We have been looking forward to photographing and videoing Kate and Jim’s wedding for well over a year now. Even though they live in Chicago, and most of our conversations have been over the phone, I have had so much fun getting to know them. It didn’t take long to learn that Kate and Jim adore their family and know how to have FUN.

Their wedding day was so perfect for them – a big party with an intimate feel, sweet moments with tons of laughter, big and beautiful with a genuine focus on relationship.

The weekend began at their favorite place – Reynolds at Lake Oconee. We were invited to capture their rehearsal dinner, and I’m so glad we were. We got to hear speeches and toasts from their family and close friends as the sun set over the water and then all the wedding guests showed up for a reception-like party with live music and a patio bar. In fact, the bride and groom left at 10:30, with the party still in full swing!

We returned the next day to the lake house where the girls were getting ready. I love capturing candid moments of the bride with her girls – especially when they feel right at home. Kate and her mom were especially cute putting her dress on, and the emotions began flowing early. Kate carried an embroidered purse, which was made from her grandmother’s wedding dress. I love when brides find ways to weave family history into their details and traditions!

Kate and Jim shared their first look on the same bridge we began their engagement session exactly a year before. Jim was blown away by Kate and I think they would have stood on that bridge together forever if we didn’t eventually nudge them to move onto the next thing. (This uninterrupted timetogether never happens without a first look – I’m so glad they built one into their timeline!)

The bridal party then loaded up and we all moved to the Corry House in Union Point for the wedding. We shot at Corry House a few years ago and were so excited to return! This venue really has it all, with a big home to get ready in, several beautiful ceremony options, and an open barn for the reception! Our favorite part is the unique details around the grounds, in the middle of it all, that guests love to explore and enjoy throughout the evening. There are so many fun photo ops on this gorgeous venue!

Kate and Jim had an airy outdoor ceremony in the field, followed by a big dinner party under a tent. They moved the reception into the barn with a precious daddy-daughter dance, choreographed to be sweet and then hilarious. They surprised everyone by inviting the guests to join them before the end of the song and it was so fitting for this family’s personable and fun-loving style. As we predicted, they had a fantastic reception, and rumor has it someone even bought an extra hour so the fun didn’t stop when the sparkler photo ended!

So much love and joy for this kind and beautiful couple! Congratulations, Kate and Jim!!

VENDORS:

Venue: The Corry House | Reynolds on Lake Oconee | Planner: No Regrets Events | Florist: The Holly Garden | Cake: Debra Adams Cakes | Catering: Hallie Janes Catering | DJ: Tyler Gordon Music | Hair and Makeup: Bombshell Creations | Wedding Dress: Dimitras Bridal Coutoure | Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus | Mens Wear: Jos A Bank | Rentals: Lake Oconee Rental