It had rained.  And the ground was still wet.  The forecast was calling for more rain that day, but we only ever felt a few drops.  Clouds had settled on the mountains and there was a chill in the air which helps make for a perfect fall wedding.

Erica arrived at the Table Rock Lodge where they would be getting ready and later would celebrate the day with dinner and dancing.  The bride, bridesmaids and family helped carry everything inside and get everything set up.  And as things came together, time ticked and it was time to get ready.  As Erica pulled on her dress and her sister began to lace it up, it started to hit her that this day was really here.  Everyone talked about the love these two have for each other and how sweet and genuine they are together, as a pair.

Chase arrived calm and collected… and just excited to get the day started.  He was ready to see his bride!  As we walked to where they were going to have their First Look, he asked what he should do as the few nerves he had seemed to seep out.  I told him to close his eyes and to wait for his bride to tap him on the shoulder… that she was beautiful and to not worry about a thing.

Erica and Chase, THANK YOU for letting me a part of your day.  In spite of the clouds and threat of rain, the two of you together made everything bright.  I hope you’re enjoying your time together and away while in St. Lucia!

It was a photographer’s dream…

To say Erica was excited would have been the understatement of the day :-)

 Erica’s sister, Kristen, was the coordinator AND the maid of honor.  She’s a rock star, let me tell you!
If you need someone that’s detail oriented and organized to help plan your wedding, she’s your girl!

And this is where I teared up too…

Erica, my dear, you are stunning.

Erica and Chase sent gifts to each other before their First Look…

And Erica’s surprised face was priceless!  Chase got her all things needed to adopt a puppy!

I know I’ve said it before, but I love love love it when couples do a First Look.

You just don’t get images like this after you’ve walked down the aisle.

And you definitely don’t get to squeeze each other tightly like this either.

Seriously, you guys!  You were melting my heart :-)

We had a little time before heading up the mountain to Pretty Place, so we grabbed several pictures in front of the cabin.
The light did nothing but make Erica even more radient!

Y’all!  You’re just good looking people!

And her flowers?  Amazing job by Cynthia of Cynthia’s Fine Flowers.

Just gorgeous!  And you know I love those orange and purple flowers (Go Tigers!).

Adri, on the left, was one of the flower girls in my wedding.  I was so excited to hear that she and her cousin would be wearing the dresses from my wedding for Erica and Chase’s!

They are the cutest of cousins!

The cloud may have obstructed the view for the ceremony, but as someone said, it gave it an “etherial” feeling, like we were just that much closer to heaven.

The girls from Trio 864 provided the perfect music.

And before we knew it, it was time…

Do you see that grin on Chase’s face?  Not even seeing each other before the ceremony could take away from the moment of seeing his bride walk down the aisle to him.

The two of them, Erica and Chase, MADE this kneeling bench.  They MADE IT!!

MARRIED!

Dear clouds, thank you for making these amazing colors even more brilliant.

I love the orange and purple ties almost as much as the orange and purple flowers!

We headed down the mountain to the Visitor’s Center at Table Rock State Park for some portraits before the reception.

Girls!  Y’all are beautiful.

Are they not precious??

Favorite!

Ok, this is a favorite too!

 Then it was back to the lodge for the party!

And you know it’s going to be a good party when the first song they play is Tiger Rag!

You can’t go wrong with a Clemson candy bar…

…especially when there’s rock candy!

Erica danced with her mom and it may have been the sweetest dance ever.

The DJs from The Party Machine got EVERYONE in the crowd involved!

And just so y’all know, this red headed beauty, Naomi, not only did the girls’ hair and makeup but she also SANG at the wedding!  This girl has SO much talent!

I wish I could say I taught these guys their dance moves… but y’all know that’s just wishful thinking!

And before we all knew it… their last dance was happening.