Winter is here, which has me very reflective of warmer days! I had my very first beach wedding this fall, and it was something to remember. The beach, the waves, the sand, and this beautiful couple’s union make my heart smile.

Chris and Amber got married in October 2022 at beautiful North Topsail Beach, NC. The island of Topsail is right off the coast of southeastern North Carolina. The beach is a very special place for this couple. This couple got engaged at Myrtle Beach, SC. So, them having their wedding at the beach is very fitting. The couple held their ceremony and reception at Ocean’s Edge Restaurant and Event Center. Ocean’s Edge is a very inviting environment that offers a truly unique experience.

Upon arrival at the venue, I was greeted and welcomed by Amber and her family. Amber was surrounded by some of the most important women in her life who covered her in prayer as she began this new journey as a wife. It was honestly such a touching moment that set the tone for the rest of the day. A few solo bridal shots were taken before heading down to the beach where the ceremony was held.

The ceremony began right after noon, and it was a beautiful day. The weather was perfect with clear blue skies and the two wed overlooking the water. A few important moments happened during the ceremony that Amber looked forward to. One being Amber walking down the aisle to meet Chris. The next moment was seeing his facial expressions when he laid eyes on her. Chris and Amber also incorporated a sand pouring ceremony into their wedding. A sand pouring ceremony is a unique way to symbolize two lives becoming one with the blending of sand. As the ceremony neared the end the tide kept coming in and got our feet wet!

Walking into the reception room was another big moment for Amber. The two were announced in where they shared the first dance together as husband and wife. The first dance was something that Amber was a little nervous about. On the way to the reception, Chris and Amber practiced before their dance before going in. It was such a sweet moment that I was glad to be able to capture.

The reception was such a time of celebration. Laughs, good food, and toast were shared amongst loved ones. Once dinner was served the dance floor opened up where everyone danced! As the dancing tapered off it was time for cake. The wedding cake was special because the groom’s mother baked it! The first piece of cake ended up everywhere. The groom smeared cake all over the bride’s face. Something that I will not forget! There was so much cake left that guests got to take plates of cake home. It was a beach wedding to remember.