Brad & Vernell's wedding was the first of 2017 for me & it was a great way to start off the year. It was a beautiful February afternoon the day of their wedding - mild, sunny, and in the low 70's, which is typically unheard of that time of year for coastal South Carolina.
Brad's son was his best man and the two groomsmen were his son-in-laws. Vernell's daughter was matron of honor, Brad's daughter was her bridesmaid, and her grandson, ring bearer. When I see couples with children, whether grown or not, I always think how special it is that they include them in the wedding party and/or give them special roles the day of the wedding.
The church had gorgeous stained glass windows and was beautifully decorated with candles, white florals, evergreens, & ferns. Brad & Vernell did not do a first look, however chose to see another another for the first time when she entered the church at the beginning of the ceremony. And it was worth the wait! The look on his face was priceless - Brad looked so incredibly happy.
After the beautiful ceremony, we finished the wedding party photos in the sanctuary and then a reception followed in fellowship hall. The reception was beautifully decorated too, with one of my favorite winter/spring flowers, hot pink camellias. The palm tree with the trunk made of pineapple was awesome and was a great focal point for the display of cheeses, vegetables, and fruit. I was excited to discover another friend had made a southern favorite - cheese & cayenne cookies. So good! The main course was barbecue, roasted chicken, and all the southern favorite side dishes. Everything was so delicious! A friend lovingly made their wedding cake too. And because the weather was so nice, Brad & Vernell requested couple's portraits outside towards the end of the reception and about an hour before sunset. Some forget how pretty natural winter light can be, but these two didn't!
What made this day extra special is that Brad is a colleague & a friend, whom I work with in coastal South Carolina at a studio specializing in academic/yearbook photography. I've also had the pleasure of getting to know Vernell too over the past several years. I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph their wedding and another friend & colleague, Mark, came to second shoot that day {I was just getting over a terrible cold, so in hindsight he saved the day!}. Although Brad is a retired school principle and administrator, he's become quite a talented photographer & has gone as far as purchasing a drone and now doing aerials at the schools and beyond. Vernell has shown an interest in photography too and helps out at school events {football games, proms, etc.}. Yeah, no pressure!
It truly was a great wedding & these two were so grateful their special day was documented by two trusted friends & colleagues!
ceremony + reception - Pleasant Meadow Baptist Church
a very special thanks to
Mark Bell for assisting/2nd shooting!
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