Typically when you think of a 4th of July wedding, you think of red roses, blue ribbon, and everything decked out in patriotic glory. And it would certainly make sense at this wedding, too – the groom serves in the military, and it’s been a big part of the couple’s lives together. However, when I finally had the opportunity to sit down with Abbie and Nathan to discuss their wedding plans and vision, she was adamant that American colors would not be a part of the scheme, thank you very much (although that was certainly no reflection of her feelings toward her beloved country!). :)

Abbie and Nathan were a dream to work alongside – they are a couple who are so thoroughly wrapped up in one another that they don’t even care what others think. They’ve had to spend a lot of their relationship and engagement season long-distance due to Nathan’s training and deployments, but the distance, although bittersweet, only served to improve their communication and affection for one another.

Abbie had actually reached out to me almost a full year before she booked me for her wedding photography. After Nathan proposed, they began looking to set a date and also get their engagement session on the books, but a sudden deployment forced her to put their plans on hold. I could sense how upset Abbie was by the unexpected turn, but we kept in touch here and there until they were finally able to solidify their wedding date. Finally, they could begin putting together their dream wedding day, and I was just so thrilled that she reached out to me again and invited me to be a part of it all!

The couple’s wedding day was everything you could dream up when you close your eyes and think of a southern wedding. Everything from the venue (the Members Club at Woodcreek, which I love) to the soft peach and pink blossoms Abbie held were so classic and romantic. Abbie was a stunning bride in her stately Judd Waddell dress, which she got from the shop where “Say Yes to the Dress” is filmed (the designer was actually there and chose the gown for her!), and Nathan looked like a prince in his tan suit and cerulean bow tie.

I connected so strongly with these two, and can’t say enough how honored I am to have been able to capture their love story. What a dream it turned out to be! Congratulations, Abbie and Nathan!

Dress | Judd Waddell at Bridals By Lori
Accessories/Jewelry/Rings | Veil – Bridals by Lori, Hair Comb – David’s Bridal, Bride’s Rings – Reeds Jewelers, Groom’s Ring – Jared’s Galleria of Jewelry
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | David’s Bridal
Mens’ Suits | Men’s Wearhouse
Hair/Makeup | Hair – Tiffany DeLoache, Makeup – Clinique
Florals | Twin City Blossoms
Planner/Coordinator | Staff of Woodcreek
Venue | Member’s Club at Woodcreek
DJ/Music | Sound Quest DJs
Officiant | Jennifer Jacobson
Catering | The Member’s Club at Woodcreek Catering Staff
Cake: Bonnie Brunt Cakes
Wedding Stationery | Etsy and David’s Bridal
Videographer | Dockhouse Digital

Emily Chappell is a DFW Wedding and Engagement Photographer based in the Plano area of Dallas, Texas serving Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney. She is also available for wedding photography in Central Texas and Waco, Texas as well as destination weddings.