Janet Butler
A wedding on the shore, beneath the Spanish moss, in the balmy air of late spring — does this sound good to you? Then you’ll enjoy these images from a May wedding, courtesy of Stephen DeVries. The bride gets her pampering first, of course: hair, makeup, a special time with Mom to make sure the lacy dress lies just right. Her maid is in an elegant black ruffled gown with a lacy openwork scooped neckline; simple rose bouquets are the order of the day. After pausing for a few sunlit pictures on a deck, she’s glad to promenade with her family over the sweeping lawns to prepare for the open-air ceremony. Meanwhile, her groom is being seen to by his attendants — making sure his boutonniere is just-so. But this isn’t a fussy group: there’s not a tuxedo to be seen, and only the groom and fathers wear ties!
Once vows are said, it’s time for the family pictures under a leafy canopy, with lengthening rays from the setting sun casting gentle light overall. The bride and groom stop for a few moments, watching the sunset together over the water; then it’s time to party. A three-layer bride’s cake, trimmed at its base with roses and greenery, awaits the happy couple — as do two custom-made ceramic goblets. The reception “hall” is the great outdoors, where the guests feast on a buffet and lights strung between the trees twinkle on. A first dance is in order before the floor opens up and everyone gets in on the act — except for a few younger guests, eyeing the groom’s chocolate cake longingly! The newlyweds are seen off under sparklers to their brand-new life together…with a full day’s worth of memories to share forever.
