When I arrived at The Grove at Pennington on Friday, there was a hum of excitement across the grounds.  Family was helping with flowers, bridesmaids were in the bridal house, and Liz was calm and ready to get things started!  A month or two ago, we created a traditional timeline for their day, then Liz and Nate began to consider a First Look based timeline.  They decided on a First Look to be able to relax with each other, enjoy being with their special people, and arrive to their reception quicker.

For their first look, Nate said he didn’t get emotional until he was standing there waiting on Liz to come out.  When he was finally able to turn around to see her the emotions were built up and they had the sweetest moments together!  After the first look, they added suspense by going back to their assigned areas and exchanging notes for each other to read.  You’ll see their nickname for each other is “babe”.

Their whole ceremony was a blessing to me.  Being a wedding photographer, I have grown to deeply appreciate ceremonies as reminders of God’s intentions for marriage.  My favorite part was their vow to never stop learning each other.  We change so much over the course of our lives.  This promise is so important to carry with you as life happens.

Their reception was about hugging their guests, amazing comfort food, then enjoying the dance floor!!

Brace yourself for this first look sequence!  It’s a top favorite of mine!!

Spring at The Grove!!

I felt the rain falling as I was photographing the groomsmen, then I turned to see that umbrellas magically appeared for the bridesmaids- Thank you whoever delivered these!  It was just a quick drizzle.  The ladies chose to have fun with it instead of running inside.

Then the sun came out!!

I don’t always show family portraits, but I wanted to plug these in to share a perk of the First Look.  Fresh hair, makeup, and clothes for everyone in the heirloom picture that is sure to be printed many times!

Liz’s Dad built this unique ceremony backdrop!  Don’t you love the placement of their ceremony with the blooming tree right behind the arch?

View their beautiful slideshow!!

It is so fun to see so many of my recommended vendors!  I’m looking at you Laurenda, Kathy, and Cotton Rouge!!  I definitely enjoyed hearing and meeting Greenville Wedding Music for the first time – so talented!