Wedding: John + Morgan

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A Navy and Gold Wedding at the Princess Anne Country Club | Virginia Beach, VA

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Morgan and John were married at the Princess Anne Country Club on a crisp November Saturday. The hint of gold and red colors on the trees combined with the pristine green of the golf course to make a spectacular backdrop for the couple and their bridal party. The couple's story began at what I know is Morgan’s favorite bar, the Lynnhaven Pub. After knowing each other for a while, John and Morgan started dating a few years ago, and while they were in Las Vegas last October, he asked her to marry him. When I got the message from Morgan asking me to be their photographer, I was overjoyed. As I’ve said before, one of my favorite things about this job is how it reconnects me with dear friends, time and time again.

That said, this week’s wedding is another special one for me. I’ve been friends with Morgan for almost 8 years now, and she is truly one of the kindest and most fun-loving souls I’ve ever known. First and foremost, she cares deeply about others, but she does so while still managing to maintain this incredibly sarcastic sense of humor. She’s honestly a once-in-a-lifetime friend. Her maid-of-honor, Carter, said it best in her speech: “Morgan is the kind of friend who you don’t want to share. She is thoughtful and has impeccable comedic timing, but most of all she has this quiet confidence that immediately puts you at ease.” I didn’t know John before the wedding day, but after spending only a few hours with him I could immediately tell that he’s a kindhearted listener who absolutely adores Morgan. Carter said that "he is protective in the best way, he supports her endlessly, and to see how happy he makes Morgan is the greatest part of all.”
After talking about John a little more, Carter segued into a remembrance of Morgan's dad, who passed away five years ago. “I have been speaking of  a man of few words (John), who adores Morgan, and can can be seriously sarcastic, but I can’t give this speech without mentioning a similar man - Morgan’s dad Paul, better known as Muffy... He was so special and we all miss him every day. He would be so proud of not only the person Morgan is, but also the parent she is. Morgan is not only marrying John today, but she is also officially becoming a mother to (his son) Bryson. They already have such a special bond and I love seeing them together. She has embraced that adorable little boy and he loves her right back. She had amazing role models growing up with Amy and Paul, and Bryson is so lucky to have her and John... Life does not stop for anyone, but if you surround yourself with the right people, then it doesn’t feel like such a scary thing. Morgan, I know John brings the kind of peace and happiness to your life that you bring to mine, and that makes my heart a little more full and my mind a little more at ease.”
​I almost never cry at the weddings I shoot, but since I have fond memories of spending time with Morgan's family, hearing Carter talk about Muffy brought a lump to my throat. Coupled with the fact that I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Morgan of the kind of happiness that Carter described, it brought tears to my eyes. To see Morgan become a wife and a mother all in one day was truly special. 
I hope you enjoyed a little peek into the night through Carter’s speech, and I hope you enjoy some of my favorite photos from this beautiful couple’s wedding day!

That necklace was made especially for the wedding - the diamond in the middle is from Morgan's mom Amy's engagement ring, and the ones around the sides are from her anniversary band. 

Those beautiful lace sleeves were handmade and added to Morgan's dress! 

Obsessed with this!!! You are STUNNING, Morgan!!!

Bryson got to be involved (but really, STAR) in all of the groomsmen photos!

They're married!!! Mr. and Mrs. Arnette, everyone!!

Seeing Bryson's love for Morgan (and vice versa) was one of my favorite things about the day!!

What a gorgeous and classic wedding cake (and that mirror is amazing!!)

Ahh, you ladies are gorgeous!!!

SERIOUSLY STUNNING!

I loved the bowties on John and his guys! Everyone looked so handsome!

I couldn't stop smiling all day - these two bring so much joy to everyone around them!!

I love the hint of fall color in these images!

Picture. Perfect. Couple.

My favorite part of the reception - one of the bridesmaids, Liz, dropped into the SPLITS on the dancefloor!! IN HER DRESS! It was incredible!!!

Cotton candy machine at the reception? Yes please!!

John + Morgan,
I can't thank you enough for inviting me to be at your wedding and witness the two of you join your lives together. It was such a beautiful display of love and I was incredibly honored to be a part!! 
         xo, Courtney

Dress: Stella York from Tiffany's Bridal in Richmond, VA
Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Dessy Group
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Warehouse
Florals: Lindsay Robinson
Hair: Emmy Greer
Makeup: Carly Vega
Invitation Suite: Jacobson's Fine Papers
Cake: Incredible Edibles Bakery
Videography: Devin Spencer Videography
Ceremony Venue: First Baptist Church of Virginia Beach
Reception Venue: Princess Anne Country Club
DJ: Freddy with Astro Entertainment