So, as most of you know I’m AWFUL, TERRIBLE at updating my blog.  It’s a flaw, I can’t help it.  I have issues.  In the mean time please cruise over to my Facebook page and check out the fun exciting and beautiful smiles, hugs and kisses  It’s where all the cool people hang out… ok, maybe just me, but I’m cool right?!

I’ve known Khadidja since we were kids, we met when we were just kids living in Brussels.  Our families spent many holidays together and you could say that our two families practically became one… I wonder if they ever actually thought of betrothing one of us to the other family just to solidify the bound?  I’ll have to ask our parents later!  Anyway, I’ve know Didja F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Spread now across two continents and thousands of miles we were chatting on day via skype with our mothers and Didja shared that she had gotten engaged.  Everyone else already knew but I was super excited for her!  Immediately my mother joked that I should do their wedding pictures and we all laughed (why exactly I am not sure) but we quickly moved on to details of her upcoming wedding and better yet, her handsome groom to be!

A couple of weeks later, can you imagine my surprise when Didja called to inquire about actually hiring *me* for her wedding!  We talked, settled details and before I knew it I was flying off to Charleston SC for a Belgian reunion!  This is where the story gets really good…

Didja and Bernard have a long history, kinda.  They met at work a few years ago or did they? Their paths actually crossed 14 years in Luxemberg when they were both attending a track meet for DoD schools… Bernard went to one in Germany and Didja went to the one in Belgium (obviously!).  Apparently some numbers were swapped (then promptly lost!) and they lost touch and went on their way. Moving into 2008, Bernard stares down Didja at the chow hall in Wilford Hall Medical Center (Lackland AFB) causing her friend to be concerned in November.  December, Bernard finally approaches her and asks if they know each other.  After a few awkward silences, stares and history exchanges they realize they did in fact know each other! Long story short, they started dating and eventually we all end up in South Carolina.  Why SC?  Well, in true military brat fashion everyone’s family is dispersed through different countries and states.  They were told it was pretty, the weather was mild that time of year, it was central for most people, but most importantly it was very reminiscent of their European roots.  The cobble stoned streets and french cafes reflected the theme of their lives perfectly.

Beach houses rented, tickets purchased and everyone met in SC to bond over turkey and wedding excitement!  All the details of their wedding came together perfectly.  Decked in a stunning beaded dress with a Victorian flair, simple beach flip flops and a Belgian lace garter, we headed down to the beach for a simple ceremony with just their closest friends and family.  The skies cleared, the breeze settled, and yes I know this is getting super fairytale-ish, but seriously the stars aligned and we all watched as our friend Didja (the one who said she would never get married) give her heart to Bernard.

Over the past years I’ve been honored to capture several weddings, but there is nothing quite like watching a dear friend who you’ve watched grow up, get married.  I’m truly honored they chose me to capture their day!  Thank you, Bernard, for being persistent and not giving up on pursuing Khadidja.  While some might think it’s creepy to stalk a girl for 14 years, I think it’s endearing!  Thank you both for believing I could do your love justice and capture your wedding!  I can’t wait to see what is ahead for us all; it’s going to be wonderful – I just know it!!

You can never have enough shoes! One for the ceremony and one for the party!

Bernard and his boys went over to the Old South Barber Spa for some close shaves and massages (not featured!)

Didja chilled at the beach house surrounded by her family

First look at a beautiful park in downtown Charleston

If we would of had a JoP, vicar, priest, or ship captain I know they totally would of just tied the knot right then and there!  I LOVE first looks!!

A moment to get some fun relaxed portraits before the wedding… don’t they look happy? HAHA!

These may be my favorite bride and groom portraits to date!

I LOVE the look of the granny in pink!  PRICELESS!

We laughed, we cried and laughed again!

Their first dance was to Rascal Flatt’s Broken Road… seriously, could there of been a better song?!

At first we were sure they were nice, then things went… erm… NAUGHTY!

Their cake was chocolate cheesecake and let’s just say it doesn’t allow you to breathe easy when it’s in your nose!!

I truly believe every marriage *should* start this way: first fight over and done with, sealed with a kiss

A little experiment… not sure… thoughts?

Wrapping up the night with laughter and dance offs… seriously, can it get better than this?

I met Kris about 10 years ago at one of my husband’s fabulous family Sunday dinners.  He was quiet and always smiling.  I always wondered what he was thinking… Fast forward to last month.  Kris was NOT QUIET but he was grinning from ear to ear!  Seriously, I could not of smacked that smile off his face with a shovel!!  The best thing about last month was that next to his smile was another smile (that would of been equally difficult to remove with a shovel).

Now, I met Lisa a few years back when we were back on the East coast visiting family… at that same Sunday dinner.  I remember thinking, “Wow – they are so happy together”, and I can honestly say that last month when Lisa finally got to walk down that aisle and stand next to Kris… it was perfection.

I was honored when Kris & Lisa asked me to do their engagement pictures and even more so when they asked if I would cover the bride getting ready with her girls!  We had a blast hanging out in one of Huntington Beach’s exquisite hotels, Shorebreak Hotel.  As Lisa prepared it was so exciting to watch her mood change!  This might sound weird, but as we got closer to her big moment, this bubbly bride to be got quieter.  With each passing moment a calm  quiet came over her and you could tell all she was solely focused on was the moment that she would see Kris and they would become husband and wife.

By the time Lisa walked down the aisle, I was about to explode!  Watching Kris & Lisa exchanged their vows in front of their family and friends and we all smiled (and teared up!).  Kris & Lisa’s smiles, were by far the happiest!

I don’t know what I liked more, being let through the radio staff doors or standing up on top of Roger’s desk!  I doubt many people have stood there, so I would like it to go on record that I’m special like that.  Thank you!  A couple weeks ago I got to hang out with some super fun people from the Roger Hedgecock Show and, of course, Roger himself.  Having not actually listened to the show before hand (I know, I should of done some homework eh?) I was so interested to see what goes on behind the scenes.  Let me tell you those people work hard for their money!  So many buttons, and switches and that’s just the technical stuff!  People with quick wit and jabby come backs always amaze me. I’m totally one of those people that thinks of the perfect thing to say the next day after I’ve replayed the conversation over and over again in my head! Anyway, I was so intrigued that I have to admit I almost put my camera down to just listen to Roger!!  I’m sure my hypnotic state had everything to do with the content of the show and not his amazing radio voice ; ) HA!

Regardless of radio voices and buttons I was able to grab some great shots of the man doing his thing.  I even went home and listened to his great talk show while I edited these!!

Thanks for the great day, and I’m totally taking you up, Roger, on that invite to come back!! WATCH OUT NOW!!

Love, Yvonne

Gotta love it when east coast meets west coast… because this is what you get!

The ladies in the limo chanted “Peaches, apples, watermelons, peaches, apples…”.  This simple phrase stopped a rush of emotional tears about to streak Rosy’s flawless face as we rode to the church for her to say “I do”… which inevitably induced MORE tears!

I think tears at a wedding are a must.  There are tears of anticipation, joy, love, happiness and relief.  Sometimes ALL of the above at the same time!  I swear, sometimes it feels like MY heart is about to explode!  It all brings me back to the day I said my own “I do’s” and I believe selfishly, that is why I LOVE weddings so much!

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting this awesome tears-of-laughter filled day with my good friend Teale.  She’s an inspiration to me on many levels and I cherish all of our adventures together!

I am sure I will always remember this super happy day not only because of the laugh-until-you-cry tears but the details were SO joyful!  How could yellow be anything but just that – JOYFUL!  Love, tears, joy and laughter – my memories from Rosy & Wes’ “I do”!

Love, Yvonne

There is no better way to get your make up done than with a mimosa in hand!

I can tell why Rosy fell in love with her dress… it is to die for! I love the details!!

As the ladies prepped upstairs they prepared as only guys can do… with food down in the Whaler Room of the La Valencia.  I hope Rosy’s warning wasn’t needed!!

Krystel and her team from Couture Events SD made sure that every detail was PERFECT!

Wes and Rosy’s ceremony reflected them perfectly, love and laughter… with tears!

These may very well be my favorite of the day… they are just relaxed and newly married.  So beautiful!

Boy do things very differently than girls… so funny!

I love how they look at each other…

All toasts are beautiful and touching… this one got a little hot!  I would call it a wedding ROASTING!  There were definitely tears of laughter and maybe a few of embarrassment?  We all heard the very detailed break down of Wes and Rosy’s love story and it was GREAT!  I wish all toasts were this funny.  Just so you know, they are all still friends!

I think the mother son dance gets me because I know this is my future place with my lil’ guy… *tear*

There is something special about couples dancing at weddings… it melts my heart.

The La Valencia is a BEAUTIFUL location I look forward to shooting at again…

After talking details with Josephine & Chris over the past couple of months I was SO excited to see everything come together on May 22nd! I’ve attended a few weddings in my day and YOU know that there is LOVE. Weddings and love are synonymous. This wedding was no exception – in fact, I believe, it raised the bar! The amount of LOVE from everyone involved and everyone who attended was outstanding. It touched the deepest part of my happy soul. From the way the bridesmaids decorated Josephine’s radical red converse, Momma Milloy’s mouthwatering potato salad, the hugs from little sweet bald babes, sweet stolen kisses from toddlers to speeches about Modern Family – this family oozed 100% PURE LOVE!

This love not only applied to each other but by the end of the day everyone was hugging ME – the photographer! – as we shed tears over their first dance & mother/son dance, and giggled at the tender cake feeding. As we watched a picture slideshow of days gone past, everyone shared much more than a wedding moment, together we shared a FAMILY moment.

THANK YOU, Josephine & Chris, for letting me be part of your day, your love and for those moments, your family. I hope to capture your life through my eyes through many years to come!

Love, Yvonne

PS: Momma Milloy, if you are up for sharing that potato salad recipe, I’m game! THAT WAS SOME GOOD stuff!

Catch the whole event here on the slideshow!

Hair by Kelly Flynn of City Style Hair

Make Up by Jolie Budau of Surface Esthetics

Location Karl Strauss Brewery

Hotel Accommodation Courtyard by Marriott

DJ Dominic of Sunset Mobil Music

Cake by Edelweiss European Bakery

Flowers by Cindy’s Bridal

Sneak peek from Chris & Josephine’s wedding yesterday… I know you guys are off to Jamaica and I hope you have a fab time out there! Enjoy your down time and laugh laugh laugh! Can’t wait to share the rest of the pictures with you when you get back. love, Yvonne