A Spring Hill College St. Joseph Chapel Wedding

To say it was a picture perfect day on Saturday feels like an understatement! We had the best of both worlds, starting out portrait time at a beautiful riverfront property and ending portrait time during Golden Hour on the Avenue of the Oaks at Spring Hill College. We had dreamy light, beautiful portrait backgrounds and a super fun bridal party. On top of that, Kim and Kelly are the sweetest couple! It was easy to see why they are so loved by their families and friends!

This wedding was somewhat of a blast from the past! First, I realized when reading their wedding questionnaire that Kelly’s mom was the lady I took swimming lessons from as a kid! I still remember going to their house back in the day. His mom was just as I remembered her – full of joyful energy! I was never a big fan of swimming, but I remember I liked Mrs. Dodie’s teaching style.

I also discovered on the wedding day that Kim and Kelly are friends with so many people that I know from my school years at Holy Family and I got to catch up with one of my 2016 brides at their reception too! On top of all that, one of Kim’s brothers was good friends with my sister in high school. I hadn’t seen him probably since they graduated and it was really fun to catch up with both him and his wife (who was also friends with my sister!).

When I pulled up to the getting ready house, I realized that I was just two doors down from where I photographed Caitlin and Ryan’s wedding last year! I absolutely loved taking portraits in this neighborhood before, so I was super excited to be at another property on the same street!

Close to Heart

Kim sadly lost her father just a few months ago and their wedding date was on his birthday. Even though I know they were missing him dearly, she kept him close to her heart throughout the day, carrying one of his handkerchiefs in her hand. Later, at the reception, Kim’s family stepped away from the party for a balloon release in her father’s honor. This was tricky to photograph after dark, but it turned out so beautifully. As I took a photo of the balloons rising to the sky, I noticed that the moon, which was shining brightly, was captured in my shot. It was like Kim’s dad was smiling down on his sweet daughter.

An Epic Exit

At the end of the reception, Kim and Kelly made their departure via a boat. I LOVE a boat exit, but they do take some coordination! Special thanks to Kelly’s brother-in-law, Steven, who positioned the boat perfectly for an epic exit shot! It captured whole location perfectly and is definitely one of my favorite shots of the day! Cheers to the newly Mr. and Mrs. Ward!

Love this capture of Kim’s brothers seeing her in her dress taken by my second photographer, Taylor!

I loved this little corner in the dining room of the getting ready house! It was the perfect spot for some groom portraits!

As soon as I spotted this Chinese Fringe Tree, I knew I would use it for some bride and groom portraits! Y’all, this property was a DREAM!

The Avenue of the Oaks was crazy crowded when we stopped by there before the ceremony. Thankfully, Kim and Kelly were game for going back to get some middle-of-the-street shots on the way to the reception. We had the place practically to ourselves and beautiful Golden Hour glow!

Kelly’s wedding band belonged to his late grandfather. I loved this sweet moment he and Kim shared with his grandmother. She was so surprised they had a special gift for her!

Kim shared a dance with her stepdad and her father-in-law. It was such a sweet moment!

After hearing me say “let’s do one more nuzzle” several times during the day, these two turned the tables on me! Still laughing at this moment and I did promise them I would deliver it in their gallery! Haha!

VENDORS

Photography by Elizabeth Gelineau

Second Photographer Taylor Patrick

Photographer’s Assistant + Ceremony Second Photographer | Lauren Hodges

Planning | Jacquie Burkett

Catering | Naman’s Catering

Florist | Kathy Peavy

Cake Artist | Tim Ward, Pollman’s

Hair + Makeup | Amy Jones, Studio PH

Band | Johnny Hayes

Rentals | Port City Rentals

Bride’s Gown | Boca Raton Bridal – Martina Liana

Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaid – Amsale

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Francia’s Formal Affair

Huggers + Cups | Sally Goodloe, Sally G Designs

Transportation | Gulf Coast Tours

Wedding Bands | JR Dunn Jewelers