If I ever have the opportunity to be a part of another wedding celebration like Brogann + Jon’s wedding, I will count myself as EXTREMELY lucky.  Honestly, I don’t know if there will ever be a wedding in my career that will top this one.  Every single aspect of their wedding day – their story, the personal touches, the history, the details – it was just simply incredible.  Like something they write fairy tales about.  I cannot express enough gratitude to Brogann + Jon for allowing me to be a part of their beautiful wedding day.  It couldn’t have been more perfect and I am truly honored to have been there to document this special day for them + their family.

Brogann + Jon met two years ago after losing both of their first spouses to cancer.  Although they did not know each other personally at the time their spouses passed away, they lived just a block away from each other in the small town of Pennington, New Jersey and both had children at the local elementary school.  A mutual friend introduced them and the connection over their shared experience was instant.  How lucky they were to find each other and have each other to lean on throughout this extremely difficult time in their lives.  I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason and their story seriously gives me goosebumps.  It’s just so obvious that these two were meant to find each other.

Brogann + Jon chose Big Survey Plantation in Yemassee, South Carolina for their wedding celebration – a plantation that has been in Brogann’s family for generations.  Throughout her childhood, Brogann spent her summers running around on the plantation, so it only made sense for her to get married there!  Let me tell you… this place is yet another hidden gem!  As I drove down the long dirt road to the ceremony + reception site, I was just in complete awe of this place.  What an amazing place to grow up… and an even better place to get married!  Brogann + Jon’s wedding was the very first wedding ever held at Big Survey – and it was just magical.

Their wedding was a true family affair and the kids played a huge part throughout the planning process.  With Brogann’s daughters, Stevie + Clementine, serving as maids of honor and Jon’s son, Conner, serving as best man, they wed underneath the beautiful oak trees at Big Survey.  Guests arrived on buses from Charleston and were greeted with a Salty Dog refreshment table, lots of hugs, and music courtesy of the Gideon Gospel Choir.  Old church pews set the scene for their beautiful service and after Brogann + Jon exchanged rings + sealed their union with a kiss + family hug, this fabulous family of 5 recessed up the aisle to “Happy” by Pharrell – sung acapella by the gospel choir, of course!

Cocktail hour took place nearby, under the majestic oaks of Big Survey.  Hanging lanterns provided beautiful ambience and a comfy lounge area featuring a leather couch and arm chairs proved to be the perfect place to relax.  Brogann commissioned a custom-made bed swing for the occasion and had it hung from one of the trees, as a permanent gift to the plantation to commemorate their wedding day.  Their reception took place in a beautiful white tent with the most amazing tablescapes I’ve ever seen.  Beautiful vintage china, amazing florals, hanging chandeliers, and a family style dinner really made this celebration so special.  One of the most awesome features of the day was the kids tent, where the children could enjoy a bounce castle, rock climbing, arts + crafts, face painting, cotton candy + popcorn.  So much fun!

At the end of the night, Brogann + Jon surprised their guests with a fireworks display before exiting on the back of a pickup truck.  It was truly the most magical wedding that I’ve ever been a part of and I just know all of their guests will remember their beautiful wedding day for years to come!  Here are some of my favorites from their beautiful wedding day…

Wedding Photography: Dana Cubbage Weddings | Planning + Coordination: Mary Bradley Events | Venue: Big Survey Plantation | Floral Design: Branch Design Studio | Wedding Dress: Jim Hjelm from Exquisite Bride | Hair: Theo Codrington of Theo’s of Princeton | Makeup: Leslie Moore | Bride’s Shoes: Tom’s | Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Chasing Fireflies | Bride’s Jewelry: personal | Desserts: Cru Catering | DJ: Ascend Entertainment | Groom’s Attire: Bond & Bari | Ceremony Music: Gideon Choir | Catering: Cru Catering | Rentals: Snyder + Polished! | Swing: Tidal Creek Swing Beds | Fireworks: Zambelli Fireworks | Lighting: Technical Event Company | Kid’s Entertainment: Kindas, Savannah Balloons, and Art by Alyson