Married: Mr. & Mrs. Middleton

Remember last week when I said I was gonna be back on track with blogging? Shocker… I didn’t really, but that’s only because I’ve been super distracted by the amazing, sparkly diamond on my left hand! Yes, I am engaged, and I only had a week of planning with my fiance, Aaron, before he moved to Arkansas. (All of that is another post for another day.) If that’s not good reason for a blog absence, I don’t know what is. :)

I’m so excited to finally share this beautiful wedding with you, Internet. I was so lucky to be able to shoot two destination weddings in the Outer Banks this summer… Both brides Canadian. I mean, really… What are the chances? :) I have never attended or shot such an emotional wedding. There were so many times that I had to tell myself to pull it together, so I could actually get shots that were in focus. I just love couples who are not afraid of conveying their love for one another through emotion… Joey & Ana, I was so blessed to be a part of yall’s day. :)

Another reason that I loved this wedding so so so so much is that I had over an hour to shoot bride & groom portraits. And HOLY COW. The Elizabethan Gardens where they got married was, without a doubt, my favorite ceremony venue that I’ve ever shot. The gardens are to die for and were seriously rocking my world the whole day. I know I’ve said it before (and I’ll go to my grave sounding like a broken record)… If you’re getting married, give your photographer a decent amount of time for pictures. I have never heard a bride wish she hadn’t spent so much time on pictures, but I constantly hear brides AND grooms regretting that they didn’t give their photographer more time. Okay… Off my soapbox. :) Here are some of my favorites from the day…

I could not get enough of this adorable little ring bearer. :)

Joey and all of his men wore grey Vans. WIN.

Favorite #1.

Ana was just the epitome of a fun, elegant bride.

Her dress fit her personality so well.

A little foreshadowing…

I love personalized hangers… So fun! :)

See what I’m saying? Just regal…

A sweet moment with her dad before the ceremony…

I LOVE what the ring bearer carried down the aisle before Ana’s entrance.

So much love in these next photos…

Favorite #2.

Husband & Wife!!!!

Gardens are cool.

Favorite #3.

Favorite #4.

Seriously, this is the point where I was DYING. Best. Venue. Ever.

I love dancing.

After some dinner & dancing at their reception, Joey & Ana gave me even more time for some sunset pictures by the lighthouse.

Told you they’re awesome. :)

Someone put these people in a magazine. Sheesh.

Ana, even though I saw you for 8 hours that day and have seen for about 12 more hours from editing, I still can’t get over how gorgeous you are…

Favorite #5.

Favorite #whatever… I lost count cause they’re just so dang good looking together!

Congratulations, ya’ll!