It started with a haircut. Jessica is a hair stylist at the fabulous Mantra Salon. Most women, especially those with crazy hair like mine, understand how important it is to find a hair stylist with whom you can mesh. I’m not sure if men form the same bonds, but maybe they should… Chris got far more than he bargained for when he went in for a haircut — he found his future bride. Jess first contacted me about photography services online, but we talked details while she gave my sad locks some pampering. She told me about Chris, and somehow it came up that he is a Cupid Shuffle fan of the highest order. Well, I’m pretty much the president of that fan club, so I knew we would hit it off just fine.

Photographing Jessica and Chris for their engagement session was a blast, and I loved seeing them interact. They have a completely intoxicating love for each other, and they have entire nonverbal conversations — one look, and they know exactly what the other needs.

As it got closer to the couple’s New Year’s Eve wedding at One Ocean, I think everyone was sad to hear that Jacksonville Beach was nixing their fireworks display. Not to fear, though – there were definite sparks flying as Chris and Jessica said “I Do,” and it had absolutely nothing to do with their sparkler exit! Their candle-lit ceremony was beautiful and sweet, with the sound of the ocean as a backdrop to their commitments to each other. The reception did not disappoint, with plenty of bling, and — of course — the Cupid Shuffle. A fabulous crowd of dancers of every age rang in the new year together while wishing the new Mr. and Mrs. many happy years to come.

On a personal note, this was the first wedding for which my wonderful husband served as my second shooter (thusfar I have gone without). I’m not sure how the grueling work of a wedding day lived up to what he had envisioned, but I can say that he did a great job of helping out, and he produced some great images, too! We will see how eager he is to help me the next time around…!

Enjoy these images of Jessica and Chris’s wedding, and check out facebook for a few more!

 This gorgeous wedding came together with the help of plenty of vendors, including some local to the Jacksonville area:

Decorations/Theme: Linda Odom and Tara Simmons of Tales of the South
Hair/Makeup: Mantra Salon
Jewelry: Hot Pink, Orange Park Mall
Cupcakes: Sweet by Holly
DJ: Kelly Meiller (email me for contact information)
Officiant: Kathy Sheddan (email me for contact information)