Wedding: Matt + Laurel

---

A Sea Glass + Turquoise Wedding at Cahoon Plantation | Chesapeake, Virginia

---

​This past Saturday I had the great pleasure of photographing Matt and Laurel’s beautiful beach-themed wedding at Cahoon Plantation in Chesapeake, Virginia. Laurel had planned the wedding around the colors and the theme of sea glass and it was truly stunning! Everything that a beach girl like me could ever want! From the turquoise bridesmaids dresses and bouquets of baby’s-breath, to sea star boutonnieres and a twinkle light ceiling – every detail was coordinated perfectly. 

​Even with so many gorgeous details at this wedding, I still most loved how heartfelt and personal each aspect of the day was. It was very clear just how important their families were to them. Their bridal party was made up completely of family members (I think? I honestly got lost when they tried to explain how everyone was related - there were so many cousins!!), and these same family members provided so many services during the day (as you can see from the vendor list at the end of this post!). This wedding was truly a labor of love from both of their families and their friends.

Matt’s sister was my sister’s college roommate, and I have known his family for a while. When Laurel reached out and said that Matt’s sister, Lauren, had recommended me, I was thrilled! Not only for Matt being engaged, but also at the opportunity to work with a family that I already knew I loved! Matt and Laurel and I met up for coffee soon after chatting via email, and I immediately could see how perfect the two of them were for each other. Between the way he looked at her and the way she talked about him, the love between them was evident. I left our meeting so excited to get to document what I knew would be a love-filled day! We took engagement pictures at Chick’s Beach (you can see them here!), which was not only the spot where Matt proposed, but also the location of their first date!  I loved the beach theme even more because of the significance it held for them. Enjoy!!!

A stunning dress for a stunning bride!!

That beautiful turquoise ring pinned onto the bouquet belonged to Laurel's late grandmother

Laurel's sister is a graphic designer and made these amazing invitations!!!! So perfect!

Girl, you are seriously beautiful!!!

Matt gave Laurel some beautiful jewelry as a surprise wedding gift!!

Just before the first look, they read letters that they had written for each other. So sweet!!

These reactions never get old!!! So much joy!!

They then read personalized vows to each other so they could say whatever they wanted to in private. I loved this idea!!

I can't handle how sweet this is!

Such a gorgeous group of women!

Laurel's maid of honor was her sister and Matt's best man was his brother-in-law!

Do they clean up well or what?!

So simple and so beautiful! I loved these bridesmaid bouquets.

Laurel, you're perfect!!!!!

They're just the cutest!

Can we please just talk about this dress!?!

The littlest ring bearer fell three times going down the aisle and couldn't stop laughing! It was honestly the cutest thing ever!

Mr. and Mrs. Cheniae, everyone!!!

I loved, LOVED their open air, covered reception venue! It was like a tent, but better! The weather was absolutely perfect to be outside!

The cutest little escort cards I've ever seen!

That hashtag deserves major points!! So clever!

The blue and green sea glass colors were seriously so beautiful!!!!

Per usual, my favorite bride and groom portraits were the sunset ones!!! The lighting was so soft and dreamy!

THIS. My favorite type of lighting paired with the most beautiful couple!!!!!!

Where are my heart eye emojis when I need them?!

You two are STUNNING!

The cousins' wedding selfie tradition continues!!

Twinkle lights and beachy details for the win!!

Matt's niece Katherine played the guitar and sang Fly Me To The Moon for their first dance! 

A friend of the couple made this special sea glass cake for them! How amazing is that?!

Not only gorgeous, but delicious too!!

Laurel and her father danced to Butterfly Kisses, a song that is very special to her and her parents. It was beautiful.

I might have followed them around all night - they were just too cute!!!

Matt absolutely crushed I Want it That Way by the Backstreet Boys ;)

At one point, the adorable flower girl made a heart shape with her hands and started walking in circles around the newlyweds. It was perfect. 

Nothing beats a sparkler exit!! 

Matt + Laurel,
You two are so wonderful!!! I hope you are having an amazing time in Bermuda!! Thank you for inviting me to be a part of this special day and share in the celebrations!!
                                         xo, Courtney

Dress: Paloma Blanca from Silk Bridal
Groom's Suit: Tommy Hilfiger
Coordination: Jolly Weddings
Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Norfolk
Reception Venue: Cahoon Plantation Golf Course
Invitations: Holly Johnson, sister of the bride
Florals: DIY
Cake: Tania Escalante, friend of the bride
Catering: Anna Palombo, friend of the bride
Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Perry Ellis
Lighting: Stage Right Lighting
Calligraphy: Merlin Swartzentruber, father of the bride
Seaglass Candy Favors: Lauren Bassett, sister of the groom
Emcee: Lance Walters, friend of the couple
Sound Tech: Chad Eisenhower, friend of the couple
First Dance Song: Katherine Cherok, niece of the groom
Cello Ceremony Music: Daniel Lail, nephew of the groom