A St. Thomas by the Sea Wedding

It was nine o’clock on Saturday night and Jacob was twirling Katie around the dance floor. Surrounded by their family and friends, dancing to Piano Man was the perfect ending to their perfect wedding day. I rarely photograph weddings at the beach, but each time I have I’ve been blessed with beautiful weather! It might have been a little chilly from the breeze coming in off the water, but it was a blue sky, sunshine type of day. Maybe there is truth to that Southern tradition of burying a bottle of bourbon – it certainly worked for Katie and Jacob!

When I arrived at Turquoise Place the morning of the wedding, Katie was hanging out with her bridesmaids. Everyone was so happy and relaxed. I loved that Katie put a caution sign on the closet door so that there was no chance Jacob would accidentally see her dress, which she had steamed the day before, prior to the ceremony. She wasn’t taking any chances of the surprise being ruined! I loved all the details Katie chose for her day, but especially her beautiful invitation suite! Best of all, she had two envelopes addressed in calligraphy – this is both a great keepsake and great for photos!

Katie chose to wear the veil that her mom wore on her wedding day. It paired so perfectly with Katie’s wedding gown that you would have thought they were purchased together! Best of all, the veil was perfect for an epic veil toss photo on the beach. Yes, it is one of my favorite shots of the day!

After we wrapped up post ceremony portraits, we headed to Heron Pointe at the Wharf in Orange Beach for an evening reception. We had already captured some wonderful memories in the first half of the day, but the reception was full of many more! From memorable toasts and dances, to a fantastic sparkler exit, and many more fun moments in between, it was a dream to photograph.

This is one of my favorite candid captures from the day! It reminded me of a moment I captured between my cousin and our grandmother on her wedding day. There was so much joy and love in this moment!

These toasts were some of the best I’ve ever heard at a wedding! I always love capturing reactions to stories shared in moments like this!

Another one of my favorite moments of the day was Jacob dancing with his grandmothers. Clearly, I’m a sucker for moments that involve grandparents!

LOVE this view of the reception captured by my second photographer, Regina!

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer | Regina Gomez-Guillen

Photographer’s Assistant | Lauren Hodges

VENDORS

Planning | Kayla Rigby, All Affairs LLC

Videography | For Him Films

Getting Ready Location | Turquoise Place

Ceremony | St. Thomas by the Sea Catholic Church

Reception | Heron Pointe at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL

Catering | The Wharf Catering Group

Florist | Coastal Flowers & Design

Cake | A Specialty Bakery

Makeup + Hair | Brushed + Blushed

Rentals | Gulf Coast Events & Rentals 

Band | Powerhouse

Bride’s Gown | The White Room Birmingham – Anne Barge, Alterations by Carolyn Kelley

Bride’s Shoes | Bella Belle

Bridesmaid Dresses | Dear Cleo

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Suit Shop

Transportation | Gulf Coast Tours