11 Dec addie + matt: joined. a memphis wedding.

The sun rose just for them. The skies were still black when Addie and Matt began preparing for their morning nuptials. Slowly, the rays of light started appearing on the horizon, and not a cloud graced the sky. The sun was almost completely awake as they saw each other for the first time against a backdrop of golden leaves. It heated the air and chased away the dew as they laughed and cried into each other’s arms.

Addie and Matt stood in front of each other, and in front of everyone who cares about them, and recited their vows from the heart, reading the words they had written to each other. For each other. They pledged their love and lives to each other and promised to love with passion, fairness, and strength. Joyful tears coursed down Addie’s cheeks and she couldn’t stop laughing. It was a day full of complete happiness.

As they left for their honeymoon, lavender rained down on them from the hands of their many friends and family as they shared one more kiss in the bright sun. An hour after their car drove away, the skies darkened, and real rain poured down, taking the sun with it. Now that the sun was done lighting the way for Addie and Matt’s wedding day, it had done its job. It was time for the rain. Time for the rain to strengthen the knot that they had just tied.

Addie and Matt began and ended their day where they met – at their church. Once the sun came up, it was a beautiful fall day. That line of light in the background of these photos that looks like a sunset? That’s a sunrise. I adored Addie’s purple Kate Spade shoes!

Her bridesmaids were singing Isn’t She Lovely in the background as Addie got dressed.

Matt wasn’t looking too shabby himself, as he eagerly waited to see his bride.

Addie and Matt chose to see each other before the ceremony, and it was one of my favorite First Looks ever! They hugged. They cried. They kissed. They laughed. They danced. It’s these little moments that make the First Look my favorite part of the wedding day!

You’ll notice in most of these photos that Matt isn’t looking at the camera. He couldn’t take his eyes off Addie! He just wanted to look at her. And who can blame him?

They were both truly filled with joy.

I lovelovelove this little tender moment.

Addie, Addie, Addie. My camera is so in love with you!

And Matt, you make such a handsome groom!

The flowers – and the ladies – were all so gorgeous!

The guys know how to work the camera too!

Matt was blessed with not one, but two, best men.

The ceremony was full of cuteness…

Laughter…

And tears.

Married!

Afterward, we ran back outside so that we could capture their first few married moments. This is one of my favorites!

Love. Sigh.

The reception looked amazing, thanks to Angela at Southern Event Planners for all the little vintage touches!

I’ll end with this photo of the obviously-thrilled Matt giving his wife one last kiss before leaving. He does it right, ya’ll!

Addie and Matt, I can’t tell you what an honor it was to share your wedding day! The love you have for each other is so special and fierce, and we are thrilled that we got to see you both start this new phase of your life together. I know you had a fantastic time in Atlanta! I can’t wait to hear about it!

To see more photos from Addie’s and Matt’s beautiful wedding day, CLICK HERE for a slideshow. Here’s to sunrise. And rain that knows exactly how long to hold off. And kisses done right. Cheers!