Usually, having a military wedding often involves going down to the courthouse, having the JOP perform a simple ceremony, maybe going out to dinner afterwards, and promising each other that you’ll have a “real wedding” one day… All too often however, this “real wedding” never happens and the only thing the couple has to mark their special day is a piece of paper from the court system. Occasionally however (even after having a “military wedding”), that dream comes true, and the couple is able to have their special wedding ceremony surrounded by family and friends, where they pledge to love the other one until the end of time. For Wellyn and Joe, they were able to bring this to life!

Military Wedding on the Green

The event started with a beautiful Catholic ceremony, which included special traditions such as the giving of the arrhae (coins) which symbolize the prosperity that would be shared by the new couple and the grooms promise to provide for the new family. And since Joe serves in the US Navy, they included the binding of the cord, which symbolizes the couples bond; they they are no longer two, but one in their new life as husband and wife.

After finishing pictures at the church, we headed to go do bridal party pictures at a different location.
Now one thing you have to remember is that in early September, it is still VERY warm here in Virginia Beach. On the day that Wellyn and Joe celebrated their wedding, it was quite toasty, with temperatures hovering in the upper 80’s, low 90’s. However, you would never know that looking at these gorgeous pictures of the bridal party! They were definitely rockstars and powered through the heat (and sweaty foreheads 😉 ), to create some awesome photos for Wellyn and Joe!

Even though we were a bit pressed for time, I was so thankful that Wellyn and Joe made it a priority to get some pictures of just the two of them! We spent a few minutes (literally) at the gazebo near the reception and got some pretty romantic images!

Party Like a Rockstar

After we all got back to Traditions and the bride and groom made their grand entrance into the reception, it was time to get our party on! These two lovebirds definitely set the stage for fun with a super “sweet” candy buffet (complete with s’more kits), a DJ who kept the party rockin (seriously, the dance floor was never empty!), and family and friends sharing laughs all night long!

Wellyn and Joe, thank you for allowing me to capture such a special day for you, it was a total blast! I hope you had an amazing time on your honeymoon to Walt Disney World and the Florida Keys, and wish you nothing but joy and happiness in the future!