It’s not uncommon for there to be surprises and unexpected challenges on wedding day. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a wedding that went off without a single hitch. But Karen and Jason were thrown multiple curveballs on the day of their Ponte Vedra wedding. I arrived at the Ponte Vedra wedding venue to find a very sick Karen trying to just make it through the day. It also happened to be pouring rain along grey skies. To say the day had not begun well might be an understatement.

Thankfully, the Sawgrass Marriott is absolutely beautiful. Karen had kept the decor simple and elegant. The outdoor ceremony was moved to be under cover from the drizzling rain and Karen was a complete trooper. It even managed to clear up enough for us to get a few portraits outdoors after the ceremony! All things considered, it ended up being a beautiful day and I think the photos show that.

It’s hard not to have a great time when you have a wedding party as big and as fun as the bride and groom did. The day started for the guys at the gun range (what else would marines want to do?)…I decided to go and get a few pictures. I was fooled almost immediately upon arriving when I met up with them and thought I was meeting Jason at the range and it ended up being his twin brother (I was like, why aren’t you happy to see me? He said, “I don’t even know you!”) ! The day got even better as the bride and groom literally laughed through their ceremony. But seriously how cute was the dip during that first kiss? Only a marine I tell ya!  I was so excited about the swords shot at the end of the ceremony. I’t probably one of my favorite wedding shots to date!

Speaking of only a marine. I did feel like a drill sergeant part of the day.  When you have to wrangle up 24 people for the wedding party photos, one must be AGGRESSIVE… So I was, and I loved it 😉   Also, due to the excessive amounts of testosterone, Jason had probably one of the most epic garter tosses of all time. His friends were SO into it. There was even a married marine trying to go for it… (you know who you are!)  I think it may be one of my favorite garter photos ever. Although the girls definitely held their own during the bouquet toss too..FLOWERS EVERYWHERE. It was probably one of the most fun receptions I’ve ever photographed. Everyone had the best time (including me) and Jeff Bell, the DJ KILLED IT!   It was very had to dance as much as I did with my camera in hand!  I just couldn’t help it! When the music moves ya, it moves ya!

Karen and Jason, first of all thank you for your service and sacrifice. Secondly, thank you for trusting me to document your big day! You both are the bomb.com.

Congratulations Karen and Jason!

Venue: Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa  | DJ: The Jeff Bell Experience  |  Florist: Publix

Catering and Cake: Sawgrass Marriott Resort and Spa  |  Hair and Makeup: Ciao Bella Salon

Want to see more gorgeous weddings? Check out Priscilla and Lesley’s Deer Creek Country Club Wedding.