If you ever met these two, I know you’d love them just as quickly as I did. Their whole day was characterized by overflowing joy: bliss, as their relationship took on forever; delight, as their family & friends gathered to celebrate; elation, as the day they’d been planning and waiting for for over a year had finally arrived. There were so many happy tears throughout the day, but my favorites were the ones that came as Colleen made her way up the sweeping US Naval Academy Chapel’s aisle, towards her beaming soon-to-be-husband.

Coral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace Photography

Colleen had mentioned she’d be wearing her grandmother’s wedding gown for the ceremony (one Colleen’s mom wore for her wedding, too!), and as she slipped into the restored dress and her mother and maid of honor fastened the dozens of antique silk buttons, it was as though the gown had been made just for her. A nearly 60-year-old wedding frock that fit her exquisitely, and I was in heaven. She looks like a fairy tale princess come to life! And as she had a second, more modern gown for the reception (also with silk-covered buttons!), I was in absolute dress heaven all day.

Matt, Colleen, I don’t know where to start. You mentioned during your engagement session that I was your dream photographer? Well, you two are my dream couple! The way you love one another with abandon, how you celebrate life together and pull others into your joy with you, it’s the sort of thing that reminds me why I ever picked up a camera in the first place. Thank you, thank you so very much for reminding me of why I do this. I love you both, and I hope the crystal waters of Antigua are as refreshing as I imagine!

Details-
Ceremony: United States Naval Academy Chapel
Reception: The Tidewater Inn
Wedding gown: family heirloom
Reception gown: via The Inspired Bride
Shoes: Benjamin Adams, London
Bridesmaids: Dessy
Music: The Real Geniuses
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I LOVE THIS! Matt & Colleen opted not to do a first look before the ceremony, but because she changed into a different gown for the reception, we still go to do one anyways!

Coral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace PhotographyCoral + navy US Naval Academy wedding | Abby Grace Photography

 

Matt & Colleen | US Naval Academy wedding photographer

October 15, 2015

  1. I totally know what you mean– they are such a fantastic couple and the love really shines from them all the time 🙂 These photos are AMAZING Abby– simply stunning– I am designing my new ads with some of these in mind !!!! LOVE THEM!!

  2. Alicia says:

    I am obsessed!!! And I can’t decide which dress is prettier — both are such classics!

  3. Deborah Zoe says:

    Her dresses are spectacular…how sweet are they?! Beautifully captured Abby!!

  4. Jean says:

    It really does look like a fairy tale wedding. Just gorgeous photos, Abby!

  5. Grace says:

    Gorgeous pictures! LOVE that first dress so much!!

  6. Elizabeth Victory says:

    Both dresses are a dream! She looks like a princess! Great job Abby 🙂

  7. Kathryn says:

    They are so classic! Love it! Both dresses are gorgeous.

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