Southern Weddings

Oh my stars, do we have a treat for y’all today! Not only does Jessica and Russell’s wedding include some of the most beautiful, unique wedding locations I’ve seen (a first look in a lighthouse and a ceremony on a boat? Amazing!), this video also includes a few of my personal favorite wedding moments: a touching speech from the father of the bride. The sweetest exchange of traditional vows. A ceremony kiss that will give you butterflies. Alright, that’s enough spoilers for one day–y’all take a look!

From the bride:

Russell and I met over three years ago while working as servers at a small BBQ restaurant in Newberry, Florida. We instantly fell for each other, and our whirlwind of a romance took off! Our biggest adventure came to us less than a year after our love story began when we learned we were expecting. Although we faced many new challenges, the one thing we learned above all was that we could count on each other. Our little girl is the centerpiece of what keeps our family strong–she has made this entire dream possible.

Our wedding was rustic nautical with a Southern flair. The floral arrangements had a wildflower feel with anemones, garden roses, dusty miller and berries. Burlap and rope were used throughout to accentuate both the nautical and southern rustic themes. Some other Southern details of our wedding included the song I walked down the aisle to, “You Had Me from Hello” by Kenny Chesney (chosen by the groom to surprise the bride) and the first dance song of “Hey Pretty Girl” by Kip Moore. The last line of the song reads “hey pretty girl, when I see the lights and it’s my time to go, gonna thank the Lord for a real good life, a pretty little girl and a beautiful wife,” which we found perfectly fitting for our family.

The most memorable moment from our wedding was undoubtedly saying our vows to one another on the sailboat, surrounded by the water and our closest family, with the sun setting behind us. We could not have been blessed with a more breathtaking and romantic setting. It fit us perfectly.

Videography: You and I Pictures / Photography: Fayelin Olivia Zebley Photography / Bride’s dress: Jim Hjelm Occasions / Bridal Salon: Solutions Bridal Designer House / Alterations: Holly Smith at Tears of Joy Seamstress Services / Florist: Atmospheres Floral and Decor / Wedding Coordinator: Courtney Bailey from Weddings in the City / Hair and Makeup: Eunice Jin at Refined Elegance Artistry / First Look Venue: St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum / Ceremony Venue: Schooner Freedom Charters Inc. / Reception venue: Columbia Restaurant

See all of our past wedding films here!

Written with love by Lisa