As we raced Hurricane Irene home to Maryland from Virginia Beach in the wee hours of Saturday morning, we had plenty of time to debrief from the wedding we just shot at Lighthouse on the Cove.  We decided that we loved… everything!  Here are some of the highlights that we talked about on our long, late drive.  :)

The Bride

Well, just look at her… we don’t have to say that she’s *gorgeous* – even before the makeup!  And that kind of makes our jobs easy.

Far more importantly, we agreed that Dana was a refreshingly others-focused bride.  During the week before her wedding, as Dana considered how to adjust her wedding in light of the impending hurricane, we kept hearing her think and talk about how her plans would affect everyone in her wedding party, her vendors, and her guests.  That was so impressive to us.

Likewise, as the day unfolded, Dana was constantly thinking of others.  She asked us about us and our lives, she was patient with long phone calls, and she was unperturbed when she saw less than perfect details.

The Groom

This was a groom fit for his bride in every way – first of all, handsome fellow, right?!  Secondly, he too was very mindful of others throughout the day.  We couldn’t get over the affirming things that he was saying to us as photographers, as well as everyone else around him.

And finally, we were just so touched by the attention, concern, and affection he showed for Dana.  He was as stunned by his bride’s beauty as he should have been – he kept saying “Wow.  Wow!  Wow!”

But it was the little things that stood out to us – the way he helped her up and down stairs, for instance, or how he kissed her on the forehead, or the sympathetic and confident tone he used when she expressed worry.

Dana was really concerned that management would mind us parking in their parking lot.  John didn’t think it was a big deal, but he went in and asked anyhow, without downplaying her feelings or concerns.  We just liked the way he treated her.

The Love

Dana and John courted for 13 years before they came to this day.

One thing we knew as we photographed them – they were sure and confident in their decision.

This day was not about the details, it was about their commitment to one another.

The Bridal Party

A couple of weeks ago, we went to a seminar where the keynote speakers poked a little fun at their clients.  The speakers said that every bride and groom talks about how fun their bridal party is, and at every wedding they want to say, “Really?  When does the fun bridal party arrive?”

Let me tell you – the fun bridal party was AT this wedding!!!!  The groomsmen were absolutely amazingly good sports about all the pictures and they kept us laughing the whole time.

And these lovely girls were always smiling, cried at all the right times during the ceremony, and kept that dance floor alive!!!!!

The Venue

Lovely and relaxed all at the same time.

Beautiful.

Intimate. Unique.

And four words – Best. Wedding. Food.  EVER!!!!  Wow!!!!

The Weather

A hurricane may have been coming in the following day, but it sure made for a brilliant sunset – perfectly fitting for this beautiful, selfless, loving couple.

Such a privilege Dana and John – thank you!!

Venue: Lighthouse on the Cove

Florist: Bouquets by the Bay

Makeup: Kristine Marie Makeup Artistry

-Susie & Becky