As everyone arrived at the church there was a flurry of excitement as final preparations were made. Steven and his guys stayed locked up out of sight until it was time for him to take his place at the altar. Megan was escorted down the aisle by both her father and stepfather as gorgeous afternoon light flooded through the windows. The ceremony was short and meaningful and several bridesmaids (and maybe a few groomsmen) fought to hold back tears.

The reception was decorated beautifully by Special Events Catering and florists Jamie Everett and Brenda Clairmont. A funky 4 foot metal monogram sculpture was surrounded by rows of pink tables, each adorned with a small pink flower arrangement. The simple, elegant decor surrounded a gorgeous all white wedding cake featuring another monogram.

The guests danced to familiar music performed by the fantastic band “Where’s Mary” and the bride and groom made their exit amidst a shower of sparks and well wishes.

And check out some shots from their photobooth!

Sara and Brad were the most relaxed, calm (and slightly goofy) couple I have ever worked with. They were the definition of laid back and were just awesome to be around on what is always a somewhat hectic day. Even during the inevitable crisis (it happens to everybody – how you handle it determines the impact on your day) Sara was just… chill. (It helps to have awesome, helpful bridesmaids, but still.) Their relaxed attitudes only added to the sweetness of the day as they were able to really enjoy being together during their first look and throughout the rest of the day. I think it all had a lot to do with their overall view of the day and the events surrounding it. As Sara’s sister (the officiant! neat!) said during the ceremony – Brad and Sara spent much more time preparing to be married than they did planning a wedding. I think that is a great start and I know you guys will have a great life together… if not a very relaxed one.  : )

Congrats guys! Thanks for letting me chill with you.

Full Gallery

Kate McNeely gets the “rocked it out” award. Awesome work, awesome attitude, awesome studio with yummy natural light. And I’ll just say it.. the tattoos didn’t hurt a bit. Thanks for letting me plunder in your makeup and stick my lens in your face. And thanks for not laughing at me when I sprawled out on the floor for this shot.

<3

On to the church! Sara’s girls were amazingly helpful and fun… um.. and GORGEOUS!

Awesome face #1. Thank you for this.

The “First Look”. One of the best things you can do for yourself on your wedding day. It makes everything flow so much better and I can tell you from personal experience, is much more meaningful than waiting till the ceremony. Don’t you want him to be able to tell you how hot you are?

#2.  <3  Notice he isn’t phased. I think he knows what he is getting himself into.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral = Uhhhmazing! They only allow very limited photography (stand in the center in the back and 1 shot per “event”) so take that into account if you are considering it. We made it work though and the ladies were very accommodating considering the restrictions they had to follow.

Reception time! Yummy cakes + Chocolate Covered Strawberries = Why Bethany is a wedding photographer!

The groom’s cake was red velvet and it was YUM!

This little guy waited patiently until they finished cutting the cake.. but not a moment longer. He was ready! I can’t say I blame him.

These glasses were Sara’s parent’s from their wedding. Neat!

MS Blues Artist Eden Brent literally rocked it out. She is a friend of the groom’s family and made a rare appearance for their wedding.  Crazy, crazy talented and hilarious.

#3. Awesome.

Pockets!

……steve!

Questions for the Bride & Groom!

What was your favorite moment of the day?

Sara:  Meeting Brad at the altar- My sister and future brother-in-law officiated and my father presented me.  Being surrounded by family made the moment with Brad so special.
Brad:  Seeing Sara for the first time that day, our first dance at the reception and the fact that Eden learned the song just for us as well as the dance with my mother.

What is your funniest memory?

Sara:  The short video I made with Heather and Kelly about Kelly’s boyfriend Steve not coming to the wedding.  My friends are fantastic.  I also loved Eden Brent’s song, “She’s no lady, she’s your wife;” the song was completely precious.
Brad:  Me over-shooting the single guys with the garter and all of them just standing there.

What was your favorite detail?

Sara:  I absolutely loved the colors of the wedding.  The blue in the bridesmaid dresses was the main color in the church’s stain glass windows and the bright bold flowers used made everything so pretty.
Brad:  The church.

If you did a “First Look” and saw each other before the ceremony, why did you do this and would you do it again?

Sara:  We did this primarily to make the day go by easier.  By seeing each other beforehand we would have more time for pictures and we would also get to the reception very quickly.  I would definitely see Brad again before the wedding.  Having that moment with him alone was very special and it also gave me the chance to not be nervous during the ceremony just from seeing him for the first time!
Brad:  We did it to make things easier and faster. We did not want people waiting around for another 45 mins after the ceremony for us to arrive at the reception. I would definitely do it again.

If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?

Sara:  The month- July is too hot!
Brad:  The bride. JK…She’s standing over my shoulder, I was just messing with her. Absolutely nothing.

What was your favorite wedding purchase?

Sara:  My “just married” panties.
Brad:  The slushes at the reception.

Anything else you would like to add?

Sara:  We absolutely loved working with you- your calm nature really added to our day and made it that much more enjoyable.
Brad:  We both think you did an amazing job. We would love to work with you again in the future. Thanks for being so wonderful.

Sara + Brad recommend these Vendors & Venues

Ceremony & Reception Venue: St Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson, MS | 601.354.1535

Hair & Makeup: Kate McNeely, Trio Salon in Flowood, MS | 601.608.3223 or (c) 601.919.6130

Florist: Wendy Putt, Fresh Cut Catering and Floral | 601.939.4518

Dresses: Bridal Path | 601.982.8267

Tuxes: Tuxes Too | 601.981.0106

DJ/Band: Eden Brent

Cake(s): That Special Touch | 601.932.5223

Caterer: Wendy Putt, Fresh Cut Catering and Floral | 601.939.4518

These photos are of my last-ever session with one of my favorite rockstar couples, Laura and Ryan. I’m sure you recognize them from their amazing wedding. Ryan, a former USM and NY Jets Football player, now plays for the St. Louis Rams. Now that Laura has completed her Masters degree at USM (Congrats! Woot Woot!) they are moving to St. Louis permanently and leaving me behind. :  (

Cue Debbie Downer’s theme music -  “Wah wah wahhhhhhh”.

Well.. at least we rocked it out while we had the chance! ; ) Below you will find the results of their crazy-hot (literally) “day-after” shoot.

Full-session gallery here! You know where the comments go!

Gonna miss you guys! Ship them babies down here so I can take newborn pictures when the time comes. ; ) Good luck in St. Louis!

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Go here to view the full gallery and to order prints!

Please leave a comment at the bottom of the post or on Facebook! Thanks!

Order Prints

Please leave a comment for me or Ashlyn at the bottom of the post. Thanks!

Go here to order prints and view the full gallery.

Please leave a comment at the end of the post!

View their full gallery and order prints here.

Please leave a comment at the end of the post! Thanks!