When she emailed that they were getting married on Jekyll Island and having their reception on Saint Simons, I was beyond excited!  Not just because of the locations though, but because Courtney is one of my “little sisters”.  When I co-opped with Delta Airlines in college, I lived with Courtney’s family (I was friends with her sister at Clemson) so she and I lived in the two bedrooms upstairs and shared the bathroom.  And even though there were days that the bathroom door couldn’t be opened because of the pile of clothes behind it, we survived and I still love her!

So, to be able to share this day and capture all of the memories for Courtney and Ray was extra special.  Every piece of the day had a reason, a memory, or a sentiment and that’s what made it their own.  Her parents honeymooned on Jekyll Island and had always wished they’d gotten married at Faith Chapel.  So as they raised their daughters and vacationed on the coast, the girls grew up seeing this chapel every chance they could!  The handkerchief folded into Courtney’s bouquet has been passed down in her family since 1940.  Her light ice sapphire is not only her birthstone, but since she went to the University of North Carolina, the color represents her college allegiance too.

But the day wasn’t just about the sweet memories, there was plenty of laughter over the funny ones too.  On their second date, Courtney and Ray went bowling and the deal was that the person who lost had to cook dinner.  Well, Ray lost so he planned to make lasagna for Courtney over at his house.  Everything was coming together perfectly, dinner was ready and she came over to enjoy a fun evening… except when they bit into the lasagna, it was crunchier than either of them remembered lasagna being.  Turns out Ray forgot to cook the noodles!  Thankfully, Courtney’s sense of humor just laughed over it all and they ordered pizza as they continued to get to know each other.

And now, after celebrating with friends and family, they are husband and wife!  The day could NOT have been more beautiful and I’m so excited to share my favorite images from their day!

This was the envelope that contained the handkerchief I mentioned… look at the post mark.  And there’s not even a zip code!

It must be the year of blue engagement rings because this is my third bride this year to have one.  They’re just beautiful!

The Spanish Moss, the light, and an incredible wedding party!  It was perfection.

So beautiful, Court! (And there’s the handkerchief in her bouquet!)

This photo of Ben’s stopped me in my tracks when I was culling our images.  Love that Spanish Moss!

Courtney and Ray took communion during the service and then served it to their friends and family as they left the church and gathered outside.

Just. Dreamy.

I just had to share some family photos this time because 1) this location is just GORGEOUS and 2) I hopped into one with my ATL Family :-)

This adorable little boy is their son Michael.  And for those of you that know Courtney and her sister, their mom described this little boy as having Courtney’s contemplative brain and Tiffany’s energy.  And if you know Tiffany, that’s a lot of energy to put into such a little boy!!

We went back to Saint Simons for their reception and it could not have been at a more beautiful location!

The top and bottom layers had Bible verses that couldn’t be seen until the cake was taken apart.

Their tent was just 300ft from the river and apparently high tide doesn’t just affect the oceans.  The catering staff and the DJ (and us) had to move tables and equipment to keep it from getting stuck in the ground, but none of the guests seemed to be phased at all!  Everyone just kept dancing and moving the party closer to the house!

Many thanks to these incredible vendors who made Courtney & Ray’s wedding day as wonderful as it was:
Ceremony | Faith Chapel, Jekyll Island
Reception | Riverfront House, VRBO
Wedding Dress | David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses | White House Black Market
Groomsmen’s Suits | Gentlemen’s Outfitters, St Simons
Wedding Coordinator | Mary Ann Cadiente
Hair & Makeup Artist | Jennifer VanGiller of Eye Do
Florals |Chris Triplett of Edward on St Simons
DJ | Jeff of First City Events
Wedding Invitations | David’s Bridal
Cake | For Heaven’s Cakes SSI
Catering | Dave Snyder of Halyards Catering