i had the honor of photographing julie and michael’s sweet, september wedding day! i met julie and michael about 5 1/2 weeks before their wedding day. michael is in the military and they’ve never had the chance to actually sit down and plan their dream day. julie explained that every time they thought they had a date or thought they could make it happen…military life happened and michael was either deployed or off at training. so i wasn’t shocked when julie messaged me 3 days later letting me know that michael got called out and would be deployed until the week before their wedding day! i don’t know how these military spouses do it…that would leave me holding my breath all the time…but they’re amazing and they have no idea how much us civilians appreciate their sacrifice.

julie and michael’s day started for julie and her girls at a little house about a mile from their venue. when i arrived there was giddy chatter, champagne popping and football playing in the background! just your typical southern wedding morning 🙂 julie and her bridesmaids had their hair and makeup done by madeline hulsey and her team. i always love working with madeline! her work looks just as good at the end of the night as it does when she first finishes the look.

once julie was all done up and her maid of honor zipped her into her gorgeous dress, we headed over to the venue to get the day rolling! we met up with michael and they were able to share the sweetest first look where michael presented her with a gift…her bouquet! it was to die for! absolutely beautiful.

after the first look, we did their romantic portraits and then moved on to bridal party. once the bridal party was done with their portrait time, we breezed into family portraits and then it was time to hide the bride before the ceremony!

julie and michael had a guitar player for their wedding ceremony. their ceremony was held out in the forest of michael’s parents’ private farm. it was so whimsical and beautiful! julie walked down the aisle that was covered in persian rugs of so many different colors. it was absolutely breathtaking and so unique.

after being announced husband and wife and sharing their first ‘official’ kiss, julie and michael made their way down the aisle to the golf cart where they rode to their reception! the reception was held in a tent outside of michael’s parents house and the food was set up inside of their gorgeous house. after cutting their stunning wedding cake and tasting the doughnuts on the groom’s table, julie and micheal made their way out to the tent to have their first dance as husband and wife. michael and his mother shared a cute little dance as well and when it was time for julie and her dad to dance…it started with a classic song that rolled into “uptown funk”! julie and her father had choreographed a dance and i must say…it was the highlight of the reception! i love witnessing more than just a wedding. more than just a reception. but a truly joyous celebration from everyone! it was so fun!

julie and michael did their garter toss and bridal bouquet toss and then they danced the night away with their closest friends and family! it was one of the most beautiful days, and a wonderful wedding.