They had waited so, so long for this.

They had waited through one courthouse vow exchange, the births of four little girls, four years’ worth of deployments overseas — altogether, they had waited nearly a decade. And then, with their lives in full gear, these two high school sweethearts finally had their wedding, with their four daughters watching as they held hands and exchanged new rings in front of the ocean Jes had loved so much when she was a child herself.

Jes and Travis (and Madelynn and Sophie and Lucy and Evie) — it was an absolute honor.Below is one of my new favorite ring shots! And the gorgeous pearls were Jes’s something borrowed. Those lovely pearls were a gift to Jes’s bridesmaid — from Jes’s own father.  They had spent the week leading up to the wedding in a beach house that was perfect for a busy family on vacation — and the perfect setup for Jes’s thoughtful wedding details. When I saw the inscription in Travis’s new wedding band, my heart melted just a little bit.I don’t think there is anything sweeter than a bride getting ready . . . with her daughters.The picture above makes me feel a little fluttery. Lucy — the only girl who chose to stay in the room all morning — was absolutely entranced watching her mother turn into a bride.

But on any wedding day, it’s all fun and games . . . until it’s not.Jesica — you looked truly gorgeous. I mean, truly!While Jes got ready upstairs with the ladies, Travis got spiffied up downstairs with his guys. That tan linen suit was a great choice!Once they were both looking their very best, we whisked Travis out to the back yard, where Jes came to meet him for their first look. It was beautiful.

And weren’t her gown and gorgeous bouquet just perfect?! I love these next two photographs so much!The first half of the day already had me pretty much in heaven — but when I arrived at Ponce Inlet and saw the ceremony setup from Lindsay Rachael Events and Details Flowers & Photography, I literally sighed over the prettiness of it all.

I love the shore on a threatening-to-storm day — as long as it doesn’t actually storm on us. And Jes and Travis were in luck: The storm, which the radar animation showed would pass directly over us as it headed south, skirted out to sea and missed their wedding completely. The dreamy stormy sky, the calm inlet waters, the powder-fine sand — it was absolutely perfect. I hope it was even more beautiful than Jes had imagined.See what I mean about all the prettiness? And what came next was pure happiness.Jes’s father — who instilled a deep love of the beach in Jes — passed away a few years ago, so in his place, her cousin walked her down the aisle to meet Travis.As the ceremony was going on under the arch, something else was going on a little ways away — and, well, let me just preface this by saying it’s one of my favorite shots that has ever come out of our weddings!Officially official — again!Could their family be any more adorable? And the wedding party didn’t look too shabby, either. I loved the color scheme, loved the bridesmaids’ statement necklaces — oh, and have I already mentioned how much I loved those brightly summer-hued flowers?While the bridal party headed off to the reception, we headed further down the beach with Jes and Travis to create those sweet and romantic wedding portraits they didn’t get with the first wedding. And was it ever sweet and romantic.Favorite!The storm out over the Atlantic was such a striking backdrop. Another favorite! Just before the raindrops began falling, we made it back to our cars to head to their Daytona Beach Hilton reception. The ballroom overlooking the ocean was the perfect size for their intimate party — and it absolutely glowed with candy colors and candlelight.

Their cake, from The Pastry Studio, was so simply sweet.They shared their first dance . . . and in typical parent fashion, they shared it with their kiddos.Jes is an avid photographer, and clearly she’s teaching her daughters well.Kids on the dance floor have always been my favorite — but it held so much meaning when Jes invited their guests to all join them on the dance floor. In lieu of the traditional father-daughter dance, to honor her father, she said she and Travis wanted to do something he’d always prioritized: Spend time with their kids.See even more of Jes + Travis’s special day in their slideshow:

Jes and Travis — we were so grateful to be a part of this joyful day. Your marriage and your family are already a beautiful example of your love, and we are so happy for all six of you and can’t wait to see where life takes you next! God bless!

~ Laura + Danny

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue: The beach at Ponce Inlet
Reception Venue: Hilton Daytona Beach Resort
Bride’s Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Jamie Donohue
Flowers: Details Flowers & Photography
Catering: Hilton Daytona Beach Resort
Cake: The Pastry Studio
Ceremony Music and DJ: James Duchon
Wedding Planner: Lindsay Rachael Events
Photography: Laura Yang Photography