Oh man, where do I begin on this one?? Michael has been one of my best friends since college. So much so that when I found out I needed to stay for an extra year because of a changed major (that I’m still not doing!), Michael willingly volunteered to also stay an extra year just for moral support and so we could graduate together. THAT is friendship! Ok, so I might have exaggerated that last part about why he stayed just a little. He did stay an extra year and we did graduate together, but that had nothing to do with me. Michael was one of my groomsmen in our wedding last year and he’s truly been one of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. So, naturally, when he and Cat started dating several years ago, I became close with Cat too. Her strong, giving spirit is amazing, and she’s always been such an encouragement to me. I’m so glad Michael hung on to her. I remember when he and Cat began their relationship, I knew that 1) they’d be getting married sooner or later and 2) when it happened, it would be a GOOD one. As in wiping-tears-from-my-viewfinder-so-I-could-see-to shoot-their-ceremony good. Michael and Cat are an incredible couple who love the Lord and each other in an amazingly selfless way, and I’m so excited to see them begin this new phase of their lives. I don’t get to see their families very often either so it was great to spend the weekend with everyone as well. I only wish we all lived a little closer!

Michael & Cat: I love y’all. Tremendously. I can’t begin to tell you how much of an honor & joy it was to be with you both this past Saturday. I hope you’re having a BLAST in Jamaica on your honeymoon!!

I loved this weathered, old white fence for some of Cat’s detail shots.

Cat even had a silver sixpence piece to go in her shoe. I’d never even heard there was a final piece of the “Something old, something new…” poem until this past weekend. Learn something new everyday, right? If you’ve never heard it, it reads, “Something old (continuity), something new (optimism), something borrowed (dependence on friends/family), something blue (purity & love), and a silver sixpence in your shoe (good luck).”

Michael’s groomsmen’s gifts were personalized machetes. Nothing says manly like a sword with your name engraved on it.

Michael’s sister and mom watching as Cat’s dress was being put on.

The moment when a father sees his daughter in her dress on wedding day for the first time is priceless.

Cat’s finishing touches before heading out to meet Michael for their first look.

First look! I’m so glad that they decided on doing a first look. Between both families, they had a large number of family groups to shoot. Their first look saved their schedule as far as allowing time to get all of them captured and still have time for their own portraits.

I think the next shot is my favorite from their first look, simply because I remember what it was like to hug Katie on our wedding day, trying not to stream tears onto her dress.

Love this. Simple happiness and contentment.

Gorgeous. I think Michael would agree.

The ceremony and reception were both outdoors so all the guests really appreciated the program fans awaiting them on their ceremony chairs.

Michael’s brother, Dave, was his best man. You might recognize him as 1/3 of the Grammy-winning country trio, Lady Antebellum. Michael & Dave are really close so I know Mike was really glad to have Dave in town for the weekend, and more importantly, standing beside him as he married his bride.

Cat & Michael Haywood!!

Hors d’oeuvres & drinks were served around the plantation grounds while the reception venues were set up and Michael & Cat cooled off a little inside the house. I love when clients do a cocktail hour because it allows time to get photos of the untouched reception site & details while the guests have a chance to relax.

These butler-passed stuffed mushrooms were ah-mazing.

First dance out on the lawn!

Cat’s dad’s gave an incredible toast to the newlyweds after the cake was cut.

Congrats to the new Haywoods! Leave them a line or two in the comment box!

Vendors:

Venue: The Mackey House

Cake & Catering: Chef Nick Mueller & Co.

Florist: Kiwi Fleur