A Fourth of July Wedding at Bonnet Island Estate | Carly & Jack

Some of my favorite parts of this job come from the people who unknowingly change the entire direction of my business. Carly and Jack are two of those people.

Originally from New Jersey, Jack was stationed at Fort Benning when they found me for their courthouse elopement. While we waited in line for the judge, I jokingly said, “Wow, I should just get ordained because this is taking so long.” They immediately agreed that I absolutely should.

And then we were called back for the ceremony. The judge brought several couples in at once to keep things moving, and watching such an important moment happen in such a rushed environment stuck with me. I wanted couples to have the opportunity to make their wedding feel personal, even when they needed something simple and quick.

I went home that day, applied for ordination through Universal Life Church, and the rest is history. Carly and Jack were the reason I became an ordained minister, so when they reached out a year later to photograph their larger wedding in New Jersey, you can imagine how special it felt to be invited back into their story.

Their July 2nd wedding at Bonnet Island Estate in Manahawkin, New Jersey, was an absolute dream. With water views, sailboats drifting past, and the Fourth of July just around the corner, the entire celebration had the feeling of a summer weekend made for making memories.

The historic barn and chapel created the perfect setting for their ceremony, surrounded by incredible florals from Savannah’s Garden Florist. Live music accompanied the ceremony, and a full live band kept the celebration going well into the reception.

Carly and Jack have been together since middle school. Their story is the kind that makes you smile, knowing they’ve grown up together and chosen each other through so many chapters of life. They were already married, but this day wasn’t about the legalities. It was about celebrating their marriage with the people who had been part of their journey.

One of my favorite moments came toward the end of the evening. With so many Army Rangers in attendance, the celebration included a tribute to the soldiers, complete with American flags handed out to guests. It was heartfelt, patriotic, and an incredibly fun way to close out the night.

Photographing Carly and Jack’s wedding felt like coming full circle. What began as a courthouse line and a passing joke became a meaningful part of my business and the way I serve my couples today.

Sometimes the best things start with a little spontaneity — and a couple who believes in your idea before you even believe in it yourself.