At weddings, the emotional moments aren’t just the ones at the altar or on the dance floor. The memories a bride and groom and their family hold dear aren’t only of the walk down the aisle or the grand exit through a sea of well wishers. The emotional moments, the powerful memories, often come in between what the guests see: A bride and her mother examining necklaces that have been in the family for years, choosing the perfect accessory for a daughter to wear as she becomes a wife; a groomsman teasing his baby brother, the groom — a lifelong tradition; a father going over his notes while no one watches, preparing to perform a fourth wedding ceremony, this time for his fourth son.

Tricia and Jonathan’s Jacksonville wedding in September was just like that. Love and happiness when the guests could see it. Even more when they couldn’t.

It was a beautiful, sunny morning as Tricia and her girls primped and relaxed. And worked hard to fight down the giggles brought on by tickle-inducing airbrushing.I left the girls to get ready while Danny and I grabbed a few shots of Tricia’s gown on the gorgeous deck where the ceremony would take place just a few hours later.And then it was time to visit the guys. You see, at most weddings, I stay with the girls and Danny photographs the guys. There was one slight hitch in that plan this time around: Danny was Jonathan’s best man. So I headed over to join them, just a few doors down from the girls’ room. But then, of course, I had to get back to the girls. Tricia had a gown to slip into and a wedding to get to!And the ceremony? It might not have been one of those in between moments. But it was beautiful.May I draw your attention to this family portrait — and to the laptop Jonathan’s nephew is holding, in particular. On that laptop screen is Jonathan’s twin sister, Sarabeth, whose job in Singapore kept her from being there for the wedding. But technology still gave her a front row seat, and she watched the entire ceremony and reception via Skype!

As soon as we wrapped up the photos, there was something great waiting for the guests and bridal party (and photographer!) on that steamy September day: The cocktail hour and reception were right inside the deck. Oh, sweet air conditioning! Another bonus: The cutest cake and cupcake tower.

Why yes, that is my husband giving the toast. . . .

Tricia and Jonathan’s first dances — together, and with their parents, were just the sweetest times of the day.And then the real party got going!Since there hadn’t been time for bridesmaid portraits earlier in the day, we slipped back outside — and really, this was the best time of day to be shooting, anyway. Oh, golden hour, you melt my heart!At that point in the reception, there was just a bit of dancing and mingling left for the couple before they headed out through a bubble tunnel for their grand exit in the gorgeous golden sunlight.But wait, what’s that, you say? We haven’t seen any portraits of the bride and groom yet? You’re right. That’s because they circled right back after their grand exit and met up with us again for their portraits — when the light was perfectly glowy and romantic. It was the best decision, because their portraits were just magic!Tricia, you looked fabulous!To see even more, check out Tricia and Jonathan’s slide show!

Tricia and Jonathan, we were so happy to be a part of your wedding — as your photographers, part of your wedding party, and as your friends — and we pray that God blesses your marriage beyond what you two have even imagined. We can’t wait to hear about your honeymoon cruise in the Western Caribbean and to see what married life has in store for you two!

Vendors:

Photography: Laura Yang Photography
Venue: University of North Florida – Adam W. Herbert University Center
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair: Casey Powell of Casey Does Hair
Makeup: Stephanie Justine Mazzeo
Flowers: Liz Stewart Floral Design
Cake: Publix
Coordinator: Pam Bush
DJ: ABC DJs