Derrick and Colette’s Plantation Wedding

Eeek! I am so excited to FINALLY share these images with you!! Labor Day weekend started with an absolute monsoon, so I was a little nervous about the Saturday wedding I was second shooting. But Saturday dawned bright, clear, and warm–a perfect day for an outdoor wedding at the ever-beautiful Deerpond Plantation. Just check this place out! It looks like a Florida resort.

Colette had every detail perfected. Truly, my lead photographer and his assistant gave me the run-down a couple of weeks in advance, and I was stunned by and thrilled over all the little details this bride had planned. She was able to take the venue’s already tropical feel and multiply it extravagantly. From the pineapples that lined the aisle to the bright colors of the flowers, this wedding absolutely screamed Derrick and Colette. I love how their personalities showed up in every detail!

Colette’s dress fit her perfectly; it truly looked like the dress was created with her in mind.

Their first look was pure magic. She couldn’t contain her excitement as she walked up behind him, and he was visibly nervous–mostly because he was pretty sure he was going to cry on camera. 🙂 Colette’s bridesmaids knew exactly how Derrick was going to react to his first glimpse of his bride, so they peaked around the corner to spy.

Just look at those  spying bridesmaids!

One thing that stood out to me about this wedding was how much family mattered to everyone. Even Cooper the Best Dog had a role to play. 🙂 Colette’s family had clearly accepted Derrick as one of their own, and the same is true of Derrick’s family with Colette. This is one of my favorite things about being a wedding photographer; I love being there to not only witness but to also preserve the day a brand new family is created!

And then there was the ceremony where more of those little details Colette had dreamed up had their chance to shine. A friend of theirs had made a branding iron with a custom design for them, so a part of their ceremony involved branding a piece of wood which will be featured in their homes! Another friend performed all of their music, and yet another friend officiated– these two are clearly so loved!

I loved the portrait time for this wedding. Derrick and Colette are just so in love, and their families could hardly stop smiling for joy the entire day.

And then came the reception with EVEN MORE DETAILS!!! How is this possible? Again, their friend provided beautiful live music for the important dances, so from the music to the mashed potato bar to the artists doing caricatures to the gold-lettered magnolia leaf seating chart, everything had a place and a purpose: to add another element of fun and beauty. It was very obvious to me that Derrick and Colette are loved well by many, and their day was an expression of that love and a way for them to give back. It was wonderful!

All too soon Derrick and Colette’s love-filled day came to a close. They had their grand exit and went on their merry way. A new family.

Congratulations, Derrick and Colette!! I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and blessings. May the love with which you started your family carry you through the decades. <3