PS. I must take a moment and brag on my seriously handsome and talented husband: Josh Deal. A lot of these photos came from him as my second shooter. I really did hit the jackpot with this one! Just to prove it to you I’m going to post a J.D. after each image in this post that belongs to him.

Yes, I’ve mentioned it before but I’m in love with Kristina’s big, beautiful eyes and lashes. I mean really, look at them!

their flower girls were JUST adorable.

Here’s part of the J.D. love fest

J.D.

J.D.

J.D.

J.D. {It is good to note that I had gotten the “talkin to” by the church lady and was dutifully hiding behind a large column no further forward than the first row of guests and not encroaching on the stage AT ALL. So Josh got the job of getting these fun shots}

J.D.

J.D.

J.D.

A brief pause in this tribute to show an image of mine!

and back to the action

J.D.

J.D.

The chapel had beautiful natural lighting flowing through the windows.

Just trying something new.

Absolutely classic as we took picture outside, Josh turned around and got THIS.

J.D.

Gotta say this is a favorite from and old S. Carter Studios standard.

and back inside to warm up again.

I’m convinced their kids will have great eyelashes too, lol.

aaaand back out.

They had their reception in the lobby of the pharmacy school Ryan graduated from at Campbell University. They even brought in a gorgeous Christmas tree for guests to put gifts under. It was covered in ornaments which served as favors!

Reasons to get a 2nd shooter. I get this while Josh gets the one below

I love the way he sees things!

They had stations around their reception with their favorite desserts and the stories behind them. Everything was soo tasty.

Beautiful Christmas themed decorations made it a cozy holiday celebration.

As quicky as it started, their celebration was over and they headed off. But not without some mischief first.

J.D.

J.D.

I had no idea but was thankful for this shot!

A note: Many of these photos from Ryan and Kristina’s wedding were available on Facebook shortly after the event. I wait to blog them until after I’ve completed editing so the blog readers can get a full selection but if you’re itching to see the work as soon as it’s available then by all means, join 843 of my closest friends and become a Fan on facebook. New content and updates as soon as it’s loaded as well as special Facebook contests and prizes to be announced! Just for the heck of it you should follow me on twitter too!

This picture was great as the girls recalled over a decade of memories in front of this tree including class photos from second grade and after school pick up in fourth! I was also LOOOOVING the beautiful dresses the bridesmaids wore.

I mean, look at her, what an absolutely gorgeous bride. 

The pastor shared memories of a gangly middle school point guard in Michael and Brittany who made scores of hand-braided bracelets for an entire youth group on a mission trip. It’s not every day that you get to be a part of such a highly anticipated wedding!

After the ceremony we tromped around the beautiful grounds to take the formals. I love their facial expressions!

I’m not sure how many times they stole kisses around this building over the course of their relationships but they won’t have to sneak them anymore!

Loving this ring shot.

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t post a picture of Michael and his mother dancing. The Joyner family takes their dancing VERY seriously (see below)!

I’m excited to share what are probably the best bouquet and garter shots in my portfolio!

and in what seemed like a wink, they were off to Mexico. Congratulations you guys!

Okay, so one distraction. But when your bride looks like this…does life really get much better? I’m sure Jake would agree. As a photographer I’m sure anyone with a camera would agree too!

There ceremony was small and intimate, perfect for the occasion.

I love this picture because they had the exact vases that Josh and I had at our wedding! Being married and a wedding photographer is three times as rich and meaningful as I could have imagined. It made me miss him terribly but it was like having that passion and excitement renewed for me as I experienced it with them.

They had one of the very best bridal parties I could have asked for. I’d love to see them all again at a wedding in the future!

The front of the house…I think it slept like 30 people. It was great!

I couldn’t resist taking this photo, their dresses were too perfect for spinning.

This was taken in the hedge that separated the house from the boardwalk to get to the beach. I was told they hated this hedge all week, but I’m going to have to say it worked out pretty well for this shot.

There is a great story behind this photo. Apparently Jake and Patsy’s first kiss was meant to take place in a lifeguard chair. As her mom tells it, Jake went in 90 but patsy didn’t go in 10. I don’t think they’ll have that problem any more! The lifeguard chair was a nice touch and it was great for showing off her beautiful gown!

The reception was filled with happy little details.

Seriously, could it get any cuter?

Patsy and her dad have a  special relationship. Their dance together was very sweet.

One of the funniest things at the reception was the people in the house next door dancing on their balcony. Look for them in this picture!

And just like that, the wedding was over and Jake and Patsy were headed, without fear, to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico for their honeymoon. Cheers to you guys! It was an amazing, beautiful, perfect wedding. May God bless you both!