This wedding day has been circled on my calendar for what feels like forever… and for good reason! Kevin and Jackie are family (Kev… that’s what I’ll call him from here on out because that’s what I’ve called him for years!.. is my cousin!), and documenting their day has been something that I’ve looked forward to with so much excitement. Now, I know some people think it’s strange to ask to work a family wedding… but when you love what you do as much as I do, getting to share that love with your people feels like the best way to celebrate. So yes—sign me up for camera duty and family hugs, every time!
My weekend with Kev and Jackie’s crew actually started the day before their big “I do.”
I made the drive to the Orlando area in from Jacksonville with my mom and dad and popped into their rehearsal before we all headed off to the hotel. (Thankfully, no one looked twice at my workout meets music class attire from the morning when they were all dressed cute and ready to celebrate at dinner… another perk of photographing family!) And y’all… it was the best kind of family reunion—so many hugs, so much laughter, and everyone was absolutely buzzing for the next day. I got to scout out portrait locations, take in the ceremony flow, and put together my plan for the day ahead. A little work, a lot of joy. Then it was off to dinner for everyone, and some quiet time with my parents before the big day!
When I arrived at Maison & Jardin the next day, the celebration was already in motion!
The girls were mid-glam, the guys were back at the hotel getting suited up, and I kicked off the day photographing some of the sweet details that made their day so personal—like the bouquets Jackie made herself and her adorable custom reception sneakers (a girl after my own heart).
As hair and makeup wrapped, the groomsmen started to roll in and the celebration vibes just kept building. We took a few photos with Jackie and her flower girls (SO cute!), then transitioned to the guys—with twirls, finger guns, and plenty of goofiness. Before we knew it… it was time for the ceremony!
Kev and Jackie tied the knot in the garden, surrounded by their closest family and friends and were married by my Aunt Kath!
The ceremony was so incredibly special, but one of the most touching parts of the day was the way Kev honored his relationship with Jackie’s daughter, K. She’s been a part of his life for years, and during the ceremony—after vows and rings were exchanged—Kev surprised both K and Jackie by gifting K a necklace and sharing personal vows just for her. Cue the waterworks 😭. It was such a beautiful, heartfelt moment that I know none of us will ever forget.
Then came family portraits! I’ll be honest—I was a little nervous about this part. Being “kindly bossy” (as my uncle hilariously coined it) is part of my wedding day flow, but would family be cool with me in full photographer mode?! Spoiler alert: they absolutely were. We had amazing light, knocked out portraits in record time, and sent everyone off to cocktail hour feeling good and ready to party!
After a few full wedding party photos and some couple’s portraits with Jackie and Kev (SO dreamy—just wait until you scroll!), they headed inside for something incredibly special: a private first dance. Yep, we kicked everyone out of the reception space so they could share their moment with no eyes on them, just a little room to breathe and twirl and be married together. I snapped the first few moments, then left them to soak it all in.
The reception kicked off with the most joyful entrances—emceed by none other than my Uncle Jack (we are all about family here!)—and the sweetest parent dances.
Kev’s dance with his mom (my Aunt Lori!) was the perfect way to open the dance floor, especially when they called everyone close for a big family dance. It was such a beautiful start to the party.
And y’all—the party was ON. This was actually my first time photographing a dance floor with a 20-month-old on my hip (my sweet niece!), but it made things even more fun! She knows her Aunt Creaky is a photographer (and loves to remind me… literally as we were leaving Epcot the next day, she was pointing and saying “picture… picture!!” of everything she wanted me to document!), so getting to share this piece of my world with her was really special. We sang, danced, and laughed our way through the night. Jackie (who is not only chill but incredibly thoughtful!) made the most gorgeous and gluten-free-friendly cupcakes for dessert—just another small touch that made the whole day so them.
As the sun set, we stepped outside for a few golden hour portraits, grabbed a few more dance floor shots (shoutout to my family for their moves 😂), and then I finally set my camera down and joined the party as a guest.
Honestly? It was such a gift to do both. To celebrate people I love with the thing I love, and then get to hug and laugh and be fully present with them, too.
Kevin and Jackie—thank you, thank you, thank you for trusting me with such a huge honor. Your day was joyful, heartfelt, and full of so much love. I can’t wait to share more soon… including a few point-and-shoot film snaps from the reception! But for now—scroll through some of my favorite Maison & Jardin wedding photos from your dreamy day 💛
The SWEETEST reaction from Jackie’s dad… seeing her as a BRIDE!
OBSESSED with these bridesmaids dresses… the most stunning color on everyone!
Absolutely no fun was had during grooms portraits 🫡
Can I package up this light and these flowers for every wedding I photograph?!
Let’s get these two hitched!
The East Coast photographer in me will never NOT fangirl in the presence of Spanish Moss.
Once again here to remind you that, yes, Jackie MADE these cupcakes!
More private first dances, please! Do what feels good for YOUR wedding day!
Officially gained a new cousin this weekend!! Welcome to the fam, Jackie!
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