Honey and Chuck, Part 3 | Pensacola, FL Wedding Photographer

Part Three of Honey and Chuck's wedding weekend.

Before we dive into photos, I have to say that one of the things my husband and I love so much about living in Maryland is the southern hospitality that we'll encounter once in a while. It's quite the distinction from where we are from New York, and certainly from the hustle of living in DC. Well, southern hospitality must have been created in Pensacola. I've never met such a uniformly gracious and kind community as Honey and Chuck's family and friends. It was a true pleasure to work with them and share in their joy.

Now onto your regularly scheduled photos!

The super fun bridal party

The newlyweds

The story of the reception site is quite a tear jerker. When Elby brought me over to see it in the days before the wedding; a large lot on the water, with the hustle and bustle of workers setting up tents, lanterns, dance floors. He began to point out some things...."...this is the original driveway. Of course we had to restore some of the brick work here, and this brick fence is original as well. There used to be a swing here...." This foundation was all that remained of their family home, which, along with many of their most cherished possessions, was destroyed in Hurricane Ivan.

Jeanne wanted the reception to feel like home. To be comfortable and welcoming. She found these wrought iron gates, and said that the inspiration the reception design stemmed from there. She created an absolute picture perfect space, with the help of some great friends (including a friend who lent her an office in Pensacola to work from and have packages mailed to). Astonishingly, she was able to keep the entire look a secret from Honey and Chuck. Their jaws dropped to the floor when they saw it.

The foyer of the tent, so welcoming and classically beautiful. The chandeliers and lanterns were just a brilliant touch!

The most challenging thing to find, according to Jeanne, was a tent without poles. This one just provided an expansive view without interruption, which comfortably accommodated the 250 guests.

This is the head table. How gorgeous is this?! I want my dining room to look this good. An oversized mirror propped against the tent wall reflected the accent lighting throughout the space. Large trees and plants filled the room, not to mention the custom floral arrangements. The table is a rustic piece, large enough to seat 12. The bridal party sat cozily for dinner, the couple cuddling up on their couch. For the rest of the reception space, there were elegant, lantern-lit tables set about, with a spectacular series of food stations lining the edges of the room. The space and the rhythm of the reception struck the elusive perfect balance of effortless ease. It felt like, well, home.

Adirondack chairs provided picturesque seating overlooking the water.

A swing, reminiscent of the one that hung when Honey was a little girl on that very land, provided a romantic moment to reflect.

The fountain, elegant cocktail tables, outdoor bar and delicate lights made the outdoor cocktail area as fun as the indoor gala space.

The tent. Pensacola is a small town, and everyone was driving by in the days before the wedding to see the "big tent" that had gone up. I witnessed two slow-driving cars and peering eyes myself.

During the toasts, Jeanne brought tears to everyone's eyes as she relayed her love for her late husband and her family, and wished Honey and Chuck a beautiful life together. Elby, Honey's landlord in DC, as well as brother, told her that the rent was still due on the first.