Jessica & JD

Byron’s South End Wedding

April 27th, 2018

 

They say that at the end of your life, if you can count on one hand the amount of friends you have, you’ve lived a good life.  Well, in Jessica and JD’s case, they’ll have to count on BOTH hands AND toes!! They are blessed with some AMAZING friends…and an AMAZING NUMBER of FRIENDS! Phillip and I were BLOWN away at the amount of close friends Jessica and JD had at their wedding at Byron’s South End! During the best man’s toast, he mentioned that Jessica and JD are those friends who are living life to the fullest and always there for you when you need it! I couldn’t have agreed more! Jessica and JD were two of the most genuine people I’ve met! Throughout the entire wedding day Jessica was the one going around asking everyone if they were ok…and it was HER wedding day! That’s just the way they are! Putting the needs of others before their own!

When I had met Jessica, she had mentioned the amount of weddings her and JD had been involved with the year before…it was close to 10 weddings! She said she’s seen it all and been a part of it all, so she knew that when it came time for her wedding she was going to keep things simple and have a great time! And that she did! Jessica chose two of her closet girlfriends to stand beside her throughout the day and JD had his best friend that he grew up with.  It was a smaller bridal party which meant we had a lot more time to spend together and have lots of fun! Smaller bridal parties ARE so much more fun! I chose to have a smaller bridal party too, and I am so glad that I did! Seeing Jessica and JD’s wedding party made me think back to how awesome it felt to be surrounded by my closest friends and family on wedding day instead of a huge group of people!

Jessica and JD shared in a First Look and it was such a sweet moment for the two of them! Even though we were in the heart of Uptown Charlotte on a Friday afternoon during work rush hour, that moment felt like time stood still!! Seeing JD wipe away Jessica’s tears during their First Look made my heart melt! He is SO GOOD to her and quite a gentleman! (You did good, Jess!) 

One of my absolute favorite parts of their wedding day was traveling on the light rail after their First Look! Since they got ready at The Westin and we were only two stops from Byron’s, Jessica had the BEST IDEA to take the light rail instead of hopping in an Uber! She is genius, y’all!! We had SO much fun riding the train and we even got some cheers and celebration on the train ride as well! It was SO FUN!

Their wedding at the newly renovated Bryon’s South End was such a delight to be a part of! I so enjoyed spending the day celebrating with Jessica and JD and capturing their very first day as Husband and Wife! I can’t wait to show you some of my absolute FAVORITES from this beautiful Byron’s Wedding!

JD’s matte gold ring is my new favorite type of ring to photograph!! It photographs beautifully!!
Phillip hangs out with the guys while they’re getting ready! He gets some great shots!!! I think I’ll keep him around! 😉  The Queen City was just showing off!! It was truly such a beautiful spring day!! A perfect day for a wedding, that’s for sure!
Jennifer is THE BEST — Hands down! She even did my own makeup for my wedding day! I just LOVE her!
Dear Jessica, YOU ARE STUNNING!!!
Now time for the First Look! JD’s reaction!…he was speechless!! FAVORITES!!
CELEBRATE!! YES! YES! YES!!! LOVE this one!  Sure, we risked our lives…but it was SO worth it for shots like these!! One of my favorites and one of those “in between” moments.  Sometimes the best shots are the ones not planned! Getting on the Lynx!  The newly renovated Byron’s is absolutely STUNNING!!
KISS to SEAL the DEAL!  I loved this guest book idea!! Jessica and JD framed the record of their first dance song and had everyone sign the mat around it! How cool! Great idea Mr. & Mrs. White! The new courtyard at Byron’s is STUNNING!
Their first dance was to “Perfect” by Ed Sheran!  Jessica lost her dad a few years ago and decided to dance with JD’s step-dad for the Father-Daughter dance. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room!  All of their friends from UNC-Charlotte! Go Niners!

Jessica & JD — It was such an honor to spend day #1 of your marriage with you two! You guys are truly two amazing people and I’m so honored to have been a part of your wedding day! Thank you so much!! I hope you guys are having so much fun on your honeymoon in Aruba!! 

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Dress | WATTERS WTOO

Dress Store | LILY ROSE

Florist | BOOKOUT BLOOMS

Ceremony & Reception Location | BYRON’S SOUTH END

Coordination | A SIMPLE AFFAIR EVENTS

Officiant | REV. RICHARD SEARS

Hair & Makeup | JENNIFER ABERCROMBIE BEAUTY

DJ | MIKE WITH SPLIT SECOND SOUND

Cake | SUAREZ BAKERY 

Catering | BEST IMPRESSIONS CATERING

Bridesmaid Dresses | WATERS WTOO 

Invitations | MINTED