Photographing Brian and Abby's wedding in Oxford, MS was nothing short of magical. I loved documenting the entire day, from getting ready to the reception! I also had the pleasure of getting to know the couple before the big day when I took their engagement and rehearsal photos, and I have to say, this couple is always a pleasure to work with!
During our portraits together, Abby knew exactly what she wanted posing-wise, so that helped us create the gallery of her dreams. She was such a gorgeous bride, and every choice she made was intentional. Despite being super detailed, Abby was so relaxed during the entire process, enjoying the ride.
She wanted to highlight the romance and the emotion in our gallery, and boy did we get some winners! These photos are so natural that they truly show the essence of the day. Whether it was detail shots of the decorations or smiles shared by the guests, we caught so many precious moments.
While this day is the start of a new chapter for Abby and Brian, I loved hearing about how it all began. They first met online on a dating app, and she waited a whole three weeks to respond! But when they finally met in person on their first date, everything changed.
"As soon as I saw his beautiful smile and felt his kind heart, I was sold. From that moment, I knew there was something special between us. Brian’s side of the story is a bit different—he jokes that I stood him up twice before we actually met in person, but that's not true! I was just taking my time, getting to know him through our messages. When we finally did meet, Brian said he loved my smile and that it was the first thing he noticed about me. He also jokes that he was glad I hadn’t catfished him! It was such a relief for him to meet me in person and see that everything was as real as it had seemed online."
~ Abby
"Brian proposed on a trip we went on in February to Puerto Rico. It was our first night and we went to see the water by a beautiful bay under the stars. He got down on one knee, and it was such a surprise! I was wearing only a nightgown with no makeup because I had no idea that he was about to propose. The moment was so perfect and unexpected, and I’ll never forget how he looked at me with so much love as I stood there, caught completely off guard. It was one of the most magical moments of my life."
~Abby
"The place where we got married was incredibly special to us because it was Brian's aunt’s home, a place that had already held so many beautiful memories. It was also where several other family members, including Brian's older brother, had been married. To make it even more meaningful, we had Brian’s uncle officiate our ceremony. His presence and words made the moment feel even more personal and intimate, and it was a reminder of how important family is to both of us."
~ Abby
First looks can be special for a lot of couples to get the nerves out before the ceremony, but Abby and Brian decided they wanted to wait until Abby walked down the aisle to see each other. In the end, it was the right decision for them!
"I’m so glad we decided not to do a first look because it allowed me to see Brian’s raw emotions as he watched me come down the aisle for the first time in my dress. It was such a beautiful, unforgettable moment. Walking down the aisle, I felt an exhilarating mix of excitement, relief, and readiness all at once. All of my nerves and anxiety melted away. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace, knowing that this was the start of forever with Brian. Time seemed to stand still, and everything around me faded as I focused on him. It was like the world had paused, and all that mattered in that perfect moment was our love."
~Abby
"[When she walked down the aisle], I felt the greatest love I have ever felt, The excitement, anticipation and love led me to cry happy tears for the first time in my life." ~Brian
"Brian’s wedding ring was especially meaningful—it had been his grandfather's ring. It was engraved with his grandparents' wedding anniversary, and now it also has ours engraved on it, making it even more special. As for my engagement ring, Brian designed it himself. All I told him was that I wanted something vintage-like, and he did an amazing job. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of how thoughtful and loving he is, and it’s perfect in every way. My wedding band was simple and elegant and I love it as well. "
~Abby
"Our reception was filled with nonstop dancing from start to finish! I quickly realized my wedding dress wasn’t made for all the moves I wanted to bust out, so I changed into a more dance-friendly dress and my trusty tennis shoes. It was the perfect outfit for celebrating and keeping up with all the fun on the dance floor! Our guests truly brought the energy and made the celebration unforgettable. We were so grateful to have everyone there with us, sharing in the joy and making the day even more amazing! We took dance lessons the entire summer and all the practice and effort paid off as we stepped onto the dance floor with confidence and excitement. We were both proud of our performance and how it turned out. The highlight was Brian nailing the perfect spin and dip at the end, making it a moment we’ll always cherish and one our guests couldn’t stop raving about!"
~Abby
"Our photographer, Anna Payton, not only made us feel comfortable, but also confident. Her calming presence helped us relax, and she guided us through every shot, making sure we looked and felt our best. It was amazing how she brought out the best in us, and everyone noticed how at ease she made them feel too. She truly captured the essence of our day beautifully."
~Abby
It was so much fun photographing Abby and Brian's wedding, and If you have a special milestone coming up and are looking for the perfect photographer to safeguard your memories, please let me know! I'd love to see how we can make your wedding dreams come true.
Abby and Brian, I wish you all the best as you ride off into the sunset in your cyber chariot. Thanks so much for letting me be a part of your special day!
