Some wedding days are just perfect. Laura and Pete’s day was one of these. The weather was amazing – not too hot and gorgeously sunny. The homes where they chose to prepare were both stunning, full of neutral antiques, huge windows, and interesting (and photogenic!) details in every room. The bridal party was excited, kind, helpful, and genuinely glad to be in Pensacola, celebrating the wedding of two people who were clearly so loved and respected. My favorite moment of the day (which was pretty much perfect anyway), was in the church, right after the officiant pronounced them husband and wife; the entire congregation clapped, but not just for the ten seconds that custom dictates, but for nearly a solid minute. There is no doubt – Laura and Pete were meant to be together, and everyone in attendance agreed and was there solely to celebrate the occasion. Also, I should mention that I have never cried as much as I did at this wedding. I can think of many times throughout the day when I was brought to tears, hiding behind my camera while documenting a moment that tugged at my heart . . . each couple opening their gifts from the other (BOTH remnants from their first date when, unknown to the other, they had saved or noted that somehow that evening felt different than anything previous); Laura’s first look with dad and giving a letter to mom; the thunderous applause from their friends and family in the church; the father-daughter toast that brought literally EVERYONE to tears. I love photographing things that are beautiful, but a beautiful family like Laura and Pete’s, so genuinely involved and supportive and happy, is so much more meaningful (not to say that the wedding wasn’t beautiful in and of itself because it was GORGEOUS).
Photographer: Aislinn
