Kari + Rodney | Married in St. Augustine
Florida weather is crazy, amirite? I mean, two weeks ago, we had beautiful blue skies and unseasonably warm days, perfect for laying by the pool and sipping a summery cocktail. However, when I arrived in St. Augustine for Kari and Rodney's beach wedding last Sunday, I was surrounded by gray skies and intense wind, with some scattered rain every now and then. A nervous Kari reassured herself that it was going to be fine, the wedding will still be beautiful, as she got her hair and makeup done in a room at the Hilton.
The vibe in the room was very casual and calm, despite the madness happening outside. Kari's daughter and future step daughters helped keep the energy light, being silly and making jokes.
The ceremony took place on the beach next to The Reef, a fun beachside restaurant that smelled of fresh seafood and had a gorgeous group room decorated and reserved for the wedding guests to have dinner after the ceremony.
Kari and Rodney were determined to have their ceremony on the beach, and despite the wind, it was a beautiful ceremony full of love and compassion. After Kari walked down the aisle, Rodney immediately took off his jacket and gave it to her to wear, and if that's not the best representation of devotion, I dont know what is! The couple included all of their children in a sand ceremony, symbolizing them becoming one big happy family.
After the ceremony, everyone scurried inside the restaurant to get warm and settle into their seats for dinner. That gave me the chance to steal Kari and Rodney away for a little bit and get some photos of them as newlyweds. We found a spot on the top deck of the restaurant that was outside but still covered so that it wasn't affected by the wind, and we made magic.
The two of them expressed so much affection for one another, it was hard not to get a good photo of them! Congrats, newlyweds! :)