Nate and I have been together for a decade, and he’s only ever met one set of my aunt and uncles, but I’m lucky enough to have a core set of honorary aunts and uncles that have been major parts of my life. These are the relatives he’s met multiple times, and the ones I know I can always call if I need, well… Anything, really. Aunt Martha is one of those people, and the kindest, strongest, most genuine woman I’ve ever known. Basically, if I were to make a list of role models, she’d make the rest just look bad. :)

I can’t think of anyone in my life who deserves a happily ever after more than Aunt Martha. When asked to photograph her wedding, I was thrilled. And then terrified. And then thrilled again. She and Richard, her lucky husband, were married at the gorgeous Club Continental on the St. John’s River in Jacksonville.

When Aunt Martha told me about her wedding, she said she and Richard were having what she told her girls they were never allowed to do: An outdoor ceremony. Leading up to the wedding, rain was imminent. 24 hours out, there was a 75% chance for storms and it even poured when we went to lunch before the wedding. But then a funny thing happened- We pulled up to Club Continental and the sky cleared. Just like that. And Aunt Martha got her gorgeous outdoor ceremony and married her prince.

I can’t think of a more lucky start to a wedding day than seeing turtles cuddling at the wedding venue!

First look time, which meant I cried more than Aunt Martha and Richard combined. :)

Martha and Richard’s children made for a gorgeous bridal party.

Nate and I photographed Brooke and Kyle’s wedding in Austin years ago. Richard wasn’t able to make it to her wedding, which prompted Martha to call him, and well… The rest is history. As Brooke so humbly put it in her matron of honor speech, this all sort of happened because of her! :)

I love how much she loves her grandson! William Otis is a lucky little man, indeed.

Yeah. Tough day. ;)

These next two make my heart swell!

Richard pretending to pour water on his new wife. :)

Oh yeah- My sister was there. :)

Favorite. <3

Pearson kids with the bride. :)

Aunt Martha and Richard, we are still on Cloud 9 from your wedding day. I so hope we made you proud with these photos! :) So much love to you and your families!!