Abby + Chris | A St. Petersburg, FL Bay Wedding | Vinoy Hotel

‘This day is holy…’

That’s what was found on a wooden sign at their reception and it struck me as being so profoundly true. In so many ways, this day was holy. Holy because it was blessed. It was set apart. Set apart as a day to honor God and the work He had done between two people. Two ordinary people and yet extraordinary in their selfless commitment to each other and ultimately, to their first Love.

It was a day that was blessed. The weather was a perfect 80 degrees and the venue was a beautiful seaside hotel overlooking the bay. Yet, it wasn’t the weather or the location that made this particular day a blessed one. No, it was the central focus of love, faithful commitment and selflessness. As Abby walked down the aisle to Chris, his reaction was one of the sweetest and most moving that I have ever seen. Immediately after the doors opened and she stepped out with her dad, the tears started to flow. Overcome with emotion, he buried his head in his hands. You see, the love of his life, the woman he had wanted to be his for so long, was approaching him to forever be united as one. It was a breathless moment and as I think about it even now, it reminds me of why I love what I do. Those are the moments that remind me of the beauty of unconditional love and relationship.

Abby and Chris, your wedding was a dream. The entire experience was a testament to the caliber of people that you are and the way that you serve others. On your most special day, you were still concerned about the well-being of everyone around you, including myself. I cannot express the privilege it was to be a part of it and to have played a small role in documenting such a glorious day. I wish you ALL the best in your marriage and can’t wait to see where this path of unity leads you.

Enjoy some of my favorites of their GORGEOUS wedding at the Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL. There are a LOT…sorry, not sorry.

Happy Friday!!

(You may remember this beautiful couple from their Washington DC engagement session earlier this year! If you missed it, you’ll want to check it out here.)

Aren’t her shoes just ridiculously cute? Abby carried with her this pendant and two hearts cut out from a shirt that one of her best friends who had passed away had given her. It was the sweetest commemoration. 

An inside joke= Super cool socks. 

Exchanging gifts. 

Not only do they think alike…but it gives me great joy to know their marriage will be built on such solid ground.

Abby, you are too gorgeous for words. Simply stunning. 

Are these polka-dot dresses not just wonderful?! So cute!

Just stop it. The cuteness was unreal. 

They got a bit out of order so it read, “The Bride Here Comes.” Hilarious. 

And then the flower girl got a bit distracted on her way down the aisle…

I have to say it, Chris had THE best reaction I have ever seen in a groom. It was priceless and so sweet. 

FAVorite shot.

LOVE this.

We took their engagements at Alexandria harbor outside of Washington DC, so it was only fitting to do some bride and groom portraits by the bay as well. I was in heaven. 

Abby’s parents surprised her with a Bentley to drive away in. I was probably even more thrilled because I got to ride in it with them!!!

Money shot.

Favorite.

Autumn, the maid of honor,  is one of my dearest friends and a past bride (you may remember her rainy day wedding). With all three of her sister’s giving a speech, Abby didn’t stand a chance at having dry eyes. 

Love these two. So great when I get to continue ‘working’ with previous clients. Their wedding is being published soon so stay tuned!