It all started with a mutual “swipe right,” and the rest is history. Stephanie + Shawn’s wedding day at her family’s lake house in Alabama was the epitome of a Southern soiree, and it was perfect. Despite the torrential downpour throughout the few days prior, they lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day and 70 degree weather — which, in May, is almost unheard of! Stephanie deconstructed two of her favorite Hayley Paige gowns to make one INCREDIBLE custom gown that couldn’t have been a better match for her personality. Shawn wore a midnight blue tux (!!!!) and he, along with his groomsmen, wore awesome socks. Stephanie carried her bouquet with a family rosary, and the two were married down by the water by a dear friend. Plenty of tears were shed (by literally EVERYONE) before Stephanie + Shawn made their way back up the stone steps to cocktail hour, to enjoy oysters, smoked salmon, and an array of perfectly southern hors d’oeuvres. The reception, though, is what tipped me over the edge. A beautiful turkish rug to welcome guests as they entered the front yard, a wall of carnations, an incredible spread of southern fare, a golf cake (complete with putting green) to honor Shawn’s time as a golfer for Villanova, lights strung overhead, a cigar bar — I could go on forever, but I’ll let the photos do their job.

Beyond all this, though, is an unfailing love between Stephanie + Shawn that I know will last forever. The love that these two share is truly out-of-this-world, and something that the rest of us can only hope for.

Stephane and Shawn, it was a true honor to photograph your wedding day. Cheers to a lifetime of bliss!