Hayley & Alex

Hayley & Alex would begin their journey as husband and wife in Fairmont, North Carolina at Camp Grace, the place Hayley’s parents call home. Mr. & Mrs. Williams along with 3 other families lead several bible-based ministries here. It is a beautiful location that just immediately makes you feel closer to God. As Saturday, September 13th began with just a bit of rain to add to the excitement, Hayley refused to let it get her down about their outdoor festivities.  And as the day would unfold they did indeed have their beautiful, by-the-lake ceremony.

When I arrived Hayley was preparing for her first look with her daddy and then Alex. The house was bustling with activity– girls everywhere getting all dolled-up. I just love their light pink matching bathrobes! Hayley put so much thought into this day and the sentiment was not lost…everything had been considered with great emotion.

Where Hayley chose to have her “First Look” was one of those decisions carefully considered. These grounds at Camp Grace are sacred. Hayley lost a brother to a tragic accident here 10 years ago. I will never forget Hayley explaining that having the wedding at her family’s camp was important because she wanted to have memories of celebration here. Hayley’s first look with Alex took place in the memorial garden they have for her brother, Logan. I can’t imagine that pain, but I know that it must have brought some peace to have honored and acknowledged him that day.

As is so apparent, this family has deep roots and loves one another immensely. When Hayley’s dad came around the corner to see his little girl, all grown up, in her flowing wedding gown, he got all choked up. He has the biggest heart and she really is his “Punkin Doodle”!

With this immeasurable joy just radiating on her face, she walked into the memorial garden, right up to the gazebo path to meet her groom. Alex, with the deepest tenderness faced his beautiful bride and embraced her with so much love.

It’s really easy to get caught up in the love of a wedding day and one of my favorite things is the way a groom looks at his bride. Alex just adores Hayley!

After these two lovebirds had a moment to themselves, we met up with the bridesmaids and groomsmen to play ball…okay, not really, but I thought this was a great touch to the details of the day. I just loved the bats!

Hayley’s bouquet and all the flower arrangements were prepared by the Florist Gift Shoppe and looked gorgeous up against the girls’ navy blue dresses. Before we knew it the time had come for them to say their vows! Hayley made a grand entrance with a horse and carriage ride around the lake! It was stunning! Big shout out to the Yesteryear Carriage Co. for making that fairytale entrance happen.

And right on que, the rain came, so Hayley got to be whisked away in a carriage and under the arm of her beloved carrying an umbrella to shelter her.

Loved their exit as husband and wife! After a quick ride around the lake we gathered under a porch for family pictures and then entered the reception for Hayley and Alex to be introduced as Mr. & Mrs. Raymond…

They had a lovely sit down dinner catered by Martha Phillips Whisnand and they had the most decadent cake by Jean Lee Heubach.

If there is anything I learned, it’s that Hayley & Alex must live by the philosophy of “GO BIG or GO HOME” because they really outdid themselves when planning the wedding of Hayley’s dreams. Sparklers AND fireworks ended the night perfectly!

Congratulations, Hayley & Alex!! Thanks so much for having KKP photograph your wedding day and thanks to Paula Kay Photography for second shooting with me. Enjoy their slideshow!! And if you are friends & family that shared in their day, click HERE for their gallery.