Beaufort North Carolina Wedding Photographer | Jen + Joey

This Beaufort wedding completely stole my heart. And it wasn’t just the beach, sunshine, and perfect weather. Jen and Joey showed grace and acceptance throughout the last few months leading up to their wedding. With COVID concerns and restrictions changing all of their plans, they ultimately felt their wedding day was left in God’s hands. They knew the most important part of the day was that they were going to married – and that was celebration enough for them!

Not only did they have to cut their guest list, but they also had to find a new location for both their ceremony and their reception. While they were originally hoping to marry in the local church and have a reception in downtown Beaufort, they instead found a friend’s home overlooking the water. They catered Mexican food (yes, you read that right. My favorite wedding dinner. EVER.) and had an intimate gathering with only their closest friends and family.

 

Getting Ready + Ceremony

Jen and her girls got ready inside the home, with Jen quietly doing her own hair and makeup before getting zipped into her dress by her mother and sister. The rest of her bridesmaids came in with eyes closed for a surprise reveal. Then, a sacred moment as her bridesmaids prayed over her and their marriage, her sister leading the prayer. Moments later, I snuck down to the ceremony site to capture Joey and his father and groomsmen doing the same thing – hands on his shoulder and speaking a prayer over him. Then, during the ceremony, the pastor invited all in attendance to stand and link arms with the couple as together they ALL said prayers of gratitude for their wedding day. It was one of my favorite moments of the day.

 

Wedding Portraits in Downtown Beaufort

After I do’s were said and the celebratory recession down the aisle, Jen, Joey, and their entire bridal party hopped on the Beaufort Double Decker Bus. We cruised into downtown Beaufort for portraits in the gardens, on the docks and along the bayfront. This was such a fun, carefree time that none of us had been sure would be possible with everything going on with COVID restrictions, but we were all thrilled when it ended up working out perfectly!

 

 

A Sunset Reception

As we took photos, the reception was being set up back at the waterfront property. Jen had envisioned her love for wildflowers coming through her wedding decor. From her colorful bridesmaids dresses, to brightly stained glass vases, and of course, a wild array of colors in her bouquet, this rang true. There was also the touch of beach, with the traditional name card being replaced by a hand-lettered seashell, as well as the classic North Carolinian Cheerwine. And, need I remind you about the Mexican food? Simply the best.

As the sun set over the water, we finished up with a few romantic portraits of just the newlyweds out by the waterfront. They came back to cake, a few precious dances and toasts, and a sparkler send-off. While things had not looked the way Jen and Joey had originally planned, it ended up being even more romantic and purposeful than they ever could have wished for!

Vendors to Thank:

Shot on Fuji400H scanned by The Find Lab

Dress | BHLDN by Anthropologie

Florist | Christy

Cake | Happycakes Cupcakery

Beaufort Wedding Photographer | Meghan Rose Photography

Meghan is a film and digital hybrid wedding photographer in North Carolina. She serves all over the Southeastern US – the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and beyond. She specializes in realistic + romantic portraits that emphasize sweet with a touch of sass and humor.

 

Want to see another beach wedding of mine? Check out Sam + Sarah’s Fort Lauderdale destination wedding here!

Planning a destination wedding in the mountains instead of the beach? Feel free to read my Tips on Having a Destination Wedding in Western North Carolina.