They had known each other pretty much their entire lives, growing up on the same street and active in the same church, but they never considered each other a potential romantic interest until last summer. Kevin was home from the Army for a bit and Danyelle had just returned from college. With all their friends out of town or busy with jobs, it only made sense that they started hanging out. And by the second not-really-a-date, over several plates of sushi, Kevin said he knew. This was it. He had to marry her. Only a couple months later, he told Danyelle — and she agreed. They had to get married; nothing else would do.

Earlier this month, that’s exactly what they did. Their wedding was one of those beautiful days that makes me understand why northerners flock to Florida in the wintertime — but even more than that, it was one of those days that was beautiful because of what unfolded (just like their Ponce Inlet engagement session). So much happiness, so much joy, so much thankfulness that a lifetime of prayers were answered when Danyelle and Kevin took each other’s hands at the altar and took each other for a lifetime. Danyelle and her bridesmaids got ready for the wedding on the property where the reception was scheduled for that evening, in the beautiful guest house. It couldn’t have been more lovely.Remember how, just a moment ago, I said it couldn’t have been more lovely? That goes for Danyelle herself, too. Radiant doesn’t begin to describe her!And I have to say — this was our third wedding in four months where the bridesmaids wore one-shoulder dresses. As a bride whose own maid of honor wore a one-shoulder gown, I have to say I approve! And these girls’ sleek, chic hairdos — compliments of maid of honor Tiffany and sister-in-law-of-the-groom Rachel — were absolutely swoon-worthy, too. Although Danyelle’s dad had seen her in her gown before, when Danyelle did her bridal portraits, we had a quick father-daughter first look, which is always one of the most emotionally-charged moments of a wedding day. This one was no exception, as Danyelle’s father couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry when he saw his little girl glowing on her wedding day.Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Kevin got ready with his father and groomsmen — with an incredible view on that gorgeous morning.Then it was off to the house for the groomsmen’s portraits . . . and some careful orchestrating to make sure Kevin didn’t accidentally see Danyelle as she and her bridesmaids played and posed up on the guest house deck!And next — the first look. The wonderful, perfect first look right on the Tomoka River.First looks are always amazing, but this one was particularly beautiful, considering that Kevin and Danyelle had seen each other weekly since they were little children — but in that moment, they definitely saw each other in an entirely new way. It was their wedding day. On that afternoon, Kevin looked at his beautiful bride, and Danyelle saw her handsome groom. And neither of them could stop laughing from the sheer excitement of it. Do you think they could have possibly been any happier? And serious favorite alert!After we breezed through the bridal party and family portraits, it was off to Riverbend, the church where both Danyelle and Kevin grew up. I don’t know if the sanctuary has ever looked so lovely, or if a more genuine, Christ-filled wedding ever took place on that stage.I absolutely love it when couples choose to pray together on a prayer bench, because it makes for the sweetest of photographs. Especially when I’m not the only one in the sanctuary who is watching the couple instead of keeping my eyes closed for the prayer.Married!

Right after the kiss, they celebrated at the church reception, with the most adorable his + hers dessert tables. Danyelle’s table was filled with light and tangy citrus shooters, coconut cake, and biscotti, while Kevin’s was a little more weighed down with ice cream sundaes, cheesecakes, and donut holes.Beautiful, right? But that was only the beginning. Because after the church reception, Danyelle and Kevin were off. . . . . . to the more intimate dinner reception. First though, we spent a little more time with Danyelle and Kevin, soaking up the golden hour light. When Danyelle and I first started talking about her photography, she told me how much she loves beautiful light in photographs, and how she wanted to plan her wedding day around taking bride and groom portraits during the best light of the day. So I was beyond thrilled at what we were seeing as we ventured into the woods and started shooting.

Danyelle and Kevin, you two are absolutely perfect together. The sunlight streaming through the trees was so beautiful, and the newlyweds were so happy. No fairy tale could have scripted it better.Don’t they just make you breathe a happy little sigh?I’ll give you a moment to catch your breath after all that gorgeousness!

But wait — there’s more. While the guests enjoyed the mocktail hour on the back porch, Danny and I scoped out the beautiful tent, where Danyelle’s dream reception was about to take place, complete with a delicious organic and locally-sourced meal from Two Chicks and a Pot and a lovely cake whipped up by one of the ladies from the church.As darkness fell, it was time for a party!Their reception was just as sweet as the rest of their day. Well, and a little saucy, too.And there was plenty of dancing!The evening wound down to a bittersweet ending — bittersweet because this was the last time Danyelle and Kevin were going to see most of their friends and family before returning to his station in Hawaii. But so, so sweet because, while their wedding was beautiful, it was only the beginning of a marriage that is sure to be even more beautiful.If you want to see even more of their wonderful wedding (and, come on, you know you do!) you can check out their + site and watch their slide show.

Danyelle and Kevin, we can’t thank you enough for choosing us to be there for your wedding day, and for letting us feel like we were just an extension of the wonderful circle of family and friends who surrounded you to celebrate with you. We can only imagine that your marriage will be incredibly blessed, and we pray you will carry the joy you felt on your wedding day with you in the years to come!

~ Laura + Danny

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Riverbend Community Church
Reception Venue: Private residence
Bridal Gown: Essense of Australia, purchased at Bridal Ltd.
Bridal Veil: Mother of the bride’s
Bridesmaids; dresses: Alfred Angelo
Groomsmen’s tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Flowers: Marguerite’s Florist
Wedding Coordinator: Karen Dillard
Coordinating Assistant: Pam Stricklen
Officiant: Rev. Michael Harsch
Catering: Two Chicks and a Pot
Photography Assistant: Lauren Hope
Photography: Laura Yang Photography