The weather forecast on the day of Kristi and Corey’s wedding at The Oaks Plantation was a high of 103 degrees. I’m fairly sure I melted a little, but Kristi somehow looked just as classically beautiful at the end of the day as she did at the beginning:.jpg)
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…so beautiful that not only did she take the groom’s breath away, but her mom’s too:.jpg)
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Immediately after the ceremony, they headed out the front door to have communion privately, under the shade of one of the moss covered oaks:.jpg)
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Sweet treats were provided by Icing Illusions:.jpg)
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There were several surprises over the course of the reception, including Corey serenading Kristi with a little Frank Sinatra:.jpg)
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…then a few guests came up with a surprise of their own. They went around taking pictures of various “couples” re-enacting the pictures I took of Kristi and Corey during their engagement session – hysterical!!!
The last surprise was for Kristi, who didn’t know a horse and carriage from Capitol City Carriage Service was awaiting her exit:.jpg)
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Kristi and Corey: thank you so much for pushing through the heat, sending me hair dooflitchies, and letting me be a part of your day. 🙂
Venue: The Oaks Plantation
Floral Designer: Rosemont Gardens
Catering: A Catered Affair
Cake Designer: Icing Illusions
Horse & Carriage: Capitol City Carriage Service
Honeymoon Destination: Jamaica

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…well, until we hopped on the boat and everyone got IN the lake. Then being sweaty doesn’t really matter. 🙂.jpg)
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…I had a little bit of deja vu – except this time, sister Amanda was the matron of honor instead of the bride, and spunky mom Katie was snapping pictures with her iPhone. 🙂.jpg)
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The bridesmaids wrote love notes on the bottom of Lauren’s shoes….jpg)
…while Russ and his groomsmen wore ribbon pins in memory of his friend (and honorary groomsman) Mike:.jpg)
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The bride’s uncle Joe just happens to be a bagpiper – what better way to kick off the start of the ceremony AND the start of the reception while we took a little detour to shoot a few portraits in the gardens at .jpg)
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…while Russ’ “little” brother Vaughn showed everyone how to get up:.jpg)
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Lauren & Russ: I hope your .jpg)
You still have your mom there to help you get ready:
And if you’re lucky, your first look at each other is just as powerful..jpg)
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They incorporated Hawaiian wedding traditions into their vow renewal ceremony, including a lei exchange….jpg)
…as well as the ti leaf wrapped lava rock. The bride and groom choose a place to leave the rock on the island – the rock symbolizes the moment they made their commitment to each other and is steadfast, while their rings are the symbol they take with them wherever they go.
The cocktail reception was held at the resort’s Beach Club restaurant, complete with a cake made by one of Hope and Jeff’s friends. They incorporated several items that Jeff had saved from their wedding day 20 years before, including the original cake topper (Did you notice I said JEFF saved all that stuff, not Hope? Apparently the comedian is a big softy on the inside. :))..jpg)
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Several of their friends and family had touching words to share out loud as well:
Instead of having a “traditional” dinner reception, Hope and Jeff had all of their guests attend the .jpg)
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Of course we had to get a family picture – did I mention Hope is a professional .jpg)
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Special thanks to my homie
Hope and Jeff: thank you so much for letting us watch you embarrass your kids. 🙂 I have always loved a sense of humor in a man, but the two of you have convinced me even more that being able to laugh often (at each other, at yourselves, and at life) is the secret to real happiness. Here’s to another 20 years of laughter. And yes, I expect a call. 😉

Nice Pics @ Pike Road AL.