“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Erin and Ian know how to throw a party. From the very first conversation they knew they wanted me on site for both the rehearsal and the wedding day, and by the end of the chat, they were adding me for the river day that would follow on Saturday with their guests. And not long after that they decided I needed to be there for the Luau that would follow the river day and of course Sunday Brunch to send everyone off!

This isn’t even including the 3 days of Widespread Panic they attended before the wedding, the Tuesday group hike and Wednesday Rafting excursion. I could not have planned a better wedding week if I had laid out every single detail myself. These two are adventurers to their core and I adore them for it!

When I pulled up to the rehearsal on Thursday after unpacking my gear, I walked down to the beach to find these two love birds having the time of their lives in a bathtub that had been pulled into the river. I knew right then this was going to be one hell of a weekend and they did not disappoint.

After hours around the bonfire Thursday night with all their friends who had just arrived, everyone got up early to detox from the hangover with some group yoga on the deck, and now I must insist that EVERY couple offer this to their party on the morning of the wedding. It was such a relaxing way to start the day and the focus on gratitude brought many happy tears and hugs and simply set the tone for the day. It was like nothing could possibly go wrong after everyone set their intention for the day to be grateful for this space and these people. Truly incredible.

One of the most important pieces of the weekend for Erin and Ian was good music. They knew the music would set the tone for every activity so they went all out. Rebekah Todd serenaded the crowd during the ceremony and cocktail hour with some surprise songs that were super meaningful to the family.

The Dickens Band got every single person on the dance floor for the reception, bringing the mic to the floor and getting everyone to sing their hearts out to their favorite punk rock and alternative bands. It was an absolutely wild night followed by another fun bonfire.

Next up, Saturday was designated as the river day! Everyone hopped in the trolley and made their way down the beach on bright blue floaties! It was such a fun and relaxing afternoon filled with love and laughter.

If you know me at all, you knew this was coming :)

My favorite shoot of all time will forever be trash the dress and I knew these babes would be up for anything so I had them throw their outfits back on and hop in the river!! Always 200% worth it!! So fun and carefree!

The grand finale!

A low country boil, oysters leis and cocktail umbrellas. What a night! These two brought in Daniel Korzelius, the Human Juke, for their beach luau. There is no song he can’t play and they did their best to stump him! From Bohemian Rhapsody to Taylor Swift he had everyone singing along and made the night truly memorable. Definitely a weekend for the books. Please feel free to invite me to your next Smittfest you guys!!