Remember that time Nathan and I went to Africa? Well, I’m still not ready to share our travel photos with you guys, but hopefully these will tide you over! The whole reason for us going there in the first place was to see our best friends get married! Make sure you read about Lorie and Jon’s love story in the previous post. :)
Just like I was the main photographer for Nick and Jessie’s wedding, Nate took over Lorie’s wedding so I could sit back and enjoy the day. And by “enjoy the day,” I mean rush around like a crazy person because everything ran so late! Yes, 2+ years of planning this thing and only 6 guests in attendance, but true to most weddings, things ran late. Except, unlike most weddings, it ran late because the bride, groom, and their guests took part in a morning game drive. In Africa. You know… Just another wedding! ;)
Lorie knew she wanted a bouquet for her wedding day, which was hard, seeing as she was getting married out of the country. Luckily, I found Fantasy Floral Designs, a woman who makes these gorgeous bouquets out of broaches. It was perfect because that way Lorie could carry her bouquet on the plane with her and even take it home afterward- Talk about the ultimate wedding keepsake! Lorie’s Mom hunted for months to find the perfect broaches; Some came from her grandmother, some from her Mom, and there was even a four leaf clover one in there for ME! (My birthday is St. Patrick’s Day!)
Not gonna lie… I think this was my favorite from the day. :)
Jon is the ultimate soccer fan- In fact, they chose their wedding date years ago so they could honeymoon at the World Cup final. :)
*Swoooooon!*
Lorie reading a card from Jon. :)
This was their ceremony location- The amazing thing about it is that they’re the first ones to have ever gotten married here! The resort even ‘mowed’ the grass just for us. (And they don’t have lawn mowers there. Just sayin’…)
Who needs a limo on your wedding day when you can have a real safari truck?!
I’m calling out Lorie’s Dad here- He may look cool and calm behind those big sunglasses, but there were some major tears going on there. :)
All of the couples- Lorie’s parents, Jon’s parents, and then Nate and I, took turns taking them off to the side and giving our blessing and saying a little something about them. It was really sweet and personal. :)
Love the light here! Nate was amazing and shot so I could watch my best friend get married… Without a camera up to my face. :)
… Most of the time. :)
Loving this! Thank you guys so much!!! (and thank you for airbrushing me those abs!)
After a closer look at the abs, I’ve determined it’s from the mirror smudges- Amazing! :)
Aw hun, I’ve seen your abs plenty of times, and trust me you don’t need photoshopping or mirror illusions :)
Wow, gorgeous wedding!!!!
Thanks Jamie! We were happy to be a part of it!
Ahmmmmmm….1. Amazing!!! & 2. I want that tree in my backyard! :)
I know, right? I miss seeing acacia trees every day. :(
BEAUTIFUL!!! I’ve been waiting to see these pictures since you posted the teasers so long ago!
Thanks, Jennifer! Sorry to make you wait. :)
Whenever I think back to our wedding, I get all nostalgic like it was a fantastic adventure that happened years ago. Can you believe it’s been less than six months?! Sheesh!
Well, I’m excited to see part 2 tomorrow! Kinda having a Veruca Salt moment over here. I want it now!!
No, I *can’t* believe that it’s only been 6 months. Nor that we were only there 2 weeks. Crazy!
I A * D * O * R * E her bouquet–it’s priceless and exquisite!
The rest just made me tear up like a big baby …! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful experience.
Thanks, Lisa! It was truly once in a lifetime. ;)
Wow! The photos are as stunning as ever, but what an amazing location! Your friends are very cool, I love how unique and personal this wedding was. The bouquet of brooches was beautiful and you’re right about it being a great keepsake.
My favorite pictures were the sepia landscape with the wedding taking place, and the one with the bride and father walking the path from the safari vehicles.
Thanks so much for commenting, Adam. :) We absolutely lucked out with our friends having pretty much the most unique wedding ever! :)
Love ALL of this….the story, the pictures, the people… and especially that bouquet!! AMAZING!!!!!
I so wish I’d known about the bouquet when I got married!
What an amazing celebration! And how great that Nate shot so you could enjoy :)
He’s a keeper. :)
Such a gorgeous location and a beautiful couple! Nate took fantastic pictures yet again. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Tracy! :)
I just love the bouquet and the location they chose. Lori looks so amazing and (as usual) your photos are beautiful! Can’t wait to see part 2!
Thank you, Lauren! Can you believe we’re all married now??
Gorgeous setting, lovely couple, fantastic photos! I have difficulty realizing that the beautiful bride is the grown up version of the little Lorie I remember from Central Day Care and Germantown Elementary!
I feel the exact same when I see photos of Lauren now! I can’t believe we’re all grown up! :)
Ha! Those were the good ol’ days :) I hope you and the family are doing well, Mrs. Lykins!
It has been over 1 year and 2 days, but today when I look at these photos again; I feel like it was just happened yesterday!…..Again, THANK so much to Nate and Jensey for captured such the Wonderful and Lovely photos of Lorie & Jonathan’s special day!!!