COURTNEY & RYAN | EAGLE OAKS COUNTRY CLUB WEDDING

Courtney and Ryan’s wedding took place in the beautiful and historic St. George’s-by-the-River on a day that Hurricane Irene was barreling up the East Coast! I couldn’t wait to see them again after their romantic and fun engagement session in Central Park.  There is an old Italian saying “Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata” which translates to “Wet bride, lucky bride,” and with the amount of rain that fell on their wedding day they will surely have an abundance of good luck! I really admire how they embraced the day with their family and friends rather than worrying about the weather.  As a photographer, my job is to capture the emotion of the wedding day despite the weather even if it is a hurricane!  Enjoy a few of my favorite moments that Brandi Grooms Johnson and I captured!Even though it wasn’t raining when we arrived, everyone was really calm at Courtney’s parent’s home where she and the girls were having their make-up done by Gracia Phillips from Beautiful Bridal Affairs and hair by Danielle Gembarski.Courtney and Ryan’s Crane’s letterpress invitation suite was made by The Write Impression.Courtney selected a beautiful mix of roses, hydrangea and blue delphinium for the bouquets made by Foggia Florist. Courtney was the loveliest bride and I was so impressed with her grace and sweetness-traits I’m sure she inherited from her mom Leigh. I can only imagine the stress the forecast brought to them all the days prior. Courtney’s “something old” was her great-grandmother’s delicately embroidered handkerchief.Courtney had a lot of beautiful pearl accessories, including her mom’s “borrowed” pearl bracelet, to compliment her Priscilla of Boston Alençon lace gown and veil. Loved the satin band adorned by hand with crystals, rhinestones, and pearls. I just loved the beautiful pillow on Courtney’s bed that her mom Leigh made for her.The bridesmaids Saison Blanche navy strapless A-line gown’s from Cinderella Bridals  were simply elegant.Does Courtney look like the rain is bothering her? Nope.Courtney, Ryan and their families had decided to move the reception up a couple of hours to ensure that everyone would be safely on their way home before the worst of the storm hit. We were greeted with such a nice, warm welcome by Jim, Kevin and their staff at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club for the reception.   We were able to sneak away from the party for a few minutes for Ryan and Courtney’s portraits. At one point I did contemplate taking them outside for some fun shots with an umbrella, but the outer bands of Hurricane Irene had approached us and the wind and rain were just too fierce.The room was simply stunning!One of Ryan’s grandmother’s had become ill a few weeks prior to the wedding, so his grandparents were unable to attend. With the help of Skype technology they we were able to be part of the festivities. So sweet!They were so happy while they danced their first dance to Lonestar’s Amazed!Courtney’s father, her maid of honor Caitlin, and Ryan’s best man Zach offered up toasts to the happy bride and groom.Courtney and her dad danced to Frank Sinatra’s The Way You Look Tonight while Ryan and his mom swayed to Kenny Loggins Return to Pooh Corner.Kim Sozzi and the Creations Music band had everyone on their feet the rest of the night!I just loved seeing my friends, Stevie and Todd of Guaranteed Plants and Florist, at the wedding!Courtney and Ryan are graduates of Bucknell University, so it was fun to gather the graduates on the dance floor for a photo. Thanks again to my amazing couple, Courtney and Ryan and to their family and friends for allowing me and Brandi to be part of this incredible day amidst a hurricane. Congratulations Courtney and Ryan!