Driving in from Alabama, Grace and Greg tied the knot during their destination LDS sealing at the Orlando Florida Temple. Falling in love with it’s pure white pillars and grandeur, there was place more perfect than the temple for the two to officially become Mr. and Mrs.
September of 2016 was a difficult time in Louisiana. With so much flooding from prior hurricanes, help was needed by those living in the area. Grace and Greg were brought together through volunteering together to aid in cleaning up from the flooding. Grace at the time drove down from Texas to meet up with her family who was also helping in the cleanup, which was when she met Greg, a fellow church member, who came along with her family to help out. Bonding over tearing out soggy drywall and ripping up ruined carpet, the two become close in their commonalities in loving to help others and dedication to Jesus.
While falling in love began in Louisiana, it travelled many miles between Georgia, where Greg was living, and Texas, where Grace was living, as they continued to maintain their relationship. Both Grace and Greg found that they could be themselves around one another. Additionally they found that they were able to “grow together” as a couple through their “passion for learning and exploring” which made them both strive to become better people. As Grace describes their love, “we are our best when we are together.” This principle, is the very principle that finally brought them together in one state and the end to having to be separated due to the long distance.
Having spoken about marriage, the two decided that they would wait until after Greg visited with Grace’s parents to ask for their permission in the upcoming May month. Little did Grace know though, that Greg had secretly gone in March to see her parents and ask for their permission, which they lovingly gave. Spending time together, the two planned a trip to the big apple, New York, to attend the Army ball. Little did Grace know what was to come…
While up in New York, Greg convinced Grace to take a few pictures on the banks of Lake Ontario in addition to enjoying the ball. About mid-way through the session, Greg surprised Grace with an engagement ring and asked for her hand in marriage, explaining he has already spoken with her parents. The moment was both beautiful and a complete surprise; and of course Grace said, “yes!”
Envisioning their wedding day, the two wanted to “focus on the importance of family and making important commitments to continue to grow and thrive with each other.” This commitment was carried out during their ceremony, and afterwards as they spent time with their family and friends rejoicing in the occasion. Beautiful hues of Cinderella light blue, gray, and white were found through the groom’s party’s ties, bride’s party dresses and floral, along with many guests dressing for the occasion.
One of my favorite moments from Grace and Greg’s sealing, was at the very start – the temple exit. Coming out of the glass doors hand-in-hand, the two could not have smiled bigger. Stopping for a first kiss as husband and wife, they greeted their guests who drove in from all over to celebrate.
Always lucking out with soft shade to the left of the exiting doors, we scurried over to the temple’s side for formal portraits before taking our newlyweds around the temple grounds. From oak tree lined roads to the grandeur of the temple as a backdrop, there is no shortage of stunningly beautiful photo location opportunities. Wrapping up our time at the temple, we were off to Maggiano’s Little Italy in Orlando, Florida off of I-Drive for our sweethearts reception.
Their reception location was the perfect mix to the light and airy temple, through being dark and moody. Grace and Greg were just as excited as I was to use the dimly lit hallways and ambient light for some dramatic shots before ending our time together and wishing them off to their reception with love.
So thankful to have been a small part in my sweethearts big day and to share such gorgeous love through my imagery. Wishing these two a beautiful life together, filled with the same love they shared from the moment they met.
Ps. a little shout out and thank you to my other darlings Angelyn and Jon for recommending me to Grace and Greg!
Ceremony Venue: Orlando Florida Temple
Reception Venue: Maggiano’s Little Italy Pointe Orlando
Dress Shop: David’s Bridal
Rings: Ware’s Jeweler
