Emily + Chance || Hattiesburg, MS Wedding
How do I start a blog post about one of the loveliest weddings I’ve ever captured? Honestly, nothing I can say can explain the beauty of the day, which is why I am so so thankful that the photos pretty much tell the story! I can tell you this, I was brought to tears a few times during their day. And that says a lot because I’m not a crier. I’m a deep feeler for sure, but I am not a crier. (Otherwise I might be a mess most weddings! Ha!) But I couldn’t help it on this wedding day! Emily and Chance’s day was punctuated by so many beautiful moments that showed their hearts towards one another, and towards Jesus, so clearly.
They chose the inside of their church, Main Street United Methodist Church in Hattiesburg, for their First Look because it’s a huge part of their story. It’s where they grew up, where they were confirmed, and where they met (at three years old, you guys!). And it's there where they washed one another’s feet before anything else happened on their wedding day. It was such an honor to get to witness and capture those profound moments.
And since they did a First Look, we got a lot of time for bride and groom portraits before the wedding. They got to spend time taking in one another, practicing their first dance in the courtyard of the church, and squeezing one another surrounded by their fun-loving wedding party. Emily was drop dead gorgeous in her lace-sleeved gown and Chance was extra dapper in his grey suit. A bow tie just looks right on him! And even though it was “their day” and they were essentially the stars of the show, Emily and Chance were their regular selves…. so gracious and kind to everyone. It’s always a joy to serve my brides and grooms, but these two made it the easiest thing in the world to capture their day. Every so often throughout the day, Emily would just look over at me and give me the most genuine thanks for being there. She's one of those amazing people who knows how to see and love others.
Their wedding ceremony was beautifully inspiring. It was a worship service from start to finish. Lots of tears in that room. It was so joyful but you could also sense the deep reverence that these two brought to the words they were saying to each other, and to God. And then on the way to their reception at the Brookside Barn, we stopped off at Chance’s family home down the street. The light was perfection at that point and we shot all around the property. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to take photos of a bride and groom kissing an Elvis bust again, so don’t scroll too quickly, mmkay? We finished the evening with Emily and Chance’s beautiful first dance under the pine trees and drizzly summer sky. Guests were treated to a beautiful and creative spread of food (avocado bar!) and desserts. And after a packed dance floor reception, Emily and Chance exited to sparklers and followed by a huge fireworks show.
These two are destined for an adventurous life together filled with laughter, deep talks, finding joy in the ordinary, and growing closer to Jesus together. Does it get better than that?!
Biggest thanks ever to Misty Nolan for being an amazing second shooter!
Ceremony Location: Main Street United Methodist Church, Hattiesburg
Reception Location: Brookside Barn
Planner: Adrienne Garanich
Florist: Blooms a Garden Shop
Hair: Whitney Douglas
Caterer: Pretty Presentations
Band: Figure 8
