Waterfront New Bern Wedding | Charleston and Destination Wedding Photographer

What if we lived every day was like a wedding? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be surrounded by gorgeous flowers, white lace, a handsome husband looking his best and a constant party? Getting all done up every morning, spending time with our favorite girls, and then eating cake every night? Now, before you think I’ve got wedding photographer brain, let me take you on the journey through Kate and Joe’s Waterfront New Bern Wedding day.

As I walked into Abilena Plantation, I met Shauntel, who was kind enough to let me join this wedding day as her second shooter. She led me to the room where the girls were getting ready. A beautiful bride to be in a gorgeous sun room took opening scene for this special day. Kate and I had met at their engagement session and I knew then when had met that her spirit just radiated pure joy. This morning was no different as she carefully wrote her groom-to-be a letter. As her curls fell on her shoulder, you could see every ounce of her heart pouring on to the paper.

Next, we headed upstairs to find the groom with his closes friends putting on their uniforms. The billiard table took part in both holding shoes, shirts and belts. Joe was in the bedroom putting final touches on. When we brought the letter to Joe, he read over Kate’s sweet words and took in all the emotion of the day. He was surrounded by the friends he loved most.

The afternoon came quickly and everyone made their way to Old St. Paul’s Catholic Church in downtown New Bern. At that church Kate and Joe stood in front of their favorite people in front of a loving God. Kate’s veil was exactly what every little girl would imagine in a princess movie. It flowed behind The Royal Wedding had been just a few days prior and Kate looked more beautiful than any princess I’d seen. I’m positive Joe would agree. They held hands, prayed, took communion and shared a sweet kiss.

The rain held off just in time. Kate and Joe snuggled together as husband and wife by the dock on the water at Abileena. Super long cathedral veils and wind are what dreams are made of. Side note, avoid getting veils in water at all costs. We were successful on keeping Kate’s veil dry, thankfully. They had a quiet moment together and then sprinted back to the tent when the rain moved across the water.

So, what do I mean about every day being like a wedding?

Kate and Joe both spent the first part of their day getting ready. They sought to look their best for one another, but spent time alone and focused on their thoughts while they waited. They didn’t just show up to the church in their pj’s saying “Hey, you get what you get. Let’s get this marriage started.” They took their time to pour into themselves before seeing each other. What do I mean by this? Take time to pour into your own soul before you can be present in your marriage, for your kids, in your own life. Spend time in your thoughts. Write the love notes– even if they’re just sticky notes stuck to a mirror. Wash your face, light a candle and spend the time needed to be present.

They spent time with friends and family. Their favorite people were present on their favorite day. Now, seeing that many people every single day would be down right exhausting. I get it. We love our Aunt Linda, but maybe don’t want to see her every single day for 8 hours. So, how does this apply? Reach out to a person you care about everyday. I know your time doesn’t allow you to reach out to all 150+ guests every day, but on that blue moon send a hello. Call those you love, send them mail, a text, heck even a Facebook message letting them know you’re thinking about them.

Let’s get to the cake already! Enjoy life. Dance in the rain. Do the little things that make you happy as a couple. Watch that Netflix show. Take a walk around your house together. Eat dinner together. Splurge on that cupcake and maybe let him eat the cake while you eat the icing. Teamwork, am I right?

Bring your marriage to God. Stand up before Him and say, we are one because of You. Woah, what a tough one. I see you there. Frustrated that he didn’t pick up his bathroom towel for the 10th million time this morning. I see you fussing at his amazing talent to leave his shoes in the middle of the floor. I see him aggravated about how he can’t find his work shirt because you accidentally left it in the washer when it was your turn to do laundry… But what if every day was like taking your marriage to God and remembering where you stand. Just think on that for a minute. Praying together over things, hearing songs of His love, praying for each other when it’s hard to do.. when you’re mad.. when the kids are screaming.. when money is tight.

So, do you hear me yet? Living every single day like it’s your wedding.

New Bern Wedding