The forecast called for rain — more rain, even, than on the evening of their engagement portraits at Vilano Beach two days before. But Emily and Demian were ready to embrace their day, whatever the weather brought. You could see Emily’s elation in the way she grinned in the makeup chair. You could hear in Demian’s voice that he thought he was the luckiest guy in the world.

Only their immediate families were there to witness their marriage. Eleven wedding guests sat in the courtyard at the Old City House Inn as Emily and Demian exchanged their vows. But there was as much love as if they’d packed an entire ballroom.

The day started in Emily’s gorgeous room at the Old City House Inn — with her gorgeous dress and gorgeous details.I couldn’t get over the beautiful, personal invitation suite — designed by Emily’s sister. Or those shoes! Both pairs of Emily’s shoes!Emily and Demian scattered the key theme throughout their day . . . because, Emily said, they had met at a “lock and key” mixer for singles. At the mixer, the women were all given locks, and they had to find the man with the corresponding key. Did Demian have Emily’s key? No, she said. No one did! But they met before the night ended, laughed about locks and keys — and had no idea that less than a year later, they would be using locks and keys to symbolically decorate their wedding.Once Emily’s mom and sister had her dressed, her father came in for a father-daughter first look — which has become, hands down, one of my favorite parts of a wedding day. Because it never fails to be breathtaking.Across the hall, Demian was getting ready for his bride.Then, all ready, he went out to meet her for their first look.Have I mentioned before how much I love first looks?Downstairs in the courtyard, the ceremony was ready to go.As the ceremony began, Emily’s ring bearer nephew, Dylan, got a little distracted. I have to admit — cookies are distracting.After their vows, after their ring exchange, after their sand ceremony — the clouds began spilling their rain. Everyone simply looked around, picked up their umbrellas, and moved inside the Old City House Inn for the first kiss.I loved the way these two held hands during their ceremony.

And then they were married!After family portraits, Danny and I made the quick trip to La Pentola, a great little Italian restaurant on Aviles St., which has a private room upstairs that was just perfect for Emily and Demian’s cozy reception.Before the reception got underway, the rain stopped and I spotted a patch of blue sky out the window. I grabbed Emily, and she grabbed Demian, and we headed out to make the most of twilight in Downtown St. Augustine!One of the great things about St. Augustine’s streets: When you only have a few minutes of daylight left — and a bride in sky-high heels — you don’t need to travel very far to find numerous backdrops in this town of pretty pastel buildings and cobblestone streets.Could these two look any happier or more in love?Evening caught us quickly — and the best photographs from their quick second portrait session came as darkness set in. The light on the puddles, the rich blue sky. It felt almost magical.We headed back into La Pentola for toasts, delicious food, and dancing.See even more in Emily and Demian’s slideshow.

Emily and Demian — thank you so much for choosing to have us there to share in your wedding day and capture all the excitement and emotion for you two! We were honored, and we cannot wait to see what comes next for you two!

~ Laura + Danny

Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Old City House Inn
Reception Venue: La Pentola
Bride’s Gown: Winnie Couture
Bride’s Shoes: Glint and Coloriffics
Hairstyling: Kassie Wingate at Debbie’s Day Spa and Salon
Makeup: Elizabeth Johnson at Debbie’s Day Spa and Salon
Flowers: Flowerworks
Music: Richard Kuncicsky
Cake: Publix
Catering: La Pentola
Stationery: The sister of the bride
Officiant: Allen Crosby of Elegant Events
Videography: Adam Pressley Films
Photography: Laura Yang Photography