On August 31, 2016, Alex proposed to Hillary inside a helicopter flying over one of their favorite vacation destinations. Exactly one year later, these two said “I do” in the same exact place: Topsail Island Beach, North Carolina. It was a week-long celebration with all their closest family and friends, and not even high tides or a tropical storm could ruin their gorgeous day!

I have known these two almost two years, but my fiancé has known Alex his entire life, and was even there when Hillary agreed to go on a date with him for the first time. It was so much fun having Jesse be the best man at their wedding, but I will gladly take him back as my assistant from here on out!

People always ask me if I’d prefer to be a guest or photograph a wedding for my friends. In all honesty, there is no better seat in the house than being the photographer. I get to see every last detail of the wedding day, up close and personal. I laugh and cry right alongside my friends, and I don’t miss a single moment of the day. It almost feels weird to show up as a guest and only catch the ceremony from the comfort of a church pew or seat. I just love being in on the action and having the opportunity to relive wedding days over and over again through images. Alex & Hillary’s day was no exception!

I have truly been driving Hilly crazy for the last week, sending her one image here and there, while I have the luxury of viewing them all any time I please. (What can I say, I like to keep her on the edge of her seat!) After traveling home from North Carolina on Friday, Jesse and I shot ANOTHER wedding on Saturday, and then took a couple days off for Labor Day, just to recuperate. So after a long, excruciating wait… I am so excited to finally deliver the blog post of Hillary + Alex’s destination wedding!

Here’s to a life full of Angry Orchard, Max and Murphy, firearms and endless tattoos. (My goodness, y’all are crazy, but I sure do love you!) Wishing you all the best, sweet friends! XOXO