This one is a little extra special for me because Kate is my cousin! Cousin by marriage, but that is just a technicality. :) My husband and his family have been going to the same beach on Topsail Island in North Carolina every other year since he was just a wee little thing. Lucky for me, I married into a pretty awesome family tradition! Kate has also been going for as long as she can remember, so when it came to planning her and Scott’s wedding the decision was simple…off to the beach! Especially since it’s such a special family spot filled with childhood memories of drinking hand squeezed lemonade, playing unlimited hours of card games, staring at puzzle pieces, listening to Motown and chasing sand crabs in the dark (which is a catch and release operation for those of you concerned for the crabs’ well being!)

So our beach trip was a little extra special this year and I think you will see why! Let me start by setting the scene…not bad right?!

Kate’s pretty gown.

She loves sea turtles.  So this little guy had nothing to do with the wedding but he’s awfully cute.  :)

Yellows and aquas!  She had her Chucks customized with her new, married initials.  Our other cousin Kim is a graphic designer and made these cute custom invitations.

I played flower designer for the day.

In memory of family members no longer with us…but they were certainly there in spirit.

Finishing touches and time to get into the gown!

Kate’s mom Marian was having WAY too much fun getting Kate laced into her dress.  Each corset yank seemed to be attached to something unfavorable Kate may or may not have done as a child.  Quite hilarious actually!

Yay it zipped!  High five!

Kate did her own hair.  How awesome is that?!

Favorite moment.

Pretty!  Love the birdcage veil!

Let’s not forget about Scott!  Scott does not like to have his photo taken, but he was kind enough to humor me for a few.

Off to the beach!  It’s almost time…

Here comes the bride!

I can practically hear waves crashing.  So perfect.

Lilies into the ocean in remembrance…

Small gathering of close friends and family.

Do you take this guy?

Yep!

Married!

The Kamer ladies (my mother in law, Kate’s mom and her sisters) made all kinds of yummy treats for us to nosh on afterwards.  And Uncle Larry made “The Lord’s Medicine” which is a perfect mixture of hand-squeezed lemonade and vodka.  Extra vodka.

Kate’s dad’s proud toast to his baby girl and her new hubby!

A perfect evening.

Congratulations you two!  It was wonderful!  With love, Liz

VENDOR LOVE

Local decor and coordination: Island Occasions

Rentals: Shoreline Party Supplies

Beach property rental: Treasure Realty

Flowers, food, invitations and more: family

L Photographie Topsail Island Wedding Photography