A Lakeside Summer Wedding at Walnut Cove

Today I'm featuring another one of my summer weddings from last year here on the blog. Jackson and Candace's wedding day was filled with so much love, beauty, and romance. Earlier last summer, I had met these two for their engagement session and I just knew they were going to be wonderful to work with, as they are both so down-to-earth and enjoyable to be around. But I also knew there were going to be some truly sorrowful moments, as Candace sadly lost both her dad and granddad just weeks before their wedding. 

To remember her Dad, Candace had a locket tied to her bouquet with his photo in it and also in a locket with his photo tied to her shoe, so he was there to walk her down the aisle. In addition, her Dad's sports coat he would've worn to the wedding was placed on a chair beside her mother during the ceremony. And the sweetest moment was when her mother drove Candace in her dad's vintage Corvette down to the ceremony site and then walked her down the aisle. There was not a dry eye there, including my own. At the reception, they had a memory table of photos displayed of her dad and other family members whom they've lost. You could totally feel her dad's presence there.  And you have to know that her dad was looking down on his daughter on her very special day too. 

Candace was an absolutely stunning bride too! Her dress was gorgeous with lace allover and she looked amazing in it.  Her bridesmaids all wore the same color of dress in lavender, but all in different styles. What I really love is that Candace and her bridesmaids all wore Converse sneakers. They're much easier to walk in and of course dance in! The men all wore linen vests with bow ties, white dress shirts, linen pants, and cowboy boots. Jackson's vest was a few shades darker than his groomsmen's, so that he would stand out.  Everyone was up for photos, making it a breeze for Anna, my second photographer, and me to capture some truly fun photos.

Since Jackson & Candace chose not to do a first look, having two photographers there before the ceremony was so helpful. While hiding away Jackson in the groom's quarters, which is a log cabin onsite, I was able to get as many photos of Candace with her bridesmaids, flower girl, and family early on. And then we hid Candace away in the bridal suite, which is also onsite, while Anna photographed the men beforehand. Also because we arrived a couple of hours before the ceremony, we were both able to grab photos of the details in The Pavilion, which is the reception area and the ceremony deck overlooking the lake. This is a well thought-out venue in that everything is all in one location and the owners are wonderful to work with. They provide golf carts to drive the bridal party and guests around in, making it easier to get from site to site. 

After the heartfelt ceremony, while guests were enjoying cocktails up at The Pavilion, Anna and I finished up the family and bridal party photos. Anna then joined the guests up at The Pavilion to take some candids during cocktails, while I joined Jackson and Candace for their couple's session throughout the property. Afterwards, I made my way up there as well and then the bridal party being introduces and then Jackson and Candace going into their first dance. After their first dance, men who have played an important role in Candace's life were asked to come up and dance with her. This was just the sweetest! Again came the tears and then a group hug with Candace, her mother, sister, & Jackson. Jackson then joined his mother for their dance together before the meal was served.

 After dinner, Jackson and Candace cut their cake. And then came the toasts made by the best man, the bride's sister, the maid of honor, and another groomsman. And then the fun began - the dance floor was opened up and Herb, the DJ, sure kept the party going. The best man was quite the dancer too! After dancing came the bouquet and garter toss, followed by more dancing. Several of the guests headed down to the fire pit to roast marshmallows, which is always popular at this venue. Jackson & Candace had also requested to have some photos made with her dad's Corvette so we made sure to do that before the sun set and before the last dances. As the reception came to a close, Jackson and Candace departed with a sparker exit, dipping and kissing one last time before they were on their way to their honeymoon vacation.

Anna and I truly enjoyed enjoyed ourselves and felt honored to be a part of Jackson and Candace's beautiful celebration. These two deserve such happiness! 

ceremony + reception | The Meadows at Walnut Cove

wedding planning + coordination | Steven Custer

floral design | Steven Custer - Always and Forever Florists

catering | Culinary Visions Catering

wedding cake + cupcakes | Artist's Way Creations

DJ | Herb - Anything Music DJ

second photographer | Anna Dixon

wedding favors | seeds of love packets & succulents 

wedding colors | lavender, purple, and white

 all images © Elizabeth Larson Photography

View Jackson + Candace's Engagement Session HERE!