Spring Wedding at Heyward Manor | Jeff & Courtney
Heyward Manor Wedding
The story of Courtney and Jeff. In her words………
I use to think that love was dangerous territory. To love meant to be vulnerable, and to be vulnerable meant hurt and loss. So for a long time I was content to be alone. It was easier that way, to hide my hurt and keep those who tried to see it at arms length.
Who would have thought that after many years of not looking I would find the love of my life on Facebook dating. I mean, EHarmony is where it's at right? But on a whim I decided to try my luck and see what the local area had to offer... Truth be told, it was scary! But after many duds, a tall, red, and handsome guy liked one of my photos. We began to talk, mostly about The Office (we are both Office nerds). But soon our conversations grew in depth and interests. I could tell this one was different. So after a few weeks I finally allowed him to take me on a date. One afternoon we met at Falls Park, and it was like meeting a long lost friend. Our conversations flowed as easily as the Reedy River, and by the time our date was over I knew I wanted to see him again.
Sometimes love is like fireworks or lightning, hitting someone suddenly with a rush of emotions and certainty. That was the case for Jeff. By our third date, he knew he wanted to be with me and that I was the one.
But for me it was different, it took much longer for the old walls to crack and break. It took him caring for me while I was sick with fever, no makeup to hide my imperfections. It took some arguments where he could see my insecurities out in plain sight. It took him seeing my brokeness and watching in awe as he picked up broken pieces of me and held them close even if they cut into him. Sure, all the sweet and thoughtful things he does makes me feel loved. They make me feel special. But seeing him love the me that I don't show others brought me to love him.
1 John 4:19 "We love him, because he first loved us."
Just as Christ's love for us brings us to love him. So did Jeff's unconditional love for me allowed me to feel safe enough to love him. Finally it was ok to be vulnerable, it was safe to trust someone with my heart. It was safe because he showed me he was safe. And it wasn't through fireworks, lightning, or a big show that convinced me. It was his patience, faithfulness, and at times his goofiness, which allowed love to come softly.
The Wedding:
This was my first time having the pleasure of capturing a wedding at Heyward Manor, and I must say it lived up to the hype!! I have had this venue on my radar for some time and was so excited for Jeff and Courtney’s wedding day to arrive.
March 21st was one of those perfect Spring days that we get here in South Carolina. The temperatures were just right with just the slightest chill in the air. Everything about the day set up for one of the most gorgeous wedding days you could imagine.
The day began with Courtney and her bridesmaids getting ready. The room was full of joy and laughter, and had the most beautiful moment as Courtney’s mom helped put the finishing touches on your gown. That is always a special moment. The look in mom’s eyes seeing her baby getting ready to walk down the aisle to the man of her dreams…..so special. From here we did the first look with Courtney’s dad. This was another beautiful and emotional moment in the day, and the images really capture the special connection between Courtney and her dad. Jeff arrived shortly after this time, and we were able to create some really cool images of him getting ready and of course so cool shots of him and the groomsmen.
The ceremony was set on the back side of the venue overlooking some gorgeous green space. The colors were incredible as all of the flowers and trees were beginning to bloom and this made for a stunning backdrop. Courtney and Jeff chose some simple decor with beautiful florals to accent the area. It flowed perfectly with the rest of the feel of the wedding set up. The ceremony itself featured classic songs, a beautiful message from their pastor, and ended with them tying the cord of three strands.
After the ceremony we captured the formal and family portraits and then headed back inside the venue for the reception. The reception was non-stop fun and dancing. They had 2 mason jars being filled with dollars, and whichever raised the most money got to smash cakes in the others face. Jeff and Courtney played the shoe game, had a great meal, and danced the night away! From there they were sent off in grand fashion with confetti.
Jeff and Courtney’s wedding day was nothing short of perfection. It was a great honor to get to capture it and to be around so much love!
I hope you enjoy a look at some of the images from their day!
Heyward Manor is a truly remarkable wedding venue and one that is a must see if you are planning a wedding. See more of this incredible venue HERE
Jeff and Courtney’s wedding could not have been done without this incredible team of vendors:
Venue: Hayward Manor
Catering: Laurenda’s Catering
Coordination: DeDe’s Designs