“May the rain today only be viewed as Dad’s tears of happiness, for he will be right next to all of us today.”

The SWEETEST words were written by Jessie’s brother (in a Facebook status update of all things!) and I read those sweet words before heading to the wedding.  High chances of rain were threatening to downpour on the entire wedding day, but instead of letting that ruin their day…they decided that it was just their Dad watching from heaven (absolutely LOVE this! Thank you for making me cry BEFORE the wedding day Ryan!).  I have been friends with Jessie and her family for years now (we met in the 3rd grade and have been friends ever since!) So when Jessie contacted me to photograph her wedding day, I was not only delighted but I was truly honored.

Kyle+Jessie just have this unexplainable “cool factor” about them, and even within some of the most stressful times a wedding day is known to bring, Jessie+Kyle remained calm and completely cool.  They were one of the most relaxed couples I’ve been around and I just LOVE that!

Not only were we worried about the rain, but I was also worried about losing light for portraits immediately following their 7pm ceremony.  (With sunset at 7:40…Y’all…I was nervous!  I knew that I wanted some pretty sunlit portraits, but with the sun sinking fast, I went into crazy-fast photographer mode!) I don’t always START portraits with the Bride+Groom first right after the ceremony (I usually stick with the traditional family formals first!) but I’m SO GLAD that we were able to capture Jessie+Kyle together RIGHT after they said “I Do”.  They were THE CUTEST!

As always, a wedding post isn’t complete without a list of some of my favorite memories throughout Jessie+Kyle’s wedding day:

+ Jessie’s team of Bridesmaids make for some major #squadgoals.  Those girls were SO much fun to be around and completely made the day run a lot smoother because they were all so great to Jessie! (I’ll be writing a post about Bridesmaids later on in my Wedding Wednesday Series! You’ll see how Bridesmaids can “make or break” a wedding day!) Since we were cutting it close with time limits and weren’t able to grab some traditional bridesmaids pictures beforehand, we had a ball getting ready! Between matching robes and pillow fights and to an emotional “First Look” when they first saw Jessie in her dress, being with the Bridesmaids was so much fun! Seriously girls. Y’all were just amazing! THANK YOU!

+I can’t mention the Bridesmaids without talking about the Groomsmen too! Those guys were great & just a delight to be around.  A lot of the times when I’m photographing the groomsmen (especially when getting ready!) they get…well…how do I put this lightly…they get awkward.  I mean, I don’t blame them! It’s not everyday someone is photographing you tying your tie or buttoning your shirt buttons. But Kyle’s groomsmen played it completely cool and didn’t mind me hanging around while they got dressed, drank some Fireball, and during our pictures, they were up for just about anything! I’ve got to hand it to Jessie+Kyle…they know how to pick an awesome group of friends! 🙂

+Watching Jessie walk down the aisle with her brother, Ryan.  It was such a sweet, sweet moment.  I’m sure Ryan made their Dad very proud! (& there I was just balling my eyes out while watching Jessie make her way towards her soulmate. It’s a wonder any of the shots were in focus! 😉 )

+Family Formal Portrait time is always a rush at weddings since I’m given a short amount of time to cover ALL of the family, the Bridal Party, AND the Bride and Groom.  So at most weddings, we’re whizzin’ through the Family Formal Portrait time, still having some fun…but trying to get it done in good time.  Jessie+Kyle’s families were SO delightful to work with! I LOVE getting to photograph families during this sweet time and it makes it a WHOLE LOT easier when both families are just simply sweethearts!

+I love grabbing the shots of the Bride & Groom listening to the toasts.  Especially when the Bride and Groom are all snuggly and cuddly and cute together! Jessie+Kyle were just that! They were adorable. When listening to the toasts, I’d catch them making glances towards each other, Kyle rubbing his hand around Jessie’s shoulders or giving kisses to Jessie! It was SO CUTE! (AHHH! I have the BEST couples!) Speaking of the TOASTS…Kyle’s Best Man gave one heck of a speech and even pulled out this LOOONG list of things that would embarrass Kyle.  It was hilarious.

+DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! Goodness gracious! Did this wedding reception DANCE! For a second there, I thought I was in a club in downtown! SO MANY people on the dance floor! It was such a fun time! We had some great air guitars during Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” and LOTS of jumping up high and getting “a little bit softer now” during the classic wedding song “Shout”.  AND…I may or may not have captured a completely PERFECT DAB from 2 guys on the dance floor. It was SUCH a great party to celebrate two wonderful people!

Congratulations Jessie+Kyle! Wishing you both all the happiness in the world! Y’all enjoy this beautiful Byron’s SouthEnd Wedding!! XO! -Emma Loo

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A very special thanks to the incredible team of vendors who helped make Jessie+Kyle’s day so perfect:

Venue- Byron’s South End

Photography- Emma Loo Photography 

Catering- Best Impressions Catering

DJ- Gaston Entertainment Group 

Hair/Makeup- Poza Salon 

Dress- Made online from izidressbuy.com

Bridesmaid Dresses- Group USA

Groom’s Attire- Menguin 

Rings- Diamonds Direct

Florals- Sam’s Club

Cake- Publix

Rentals- Provided by Byron’s South End

Officiant- Jay Weigel

Transportation- Provided by The Westin Charlotte

Invitations- Etsy & DIY

Jessie+Kyle…I can’t say it enough how much I enjoyed being a part of your day.  From start to finish, your day was absolutely PERFECT & documenting your love on your very first day as Husband & Wife was way more amazing than I could’ve imagined! Thank you both from the bottom of my heart for being such sweet & genuine people. You make my job SO easy! 😉 Here’s to many more happy years ahead! XO! -Emma Loo 

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See Jessie+Kyle’s Engagement Session HERE!

See more Weddings like this one HERE!

See more Byron’s South End Weddings & Events HERE! 

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