Wedding Celebration: Zack + Kristin

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A Rustic Blue + Gray Pungo Wedding Celebration | Virginia Beach, VA

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This was such a special wedding for me in multiple ways. Not only did I grow up with Kristin and consider her to be a dear friend, but I also had the opportunity to shoot TWO weddings for her and Zack! These two had a private ceremony early this summer and had a vow renewal/wedding celebration this fall. While this blog post features photos from their celebration that was held just a few weeks ago, it will be followed up in a few weeks by a post showcasing their intimate summer ceremony!
​Kristin described the reasoning behind the two ceremonies: “We knew that we eventually wanted to have a big celebration. We just didn’t want to wait until we could plan it all to be married, so we decided to go ahead and get married. We did it as simply as possible so that we could focus on the marriage and our vows. We didn’t want to let the planning distract us from the commitment that we were making to each other.”  

The newlyweds still wanted to celebrate their marriage with everyone they love, and that is where the big celebration comes in. Kristin said they decided to recite their vows again, because for them it was about their marriage "mirroring the original marriage between Christ and the Church". As Rob, the minister, said to them, “your marriage was designed by God to proclaim the love of Christ. To proclaim His Gospel. No one can preach the Gospel like your marriage can.” They wanted their vows to be a public declaration of God’s love, and they wanted for all of their friends to witness that. 
Zack and Kristin go to the same church and were introduced through mutual friends a few years ago. They were "just friends" for the first a year and a half (isn't that always the story?!), during which Kristin said that she enjoyed being around him because he was always making her laugh.
“I didn’t see anything between us at first, because he was so funny and attractive that I assumed he was probably shallow”, Kristin told me with a laugh. As she got to know him better, she realized how complex of a person he was. She said, "I eventually realized what a rarity he was - his caring nature and his kind heart. He’s the perfect mix - caring and sensitive, but still so funny and masculine. He actually cares about my feelings and he’s not afraid to be vulnerable. I had honestly given up hope that there were any guys like this left.” She then told me something that she really wanted to make known in this blog post: just how lucky SHE is. She wanted me to brag on Zack, because, living in her hometown and going to the church that she grew up in, she feels as though people are always telling Zack that he’s the lucky one, when, in reality, she considers herself to be blessed beyond her wildest dreams.

Stay tuned for part two (well, really it’s part one, i guess!) of this blog post later this month, featuring Zack and Kristin’s intimate summer ceremony. Find out how Zack proposed and hear his thoughts on his new bride :)

I love a good sensible (and adorable!!) wedding sandal!!

*HEART EYES*

Kristin, you look like a literal princess!!!

One of the most beautiful people I know - and her heart is the most gorgeous thing about her!

I honestly want to blow this up and hang it on MY wall!

The light was amazing and it wasn't even sunset!!! I love these so much!

These are some of my favorite bride and groom portraits of the YEAR. Zack and Kristin gave me ample time in the timeline for pictures before the ceremony, so we were able to relax, have fun and make magic happen!

Zack, you look so handsome!!!

A little obsessed with this color combo.

I loved how small and intimate this bridal party was!

Kristin walked down the aisle to "Can't Help Falling in Love" because Zack incorporated the song into the proposal! I'll explain that more in part 2 of the blog post ;)

Although Zack and Kristin were already married, they were able to declare their love for each other all over again in front of their friends and family. Such a beautiful idea!

Kristin says that her favorite part of their marriage celebration was “having everyone I love there. Knowing that the reason they’re there is to support us was really humbling”. These two friends came all the way from Nicaragua!

Soo...this incredible cake was made by the bride's step-mom! Like, how?!? I can't even make toast!!!

Oh sunset portraits, I LOVE YOU SO!! 

I truly believe that every couple deserves a romantic "dip and kiss" picture :)

Zack and Kristin had a fire pit area set up for their guests, complete with blankets and s'mores!

Zack + Kristin,
I can't begin to describe how much joy it brought me to capture the memories of not one, but TWO weddings for you! Thank you both so much for that! I love you!!
                    xo, Courtney
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Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Groomsmen Attire: Calvin Klein
Florals: friend of the bride, Rebecca Mayberry
Hair: Marie Strom from Spa by the Beach
Makeup: Nicole Williams of Nicole Bridal
Coordination: Lane Derwent
Cake: step-mother of the bride, Amy Bailey Hilton
Venue: Creeds Ruritan Club
Catering: Pigs "R" Us Catering
​Cake Backdrop: The Signature at West Neck
Linens and Sweetheart Table Backdrop: Affordable Event Rentals
DJ: Frank DeJesus of Diverse Entertainment