Juliana & Austin’s St. Simons Island Wedding

Southeast Meaningful Wedding Photography

Juliana and Austin’s wedding day on St. Simons Island was such a dream—from the sunshine to the Spanish moss to the way these two looked at each other all day long. It was one of those days that felt like a celebration from the very first moment, and it reminded me exactly why I love offering Southeast meaningful wedding photography. When a wedding is filled with intentional moments, real emotion, and pure joy like this one, it’s such a gift to capture it all.

Why Choosing Meaningful Photography Matters on Your Wedding Day

One of the things that made their wedding feel especially sweet was their decision not to do a first look. I know a lot of couples go back and forth on this, and while a first look can definitely be a great option for many reasons, it’s not something you have to do—especially if the only reason is to get more photos in. Trust me, there’s plenty of time to get all those group photos in!

Juliana and Austin knew they wanted to see each other for the first time at the altar. It added such a sense of anticipation and tenderness to the ceremony. That moment when Austin first saw Juliana walking down the aisle? So special. So worth it.

A Laid-Back, Joyful Wedding Day Flow

Because their wedding and reception were all at the same venue, everything flowed beautifully—we moved straight from the ceremony into couple’s portraits, wedding party fun, and the start of the celebration. Choosing to wait for that first look made their day feel even more genuine, unhurried, and full of joy.

If you’re planning your own wedding and feeling unsure about whether to do a first look, my advice is this: go with what feels true to you as a couple. Your photos will reflect that authenticity, no matter what you choose. That’s what I love most about meaningful photography—it’s all about capturing the real, beautiful moments as they unfold.

Juliana and Austin’s day was filled with laughter, happy tears, and dancing with all their favorite people. I’m so honored I got to be a part of such a fun wedding and tell the story of their love in a way that felt effortless and true.

Let’s create something beautiful and meaningful together. If you’re planning a wedding in the Southeast and looking for photography that feels real, heartfelt, and true—I’d love to chat.