Brittney and Justin | An Evening Wedding at The Mill at Yellow River | Porterdale, Ga.

Brittney and Justin’s wedding at The Mill at Yellow River in Porterdale, GA in March was as beautiful and fun as I had hoped.  The Mill at Yellow River sits in the quaint little town of Porterdale, GA where if you didn’t know that it was there you’d drive right past it.  The old twine mill has been transformed from its neglected bones to a fully restored live and work space, which houses this beautiful wedding venue.  The Mill at Yellow River offers an industrial feel while maintaining its charm with a full lush garden and patio.  One of its unique and most popular features is the beautiful and rocky terrain of the Yellow River.  When Brittney, Justin, and I met last year and toured the venue we were so excited about the potential for amazing photos on the rocks.   However, on their wedding day in March we were unable to get down to the rocks due to the large amount of rain the town had received over the past few weeks.  That didn’t stop us from getting some beautiful photos by the river.

Justin and Brittney met like most other couples these days, on a dating website.  Their first date was as relaxed and laid back as they are.  They met up on a Wednesday in the middle of a horrible Florida thunderstorm.  Brittney thought Justin was tall and handsome and Justin thought Brittney was cute.  They bonded over Brittney’s horrible bowling skills and by the time the date was over Justin stole a sweet kiss from her.  Needless to say, they were the perfect match.

After four and a half years together Justin knew it was time to propose.  You couldn’t write a movie with a more perfect plot line. In April of 2016 while visiting Justin’s family in New Jersey, Justin told his mom he wanted to propose. Once back in Florida he called Brittney’s mom and asked for her blessing. So began months of intrigue and secrecy. Justin and Brittney’s mom came up with a plot for Justin to propose on their cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday. Brittney’s mom even had Brittney pick out her own engagement ring without noticing by sending photos back and forth on Pinterest. The night before the two departed on the cruise Justin went to go “hang out” with his family while Brittney packed at which point he gave his grandmother the ring to hide until the big day. He also gave his mom the letters and photos from Brittney’s family who could not go on the cruise. On Wednesday, November 23rd, 2016, the group got together to take formal family photos. During the photos Justin stopped the photographer, got on one knee and popped the question. The entire proposal was caught on video by a secret camera man.

The wedding day started out with the girls arriving at the venue with their hair and makeup already done.  This small act on the bride’s part actually gives me more time to take more photos of what matters to her.   Brittney and her bridesmaids were so cute in their matching shirts.  The love and laughter that filled that room was incredible.  After that it was time for Brittney to put her dress on, which she looked amazing in.  Brittney has such an infectious smile that makes you want to be her best friend.   Debbie, my second shooter, had such a good time with the guys.  They were so relaxed and really enjoyed their time hanging out before it was time for Justin and Brittney’s First Look.  Justin gave each of his groomsmen a box which contained a personalized flask, a can of Coke, and a mini bottle of Jack Daniels.  How awesome is that!?!

When it was time for Brittney and Justin’s First Look we chose a cute garden near the river, tucked away for privacy.  I don’t think Justin really knew what to expect but when he turned around and saw Brittney in her dress for the first time he had the biggest smile on his face.  It was so obvious that he was madly in love with her.

The ceremony took place on the lawn facing the Yellow River.  They had so many friends and family there to witness their proclamation of love.  However, watching them and the way they looked at each other the whole time it was like they were the only two that existed in the whole world at that moment in time.  They wrote their own vows which were so beautiful and heartfelt that they literally left everyone in tears.

After the ceremony we took bridal party and family portraits on the lawn before the partying began.  When the sun was beginning to set we quickly went back outside for some gorgeous golden hour portraits by the river.  The golden sun light backlighting them as they stared at each other longingly, was simply magical.  I highly recommend sunset portraits.  Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Brittney and Justin spent the rest of the evening dancing and visiting with all of their guests.  Justin even had a sweet moment with his Grandmother, whom they didn’t think would be able to attend.  They slowed danced with each other and she sweetly looked up at him and placed her hand on his cheek.  Without saying a word you knew that she was so proud of him and happy for him that he found happiness.  It was the perfect moment, which had everyone in the room in tears.

After a fun filled reception Justin and Brittney were surrounded by sparklers as they walked to their Corvette, Justin’s dream car.  The car was a last minute surprise by Justin’s family.  These two were probably more excited about the getaway car than the honeymoon.  Just joking, but they were pretty stoked.

Justin and Brittney, you two are the perfect match.  Y’all are funny, love the outdoors, go along with each other’s hobbies, and have weathered so many storms together.  You two are rock solid and I know that God made you for each other.  You both deserve nothing but the best and I wish you both a lifetime of car shows, hikes, snuggles with Finn, and lots of new adventures together.

Cheers to so many fun things ahead for you both!!

 

I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite pictures from their perfect day.