When a couple of Chicago love birds want to fly south with a few of their closest flock for a Summer Beach Wedding on Tybee Island Beach, then head Downtown Savannah to Forsyth Park and a Reception at the Kempton Brice Hotel, you say “YES!”
Lauren found me online, and I’m forever thankful God even uses the internet to hand-pick my Braska Jennea Brides, and their Grooms too of course ;), for me because we had an instant connection just from our first Phone Call.
She was very laid back, relaxed, “Whatever will be will be, and we’ll roll with it” (JUST like me!!!), and Jay was a blast of energy who wanted to make sure everyone was having a good time…and his dance skills, as evidence will prove below ;), absolutely helped fuel the energy during their reception.
We started the day with everyone getting ready in their Brassrail Condo Units praying the scattered showers away. The air was gloriously thick with laughter and joy when we entered the Bride’s Condo to the usual flurry of getting ready festivities.
Once she was ready, rocking out her dream Sophia Tolli Bridal Gown her mother helped her find, we did a little Daddy Daughter First Look out on the Balcony before heading down toward the Beach to REALLY get the party started!!
I’ve said it before that First Looks are my FAVORITE invention for the Wedding Day since….well….Wedding Days because of how much MORE the Grooms emote in private versus hundreds of eyes glued to them as well as how much more time they have together to actually relax and enjoy the whole day! This Wedding was no exception! From her Dad’s First Look, AND THEN Her Groom the tears were flowing…and it made this moment making heart just beat wildly!
There’s something extra special and romantic about that first HUG right after they see each other (YA’LL! I mean! Just check out Jay’s face in that hug shot below…you’ll know the one! *SWOON*), alone, just a photographer standing back with a telephoto lens to capture the intimacy and romance the first time the Groom sees his beloved.
It’s a moment you just can’t get waiting for the ceremony, and those moments wiping teary eyes are something beautiful as well that you just don’t get otherwise.
Those first few images are some of the most raw and REAL images you’ll get on a Wedding Day between a Bride and Groom as they finally get to RELAX, and get down to truly just living up the day TOGETHER!
Once we got creative with the First Look Location up under the Boardwalk Pavilion for lighting, we hopped down below for some beautiful even lighting, and a lot less people ;), to start their Bride and Groom Portraits.
It truly was a perfect solution for a high-sun time of day with the beautiful water shaded splendidly behind them, and the Pier’s pilons framing them artfully. We’d definitely be back there for Family Portraits after the Ceremony!
In the Breezeway of the Hotel Tybee we all gathered to walk over to the Ceremony Site, and there their handsome Baby Niko stole the show in his hat! ***Warning: Ladies, hold on to your Baby Boxes when you see THAT cuteness! ***
For the 2pm Ceremony their friend Michael would Officiate in the gorgeous space that was chosen and setup for the Ceremony Site. Family and Friends offered readings and prayers as lots of awesome laughter and sweet tears were shared equally, and then when they kissed a Bachelorette Group nearby cheered and clapped loudly along with most all other beach goers around!
Afterward we popped off my BJP Signature “All Family Now” (or in some cases where possible, like this one, ALL THE GUESTS 😉 ), and then everyone headed to our old friend the Pier for the Family Portraits. The breeze we were sort of unexpectedly granted underneath was a welcome reprieve from the sun and Southern HEAT, but was also a prayer answered along with the absence of rain which seemed to dance all around off in the distance.
I love how, for the most part anyway, people at the beach try to avoid photobombing portraits. On such a crowded beach day with such a small area of shade we had such polite people around us allowing us to capture the rest of the Beach Portion of the day!
OH! True Story: As we were shooting “Santa Claus” started calling to them, and while they were posing for me he threw down a legit $100 BILL to give to them! “Santa” made it rain on Lauren & Jay’s Wedding Day in the coolest way possible!! I’m telling you Southern Beach People are the coolest people!
Once we wrapped family portraits we headed downtown to the Historic Forsyth Park for the final Bridal Party and Bride and Groom Portraits as Lauren mentioned she loved the idea of a Bridal Portrait with those stunning Spanish Moss laden trees Savannah is famous for. It did not disappoint! That “Southern Charm” reigns in Scenery as well Ya’ll!
Once we were finished everyone headed back to their hotels to freshen up, and get changed for the Reception. Seriously…every Southern Summer Outdoor Wedding needs a break like that in it…it was so refreshing being able to cool off and change clothes. I heard some guests even snuck in quick naps 😉
The staff at the Kempton Brice Hotel did an IMPECCABLE job with Cocktail Hour and the Reception, and once the meal was over and their cake was cut the real party began!
This crew really knew how to let loose and dance….just my kind of people! It’s always a blast when I get to take to the dance floor, somehow my feet forget they’re past dead ;), and shuffle out a few line dances with my couples and their people. Probably my favorite way to end the day!
So, Lauren & Jay it truly was my extreme honor to meet you all, and document this start to your Happily Ever After! I pray these images bring you back to this spectacularly blessed day now, and forever!
xoxo, B
This Bachelorette Party was cheering when they kissed! “Rose’ all day” on their swimsuits, they were congratulating Jay and Lauren as we walked by.
SO, true story… Santa Claus tossed a $100 bill down to Jay and Lauren as we were taking pictures under the pier!
And then there was the magnificanet Post Wedding Brunch put on beautifully by the fantastic Staff at the Kempton Brice Hotel!
Huge Shoutouts to these INSANELY Talented Vendors and Crew who made this day a smashing success along with my marvelous Mother, and awesome Friend/Second Shooter Laura who helped rock the BJP Team!
Officiant/Minister: Michael Townsend
Venue Coordinator for Kempton Brice Hotel: Larissa Szynski
Florist: Kiwi Fleur
Wedding Gown Designer: Sophia Tolli
Bride’s Engagement Ring & Band by: Custom by Jared
Groom’s Ring by: Fixate
Stationary By: Shutterfly
Bridesmaids Gowns by: Show Me Your MuMu
Guys Suits Or Tux Rentals From: Jos A Bank
Hair & Make-Up: Eye Do Hair & Make Up
Wedding Cake Bakery: The Topiary Cake Design
Linen/Chair/Decor Rentals: Stephen Palmer on the Beach & The Brice Hotel for the reception
Caterer: The Brice Hotel/Pacci
Bar Tending: The Brice Hotel
BraskaJennea Photography | Destination Wedding & Curvy Boudoir Photographer 