I have a confession to make. Weddings that happen later in life are some of my favorites. A lot of times the couples are getting married for the second time, or sometimes they’re a family who is finally becoming official. But the one thing I find the same in all cases is that the weddings involve all (and only) the people who matter most to the couple are so special. They’re often small, intimate gatherings of close family and friends. This held every bit as true for Carie and Richards Ponte Vedra wedding.

For their beach wedding, the bride and groom rented Ocean Blue, an absolutely fabulous beach house on the shores of the Atlantic in Ponte Vedra. The home is absolutely stunning. It’s huge yard, upper and lower patios and beach access made it the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Typically a wedding here would take place near sunset when the sky is lit on fire with color to create a stunning backdrop for the happy couple.

But, Carie and Richard were presented with a unique challenge on their wedding day. I bet they never imagined that when planning their beach wedding in Ponte Vedra they would need to schedule around turtle migration patterns. You see, we take turtle conservation very seriously around these parts and after dark lights are not allowed on the beaches. It confuses the hatching turtles and turns them away from the ocean. So needless to say, we had to make sure that there were no lights on the beach after sundown. How many brides can say their wedding was dictated by turtle migration?

Unfortunately, this also meant their Ponte Vedra wedding would take place in the middle of the day under full sun. Trust me, photographers are all about the light but we hate the full sun. None of it mattered though because look at that beautiful bride being walked down the aisle by her mother. And look at the joy on their faces after being pronounced husband and wife. A year from now, five years from now, all of these little details become the story of their wedding day.

Carie and Richard, your love for each other is so obvious and so beautiful. I’m so thankful you trusted me to document this special, FUN day!

Venue: Ocean Blue | Wedding Planner: Katy Hurtig with Coastal Coordinating | Florist: Anything with Plants and Flowers

Cake and Cupcakes: Luli’s Cupcakes | Catering: Executive Food Services | Transportation: East Coast Transportation

Hair and Makeup: Sarina Durden | Bride’s Ring: Tiffany & Co. and Underwood Jewelers | Groom’s Ring: Beards Jewelry