As his gorgeous bride walked up to aisle to marry him, Andrew wiped away more than one tear from his eyes. Kate looked absolutely stunning in her sexy gown, and I’m sure Andrew was thinking to himself that he was the luckiest guy in the whole world. Andrew said many times during the getting ready process that he would not cry. Really, we think he was trying to convince himself.

Kate chose to do a first look with her father, and it was the sweetest moment! As a huge daddy’s girl myself, I may or may not have been holding back tears of my own as I hid my face behind the camera during this moment. Dad’s reaction was so special. You’ll be able to see it for yourself in the video at the end of this post. I just love moments like these! They really make a wedding day so memorable.

After the first look with Kate and dad, it was time for the first touch between bride and groom. A first look is not for every couple, and that’s ok! The first touch is a super romantic and tender moment that still preserves the surprise of seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle.

The ceremony area at Club Lake Plantation is definitely on my top 5 list of favorite ceremony spots in Central Florida! Those oaks! The pews! That arbor! Everything about it is perfect. It’s no secret that I love outdoor weddings, and this is one of the most naturally beautiful spots. It makes my heart so happy inside!

The aisle moment. The most anticipated moment of any wedding day. The moment when the rest of the world falls away, and the bride and groom only have eyes for each other. This is definitely my favorite part of a wedding day. Of course, I say that of many parts of the wedding day, but I just love weddings! Remember how I said earlier that Andrew said he wasn’t going to cry? Yeah, he definitely cried. The bridesmaids cried. The parents cried. I cried…

When it came time for the unity ceremony, Kate and Andrew chose to do something I’d never seen before. Instead of a unity candle, a sand ceremony, or a unity cross, Kate and Andrew made a unity cocktail! It was so fun, and definitely something that was perfect for them! I love it when my couples infuse their personalities into their wedding day! The day is, after all, all about them.

And they’re married. YAY! Now it’s time for some portraits. These are the photos that end up on the walls of your home. The photos that end up your profile picture on Facebook. The photos you will show your children and grandchildren.

After portraits, it’s time for the reception. Let the party begin! Kate had SO MUCH FUN on the dance floor, and that makes me so happy! Truly my favorite thing about weddings is that they are filled with so much joy! Kate and Andrew had smiles on their faces the whole night, and their joy was palpable throughout the room.

Kate and her dad did a special choreographed father daughter dance. They danced it wonderfully, and everyone was in awe. After their dance came the mother son dance. As a mother to two little boys myself, I was definitely ugly crying behind my camera as Rascal Flats My Wish played for their dance.

If all of our couples could do a special exit, that would be great. I love the finality it brings to the end of the night, and it’s a great way to send the newlyweds off in style.

Kate and Andrew, thank you for trusting us to capture your wedding day. We had an amazing time, and we wish you two all the happiness in the world!