Stormi and Justin met at the gym. They are beautiful people from the inside out. Their wedding day was a gorgeous end of summer day on Labor Day Weekend in Duck, NC. They had a small, intimate ceremony and celebration with their family and close friends. Starting at the house in Duck on the Sound where they were staying, the bride and groom got ready.

The day was hot. Really hot. Sunny, few clouds, 100 degrees in the sun at least. The girls had beautiful soleless sandals, and had to put on flip flops for the beach because the sand was so hot! But Stormi and Justin didn't mind one bit. Stormi requested that Justin where a blazer for the photos and the ceremony, and he did, without a word about the heat. He wants his bride to be happy and does everything he can to see that happen.

After getting ready, Stormi made her way down the dock to the gazebo where Justin was waiting for her for their First Look.

Making use of the shade, the family gathered for some photos before heading to the beach for the ceremony.

It was a beautiful beach day and the beach was crowded, but the bride and groom only had eyes for each other, and the beach goers were forgotten as the ceremony began. The flower girls pulled petals from their shell covered buckets and the bride was walked down the sandy aisle by her father, hugging him as he led her to her groom. There was a communion, a sand ceremony symbolizing the coming together of two families on the foundation of the sand they stood on, and the exchange of rings and vows. After they were pronounced husband and wife, Justin kissed his bride, and the two newlyweds turned to their guests for a beach ball send off. 

Because of the hot temperatures, we kept the family photos short after the ceremony, and let the flower girls head back to the house to cool off. And then I got to have Stormi and Justin all to myself for some photos. Justin was so happy and was very excited to whisk Stormi up into his arms, and into the ocean. He took off his shoes and rolled up his pants, but not quite enough to avoid getting wet, as he made certain to keep his bride safe and dry.  

We had some fun taking photos in front of the ocean, and found some pretty spots against the dunes too, with beautiful light pouring over them.

I drove the bride and groom back to their house for the reception, where they began with speeches and a delicious meal of BBQ, macaroni and cheese, and vegetables. They had two adorable cakes commemorating their meeting at the gym, and a favorite of Justin's, oatmeal creme pies made from scratch from their favorite bakery in Richmond. They really encouraged me to enjoy the food and especially an oatmeal creme pie, which I must say was one of my favorite things I've ever eaten!

After the meal the cake was cut, and the bride and groom enjoyed their first dance together, with the Sound sparkling behind them. Stormi danced with her dad, and Justin and his mom enjoyed a sweet and emotional dance. The flower girls had a lively dance and the guests cooled off, relaxing by the side of the pool with their feet in the water. I headed back down to the dock with Stormi and Justin for a few last photos and said goodbye. As I walked up the stairs and turned to take one last look at the beautiful setting, I noticed them enjoying their first quiet moment together as husband and wife. 

It was a beautiful day filled with love and family. I wish Stormi and Justin a lifetime of love, joy, and peace together!

Officiant: Reverend Jay Bowman

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