Danielle and Garrett got married on a gorgeous summer day just steps from the ocean in Atlantic Beach. Their ceremony was taking place at the private residence of a family friend, and I have never seen a more gorgeous backyard wedding. A soft breeze whipped up the drapes around the arbor on the back lawn and white chairs lined each side of the pathway. Later the lawn would be transformed with lines of tables as a hundred close family and friends dined together while the sunset over the water behind them. But first, a wedding was going to take place.

I arrived as the bride and her bridesmaids were getting reading in a gorgeous suite upstairs, overlooking the ocean. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen were getting ready in the guesthouse.

Danielle and Garrett had opted against a first look, so as her stepdad walked her down the aisle, Garrett's face was full of emotion seeing his bride for the first time. But his emotions were contagious and it wasn’t long before Danielle had tears of her own streaming down her cheeks while she and her groom exchanged private vows during the ceremony. It was such a beautiful moment, so full of emotion for both of them.

After the ceremony, the guests mingled over cocktails as I photographed the newlyweds across the street in a gorgeous park. They were absolutely stunning during their photographs, we didn't take a single bad photo but a few of my favorites took place on a flower swing. After photos, it was back to their wedding reception for toasts and a very awesome dinner menu - breakfast for dinner! Chicken and waffles, eggs and bacon. It was one of the coolest meals I've had at a wedding. After dinner, we snuck off for a few more photos on the beach before everyone spent the rest of the night on the dance floor.  Let me tell ya, their family and friends knew how to party and everyone was on the dance floor right up and until it was time to send off the bride and groom!

Congratulations to the Mr. and Mrs., it was a beautiful day Danielle and Garrett!

Vendors:

Venue - Private residence in Atlantic Beach // Officiant -  Brian Jones// Bride's dress - Allure Bridals // Make up & Hair -   Katie Harvey // Coordinator- Krystal Martin // Flowers -  Bouquets & boutonniere done by Pilot Mountain Flower Shop, table centerpieces by Liz Stewart Floral Design //  Bridesmaids dresses - David's Bridal // Engagement ring & Wedding bands - Gregory's Jewelers // Groom & Groomsmen outfits - Men's Wearhouse // Cake and desserts -  Cake by Jennifer Martin, cupcakes by Alleycakes Bakery // DJ - Special Day Entertainment | Videography - Jared from We Are The Bowsers

Maris Kirs Photography is an award-winning photographer based in Ponte Vedra, FL and also taking pictures in Jacksonville, St.Augustine and surrounding areas. I specialize in maternity, newborn, family, senior, engagement and wedding photography.