Buckle up, because this post is going to be a good one. Just too many beautiful moments that need sharing. So, grab a drink and get ready to see some serious love, lots of happy celebration and some seriously stormy skies.

This beautiful love story focuses on Julia & Drew, an adorable couple who said, “I do!” last month on the sandy shores of Julia’s grandfather’s oceanfront home in Falmouth. We’d first come in contact with them when we photographed Jacqueline & Mitty’s wedding a few years ago. Jacqueline & Julia are cousins and Julia was one of her bridesmaids.

We were super excited when Julia reached out to us last year to photograph her wedding! We just love keeping it all in the family!

The grandfather’s home in Falmouth is very special and has served as the backdrop for lots of auspicious family occasions, and we’ve happily been invited to document a few of them.

In fact, skip back a few posts here on our blog and you’ll see our most recent family gathering at the property….the wedding of Jacqueline’s younger sister, Christina, to her super sweet beau, Jon.

We’re always looking for new ways to photograph familiar settings, so our challenge was trying to capture Julia & Drew’s special day in a way that reflected them and everything that made their beautiful day unique.

Without sounding overly confident…I think we crushed it!

I’d been feeling nervous all week leading up to the wedding…which sounds funny after 16 years of doing this, but I like to think it just means I still really care. Also, the forecast kept changing all week, going from super sunny (they were planning a beach wedding in the middle of the afternoon, so this wouldn’t have been ideal) to partly cloudy (I was feeling much more optimistic about this) to full on hurricane-like weather (EEEEK!).

But, as is so often the case, the weather gods smiled down on us and provided a picture perfect day. Julia & Drew got their beach wedding. We got just enough time for photos with family and the bridal party before the rain and wild winds blew in. And, the sky put on a performance that left guests spellbound. It was truly a magical day in every way.

There are a lot of photos to come…so without further ado, here’s a look at Julia & Drew’s magical Falmouth backyard beach wedding.

Julia & Drew didn’t want a big bridal party. Instead they choose a maid of honor and best man and that was it. I must admit, I’m partial to these smaller bridal parties. I think they make for a super calm morning of getting ready. The bride and groom really are more the center of attention…as they should be. And, with less people, there’s less potential for things to go wrong.

Julia got ready with her MOH Marisa and fellow besite, Katrina. It was a quiet, calm, lovely time and the fabulous ladies from Artworx made everyone look stunning, and seemed to have a lot of fun doing it.

Checking out the beautiful progress….isn’t she gorgeous!?!

Getting buttoned into her crazy beautiful gown. This dress could be one of my all time faves. Just loved it!! And Julia …man, did she wear it well!!

A toast with her besties and mom, Sarah, and her special Auntie. 

Putting on her shoes and a last minute dab of gloss and we’re ready to go….

Love this moment, when a father sees his daughter for the first time in her wedding gown. You can just feel the pride he feels for her. I imagine him thinking about his own wedding day, seeing his wife in his daughter’s beautiful face. I’m sure he’s also thinking about the day she was born, and now here she is all grown up. I’m sure it’s a bittersweet time for parents…seeing their baby fully leave the nest, where parents are no longer the most important people in their child’s life. And, yet, they must feel so grateful that their son or daughter found someone so wonderful with whom to share their life. There’s just sooooo much wrapped up in this one moment and I……I love it!!

Beautiful Julia.

These in between moments are some of my favorites too….they just speak to the anticipation that is the wedding day….that moment right before you walk out the room to say, “I do!” with besties at your side and your nerves fully in your throat. So awesome.

While Julia was getting ready at her grandfather’s house, Drew got ready at the Sea Crest Resort with his best man and big brother, Garrett, their dad, David, grandfather, Dick, and some other close friends. Just love this moment Andy captured of Drew putting on his tie, as his dad fixes his in the background.

Drew’s grandfather, Dick, looking pretty dapper. 

Chillaxing with friends and a cold one.

LOOOOOOVE these next two moments of Garrett and his dad and Drew looking ridiculously dapper!!

Annnnntiiiiiciiipattttionnn…is making me wait. (Can’t help but hear that 70s song in my head when I look at this photo). 

Loookin’ good, Drew!!! Way to work those chiseled features! GQ called and they want their model back. Seriously dude…didn’t you guys tell us you don’t generally like the way you look in photos? I mean….WHAT??!!

Drew’s super sweet parents, Deborah & David, head down to the ceremony…just looove the looks on their sweet faces as they see their son. Be still my heart!

And these next two…..I can barely stand how Julia & Drew are grinning from ear to ear as they see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Soooo much happiness!! It’s moments like these that I feel so grateful that Andy & I work together and can capture these moments simultaneously. 

All smiles as our beautiful bride makes her way down the aisle on the arm of her sweet dad, John.

The happy hand off…

And one last kiss on the cheek from her proud papa before she is married. Looooove the look on Julia’s face as she soaks in this moment. 

Could Drew look any happier? 

Surrounded by family & friends in a place they love so, pledging their lives to one another….it doesn’t get much better than this.

Love was everywhere…

Julia’s sweet momma, Sarah, beaming with joy for her baby girl and this lifelong love she has found.

Taking it all in…

Drew’s parents enjoy every love-filled second. 

With these rings…

I thee wed…

Hand in hand and with a kiss, we seal these vows. 

Just love the look on Julia’s dad’s face as the newly married couple makes their way down the aisle.

The new Mr. & Mrs.

Our wish for you is that every moment of your married life feels just like these…full of joy and unbridled happiness, laced with romance and a boundless love.

By your side is where I always want to be.

May this always be your happy place, full of the memories of this glorious day. 

Your lips taste of the promise of a happy ever after. 

B . E . A . U . T . I . E . S . 

Julia & Drew, these are the days you’ll remember.

Hand-in-hand + side-by-side = where I always want to be.

Wooo hooooo!

A tender kiss and dramatic skies.

An electric kind of love!! Yes, that’s lightening!

The wind really starting kicking up towards the end of our time with Julia & Drew….this fun moment as Drew’s tie flew into Julia’s face made us all giggle. 

I mean…..does it get more dramatic than this setting?

Leaning in…

Friends and family gathered outside the tent during cocktail hour to watch the rapidly changing sky. We could almost see the sheets of rain off in the distance traveling across the land. 

Having fun in the wind with her besties.

Warm winds and even warmer embraces.

Love was most definitely in the air….awww “shucks.”

Some delicious treats from the fabulous Casual Gourmet. 

Hanging with her cousins, who were admiring her ring. So cute. (left to right: Leah, Jac, Julia & Christina)

The Sperry tent was beautifully decorated by the uber talented Courtney Iris Barnes of Courtney’s Floral Creations and everything came together under the beautiful care and guidance of Megan & Sara of Elegant Engagements. 

Even the bees loved it…

A cake covered in garden roses…swoon and sprigs of rosemary for the head table.

Having fun with their first dance.

Soaking in all the love family & friends during the toasts. 

Just love the way Marisa is looking at her best friend as she watches her soak in all the loving words. This is what true friendship looks like. 

John’s toast was full of pride for his baby girl….#daddysgirl. 

Andy & I love watching for awesome expressions from guests during the toasts, and this crowd did not disappoint.

Cheers!!

A big hug for big brother.

A perfect sunset to cap off a perfect day…

Taaaa daaa!

Getting down on it…

Heee haw…

More dance floor fun. 

The Sultans of Swing had everyone going crazy on the dance floor. Love these guys!

Get it girl!!!

May your love burn bright as bright as it did on this beautiful day and may it last as long as the stars in the night sky. 

Julia & Drew, thank you both so much for inviting us to share in your beautiful wedding. We loved being there to capture every beautiful moment and we hope these photos serve as happy reminders of your special day for many happy years to come! Big hugs, Christine & Andy