Leading up to Ben and Michelle’s 15-year Anniversary celebration, I had been counting down the months! Michelle and I go way back to the high school days, and I cannot believe that last week was my first official time meeting Ben! When Michelle asked me to be a part of this special day, I almost didn’t believe her at first. Lol! She was my high school photography teacher over ten years ago, and I’m so glad that our wedding photography businesses reconnected us after all of these years. ๐ What an incredible honor!!! It was so much fun photographing one of the first people that ever inspired me! But what was truly the best part of the experience was allowing Michelle to relax and enjoy herself with her hubby/family/friends. Ben and Michelle deserved this unforgettable time with loved ones!
This was a fun and unique day from my perspective! It was super chill, relaxing and go with the flow. We all knew that photography meant a lot to Michelle (no pressure, Stephanie!!!), butย they really inspired me from start to finish. The ceremony took place in the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens, which I thought was a great contrast from the beach house reception! Light poured through the winding tree limbs and Spanish moss, which was ideal for their photos. ๐ When we visited the gardens the day prior, we almost got Diane’s car stuck! Whoops! I won’t get into the details, but we found out how to drop off the ceremony chairs. Lol! After the ceremony ended and enjoyed some time taking photos around the gardens, we headed back to the house to eat a yummy dinner and enjoy everyone’s company! ๐ My jaw dropped when I saw what the vendor team created! Draped lights, an abundance of flowers/greenery, mismatched china with flower and sand dollar details … I honestly felt as though this was a real life styled shoot! Then Michelle walked outside and she was in complete awe. They completely transformed a volleyball court to a beautifully decorated space! We dined under the stars and ended the night, just in time before a thunderstorm came through later that night. Perfect day!!!
Thank you, Ben and Michelle, for having me document this precious day for you!!! What a great honor! <3 Your love is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing what God does through your marriage! So blessed! Enjoy some of my favorite images from your Anniversary celebration!!! CONGRATS!
AWE!! So precious!!
Gosh, the men have it so easy!!! Haha!
Of course, Michelle naturally behind the camera, even at her own event! ๐ Lol!
This was a unique and special feature at the ceremony. Michelle had made these slides back at JMU and she repurposed them with listed names of those who weren’t physically, but spiritually, present to help celebrate their 15-year anniversary. <3
Yay!
I love the casual glance over the shoulder, bangs and all! ๐
So romantic!!! ๐
Michelle was stunned when she saw the reception space set up! ๐ ๐ ๐ So sweet!
The crew!
We managed to squeeze away for a few minutes for beach photos!! ๐
You’re so pretty, Michelle!!!
So pretty!!!
Michelle is a wonderful mama!!!
I had the best time celebrating with these two and their family/friends!!!
Hahah! Of course the cake needs to be cut with your bestie!!! ๐ย
YAY!!! Congrats, Ben and Michelle!! <3
Love you both!
Thank you to all of the talented vendors involved in Ben & Michelle’s special day!
Ceremony:ย Elizabethan Gardens
Reception: Paradise Island House
Wedding Planner:ย The Posey Detail
Photographer: Stephanie Messick Photography
Hair and Makeup:ย OBX Hair Studio
Baker:ย Great Cakes OBX
Caterer:ย Bad Bean Burrito
Florist:ย The Posey Detail
Officiant:ย D.J. Moberley
Stationery Designer:ย Lieb Photographic
Calligraphy on Stationery:ย Farmstead Design Studios
Dress Designer:ย Renz
Rentals:ย Renee Landry Events
Lighting:ย Main Street Weddings
Linens: Main Street Linens
Hand Lettering Names on Glass and Acrylic: Michelle Lieb
Bridal Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Wedding Gown Sash: That’s My Dress
Lollipops:ย Leccare Lollipops
Ribbons: Ann’s Buttons and Bows
Wooden Ring Box: JM Craftworks
Groom’s Attire: Jos. A Banks
Favors/Gifts: Alex and Ani from The Green Roost, Culpeper / Latitudes, Warrenton / Various Etsy Shops
Mini Cakes: Michelle Lieb
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