all the way. Once we got Derek where he needed to be (thankfully without seeing Chelsea!) the two lovebirds were able to talk a little bit and exchange letters. Despite it all, it was still lots of fun and so cute!
+Instead of a traditional Unity Candle or Sand Ceremony during the ceremony, Chelsea and Derek put together a wooden cross. I had never seen this done before and thought it was such a sweet symbol of entering into a covenant with God. I loved it! Oh! AND Chelsea and Derek’s high school Math and Bible teacher was the officiant. How cool is that?!
+Naturally as high school sweethearts, Chelsea+Derek’s family and friends sure had a ton of stories to share during the toasting time. Let’s just say I may or may not have learned from Chelsea’s now father-in-law that she has a lead foot when it comes to driving! 😉
+The catering team had the BEST FRIED OKRA I’VE EVER TASTED. I even met the lady in charge of the frying and gave her a big hug. {Two thumbs way up, Chels! Good choice!)
+Photobooths are a HUGE hit at every wedding I shoot. I loved getting in the booth with Chelsea+Derek as well as my amazing second shooter, Shana! So word to the wise for all my future brides: Emma Loo Loves Photobooths! 😉
This was my very first time shooting at the Johnson Carriage House and it was a delight! That house is AMAZINGLY beautiful! {When can I move in?!} What I loved about it was that it was completely family owned and they live there too! I mean, when you have your two teen boys parking cars for the wedding guests, you know that this place is down to earth, very hospitable and love what they do! Hats off to y’all Johnson Carriage House! We felt very welcomed & that’s always a plus to any wedding day!
A very special thanks to all these fabulous vendors who helped make Chelsea+Derek’s day so awesome:
Venue- Johnson Carriage House + Meadows
Wedding Day Coordinator- Lillian Johnson
Hair+Makeup- Kristina Ruettgers
Bride’s Dress-Allure Bridal
Dress Purchased from- Simpson’s Bridal
Veil- Simpson’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire- Simpson’s Bridal
Florals- Willow Branch Flowers
Invitation+Programs- Elle Dee Designs, LTD
DJ- Michael Branson
Ceremony Musicians- Nate & Larry Perrell
Caterer- Food Junkee
Cake+Desserts- Carolina Cake Artistry
Videography/Photo Booth- Shutter Hutch
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Chelsea+Derek…it was absolute JOY. Thank you so much for giving me the honor to document your special day! I look so forward to seeing how much your love grows from high school sweethearts to husband and wife! Your wedding day was truly the best day ever! Best Wishes y’all! XO-Emma Loo
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