St. Simons Lighthouse Wedding | Rachel + Scott | St. Simons

We recently had the pleasure of heading to beach for the weekend for Rachel and Scott’s wedding in St. Simons.  They are such a sweet and laid back couple and their wedding was one of the most relaxed events I’ve ever been a part of.

Every event for the entire wedding weekend was on the same street.  Guests went from the hotel down the street to Scott’s parents’ cottage for the rehearsal dinner and then the next day the wedding and reception were across the street at the St. Simon’s Lighthouse.

Matthew and I stayed at the same hotel as everyone else and it was great to be able to simply go down a flight of stairs to join Rachel while she got ready and the big day began.

About a month before the wedding Rachel mentioned that she was thinking about seeing Scott before the wedding, and asked my opinion.  I told her that if she was considering it, she should definitely go for it.  I’ll never make a couple see each other before the ceremony if they don’t want to, but if they’re on the fence, I always recommend doing it.

As the afternoon went on and Rachel got closer to being completely ready, I could tell that she was getting more and more nervous about the wedding.  She paced back and forth a little bit, and in between the bites of pizza crust I was feeding her (so she wouldn’t get anything on her dress!) she kept asking what time it was.

Finally, after the gorgeous dress was completely buttoned, the veil was placed perfectly, and her shoes were on, it was time.

We crossed the street to the lighthouse and as soon as we rounded the corner where Rachel could see Scott, she took off.  As I scrambled after her she called out to me over her shoulder.

Oh, am I supposed to slow down?

By the time I laughed and told her to go get her groom she was steps away from reaching him.  It was so sweet.  She couldn’t get to him fast enough.

After a few minutes of tearful embraces, Rachel finally pulled away from Scott and murmured to him.

I was so nervous, but now I’m not.  I’m so happy to see you.  This is so surreal.  I can’t believe it’s finally here.  We’re getting married!

It’s always my favorite part of the day as a photographer, and I can tell you from my own experience that it’s the best part of the day as a bride too.

After the first look we had plenty of time for portraits of just the two of them and we knocked out all of the family and bridal party pictures as well.

The ceremony was interesting because the officiant was was a close friend of the couple who had gotten certified to perform weddings especially so he could do theirs.  That unique aspect, paired with the amazing selections Rachel had picked for the readers, resulted in a beautifully personal celebration of love.

While guests were enjoying themselves at cocktail hour, Rachel and Scott spent some quiet time together relaxing and preparing for the rest of the evening.

After a delicious dinner and lots of dancing, the newlyweds exited to a shower of dried lavender and departed in a UGA golf cart.

Big thanks to Kim from Caroline Carter Events who coordinated the wedding and kept things running very smoothly.

Congratulations you two!  Thanks so much for having us there for your wonderful island getaway!

XOXO,

B