Today I have another couple who married in 2020 for y’all to meet! Chelsea and Brian drove to the coast from Raleigh to join me for photos at the Outer Banks. They had a fabulous destination wedding planned in Jamaica that had to be postponed due to Covid. I know how frustrating it was for couples who had weddings planned in 2020. It was frustrating for me too! However, it was such a gift to see how these couples rolled with the unexpected and created unique weddings despite the restrictions. Being able to let go of plans and find joy in the changes is really beautiful and that is one of the things I experienced as an Outer Banks wedding photographer during a global pandemic.

Like another 2020 wedding couple, Maddie and West, Chelsea and Brian got all dolled up again to take wedding portraits with me after their wedding. I was not their wedding photographer for their small, intimate mountain wedding but I was so excited when they scheduled a portrait session with me. 

We met at my favorite spot at Jockey’s Ridge where I can capture the perfect golden light. I love the desert like look of these spots tucked into dunes. As soon as I saw Chelsea in her gown, I knew I needed to take some edgier shots for a more editorial look. Chelsea is SUCH a classic beauty. Her dress was giving me old Hollywood glam vibes and she looked like a movie star straight out of a classic film! I love the look we achieved in full sun with her long wavy hair down and her fabulous veil on. 

One of the reasons this couple wanted photos done at the Outer Banks was Chelsea’s vision for photos in the ocean. Chelsea wanted to “trash the dress” and get right in the water! I have done trash the dress sessions before and love the creativity and boldness in these photos. Instead of a dress hanging unseen in a closet, you have awesome photos to hang on your wall so you can see that dress every day!

Chelsea brought along her new custom jean jacket embroidered with her new last name. I LOVE a jean jacket over a wedding gown. I had another 2020 bride rock denim with her lace as well. This detail in Chelsea’s portraits gave her a different look for some of her images. Accessories and other little details can really make certain photos pop!

It was 45 degrees outside on the day of this session. Y’all know the Atlantic Ocean was FRIGID! However, if I had not told you this, you would never know it. Not many people can lay down in freezing cold water and still look so enchanting. Brian was so sweet and didn’t complain once about being soaking wet in a suit in the middle of winter! Their love for each other is so obvious in every photo and I enjoyed how in sync they were as a couple.

I hope more couples will choose to book a post-wedding portrait session even though wedding days are back to normal now! If you want a reason to put your gown back on and get your hair and nails done, get on my schedule and then check out these tips for a post wedding session. Let’s plan the bride and groom photos of your wildest dreams. If that vision includes the beach like Chelsea and Brian, I would love to be your Outer Banks wedding photographer for your post-wedding portrait session!