It was their laughter that brought them together. Someone who knew Joshua overheard Heather’s laugh and knew they would be a perfect match–and they were right. Today at Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica in St. Simon’s Island, Heather and Josh became husband and wife in a ceremony officiated by Joshua’s father. The church is stunning with coquina and stone walls, 100-year old wide-plank hardwoods recovered from a lost New York church, and lofty ceilings with wood rafters and hanging lanterns–it lends a natural feeling of heritage and history, which was fitting for Heather and Joshua’s colonial theme wedding.

Bright natural bunches of stems sat in blue glass jars, and a deep paisley fabric covered the tables and added a touch of warmth and wealth to the bridesmaids’ dresses as well. Heather’s sisters and friends each carried a lantern filled with sunflower buds and berries lit by a glowing votive. Outside on this windy day up in a great tree, the sound of windchimes placed by Heather and Joshua carried across the front lawn.

Inside the couple’s laughter carried throughout the halls and sanctuary, giving such warmth. If I had to pick one word to describe Heather and Joshua, it would in fact be “giving.” Scrolling back through their images made me cry again! They share something unique, and they are eager to share themselves with the world. These beautiful people are dedicated to doing all they can to help end human rights abuses around the world. In fact, their wedding website was also a vehicle to bring more awareness of human rights abuse involved in the production of chocolate. They have boycotted chocolate as a result, and chocolate served at their reception was homemade by friends using fair-trade certified chocolate.

Joshua placed a bouquet of flowers in memory of Heather’s late mother, just before Heather walked down the aisle. This couple’s dynamic ceremony was brought to life by their laughter and pure joy. One uninvited guest (Tropical Storm Fay) had threatened to spoil today’s festivities, but thankfully changed her mind. Hundreds of the couple’s loved ones filled the wood pews and laughed and cried along with the couple during the ceremony. We all laughed along as Heather and Joshua got an attack of the giggles, and then just minutes later after their vows, as looks of total certainty and peace shone in their gaze, we were all witness to a moment so private and special.

The couple left the church reception in a Smart Car, heading to J-Mac’s Island Restaurant and Martini Bar. After dinner, the two fathers gave thoughtful toasts with the main sentiment being that these two people were meant to be together and the world was a better place because of it. Heather’s father took her to a roller skating rink every Sunday when she was growing up, so they shared a dance to the Hokey Pokey in honor of the fun they had shared. Joshua danced with his mother to a sweet song that she used to sing him when he was a baby. The chocolate brown walls were dimly lit by hanging stars, which cast cool shadows on the walls, all giving a relaxed, real, & intimate feel to the couple’s first dance. A pianist played and sang as the couple danced. Never before have I heard a room so quiet during the first dance: only the sound of the light music, my camera shutter, and Heather’s train swirling on the hardwoods could be heard. Outside sparklers and a horse and buggy awaited to celebrate the couple through the island streets.

In our complicated, sometimes confusing world, nothing is as simple or certain as real love. A beautiful day–I am lucky to have been there. You are invited.

The day was right for a late afternoon coastal Georgia wedding and party, masterfully orchestrated by www.eventsbycaroline.com. Hailey and Adam shared their vows at St. Williams Catholic Church in St. Simons Island under the sun filtered through the sanctuary’s skylights. An accomplished pianist played so beautifully a selection of classical and traditional songs, and one of the bride’s cousins shared his incredible voice. Adam’s uncle officiated part of the ceremony along with the church’s deacon. A yellow starfish decorated the wedding program, marking the start of a shell theme throughout the evening. The towering trees with outstretched branches and hydrangeas were a perfect backdrop for posed pictures outside.

The pure and true love that Hailey and Adam share shone on their faces throughout the ceremony and carried through to the entire day. A guitar duo playing classic and modern rock was the perfect relaxed soundtrack for a beautiful party in Hailey’s family’s home and backyard. Everywhere people were laughing, dancing, and indulging in the amazing seafood buffet and shell-themed wedding cake under a canopy of huge oaks and spanish moss. The family’s island home was a perfect setting for the celebration of such truly beautiful people. Hailey and Adam ran through birdseed to reach their limousine, which drove them to Sea Island, where they spent a few last married moments on the beach before starting their honeymoon.