Olivia & Josh’s Lake Brantley Wedding

Olivia and Josh tied the knot during their wedding at a private estate off Lake Brantley in Longwood, Florida. Olivia’s incredibly sweet mother Karen booked me for her daughter’s special day 🙂

North Carolina natives, I had been conversing with the Wells family through email and calls until I finally had the opportunity to meet Olivia and Karen while they were down visiting. It was love at first site, hehe. I just absolutely adore Karen and my sweet couple. From Olivia’s vision of her and her fiancé Josh saying their vows under a whimsical arch to enjoying the night toasting under market lights, I knew my bride’s creative touches for her wedding day were going to be spectacular to photograph.

Olivia and Josh originally met online while Olivia was looking for a date for her sorority’s formal. Olivia at the time was in Asheville, North Carolina and Josh lived in Johnson City, Tennessee. Within an hour of the two talking online, Josh texted Olivia and the rest is history. They started dating long-distance, as her beloved was completely committed to driving back and forth for over 2 and a half years! Olivia fell head over heels with Josh’s sense of humor, work ethic, and kind soul in his willingness to help others. Josh just adores how motivated and dedicated Olivia is, along with her radiating aura of her inner and outer beauty. After finishing up school, the two moved together to Raleigh, North Carolina to be close to Olivia’s family and start their lives post-graduation. Unfortunately Josh’s car that made their long-distance relationship work didn’t quite survive the journey, but it got them to the point where they are now.

Olivia is absolutely crazy about Christmas, from listening to Christmas music year round to purchasing every ornament she can find. Josh knew that his proposal would have to be both creative and incorporate her favorite holiday. One night after dinner at a downtown restaurant in Raleigh with Olivia and her family, Josh drove his darling Olivia back home first with family following behind. When Olivia opened the door, she was surprised with (as Josh puts it) “a blob of Christmas lights on the tree” that at first she thought were broken! With a closer look, Olivia realized that the lights spelled out “Marry Me?” and when she turned around she found Josh on one knee asking for her hand in marriage. Of course, Olivia filled with utter excitement screamed yes! On their wedding day, Josh even incorporated his proposal as the cake topper on their darling little cake that lit up and wedding Christmas ornaments on a chandelier in the formal dining room of the reception.

The two envisioned a day filled with nature, whimsy, and laughter. From a fun food truck catered by Toasted to dancing on the back porch, every moment was down to Earth and genuine. They truly just wanted their friends and family visiting from out of town to have the time of their lives. As Olivia puts it, “we just wanted everyone to come and have a fun time and, regardless of the theme or color, to just feel how authentic our relationship is and how much we love each other and everyone there.”

Our day started off with shots of the girls getting ready that showcased their personalities. Their intense focus on hair and makeup soon turned to absolute silliness with everyone jumping on the bed. While Olivia was putting on the finishing touches, Josh and his groomsmen were upstairs tying their bows. Olivia surprised Josh with an adorable watch from Kenneth Cole and Josh surprised Olivia with the sweetest leather bound journal.

Their first look was one of my favorite moments throughout the day. Seeing one another for the first time was both incredible to witness and capture. After sharing a sweet prayer together, we were off to capture bridal party shots in the forest adjoining the reception location. From hide and seek with her girls to GQ poses with his guys, Josh and Olivia enjoyed spending some time with their best of friends before the ceremony.

Serena Ebhardt officiated the marriage of Josh and Olivia. During their ceremony friends and family stood up to recite a poem or personal ode about love and marriage. As the sun went down, the two shared their vows and a first kiss and Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson. Formal portraits took place underneath their magical arch with family and wrapped up with the two sharing a moment alone on the dock.

The reception was incredibly lively as everyone toasted to their love and good eats provided by the Toasted food truck. Olivia and Josh sat at their bridal party table on a bench signed by guests wishing them an incredible future together. After meet and greets with the guests, we headed inside for their cake cutting and dancing on the porch. The night ended with a sparkler send off as the two jump in their getaway car to Park Plaza Hotel.

Wishing these two an incredible life together and looking forward to keeping in contact over the years to come!  #hitchedtohodgson

Ceremony / Reception – Private Estate on Lake Brantley

Caterer: Toasted restaurant

Florist: Florida Wholesale Florist Supply

Cake: Cut the Cake

Dress Designer: Galina

Dress Shop: David’s Bridal

Men’s Attire: Belk

Rentals: Orlando Wedding and Party Rentals