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Intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements are each so special in their own unique way. One thing that I have noticed as a previous bride and now as someone who has been in the wedding industry for 6 years, these micro-weddings set the stage for a more intentional, stress-free experience for nearly all involved. My favorite thing about these events is the way you can feel the excitement of everyone involved - not just the bride and groom or wedding party - and how truly honored everyone seems to feel to be apart of such an intimate day.
When I think of support, intentionality, and the most fun examples of love, I think about Stacy and Patrick's beautiful day.
Stacy and Patrick started their day in a beautiful, cozy airbnb getting ready together - also where their family got ready with them and prepped for the day ahead. Patrick and his step-dad calmly relaxed and chatted music choices for the ceremony, Patrick's mom was a bundle of joy fluttering through each room giving hugs (even to me - the stranger that she just met walking through the door), Stacy's sister and mom checked their own makeup and watched adoringly as the lovely Karla (www.karlatinabnf.com) glammed Stacy up for the day ahead - in between moments both of these ladies were also seen checking on florals and making sure snacks and decorations were adequate, packed, and ready for transport to the venue.
Another favorite detail from the getting ready portion of this day: THEY BROUGHT THEIR PUPS! And made sure they were included in the big day. Truly, the sweetest gems of humans - I was absolutely obsessed.
As everyone headed out the door to the ceremony venue, Stacy and her sister stayed behind for a few touch-ups, deep breaths, puppy snuggles, and a tequila shot, of course! And then these ladies loaded up with me to the beautiful Garden & Grain in Downtown Pensacola for their next stop: the ceremony.
Although Stacy and Patrick got ready in the same house, Stacy did keep her dress a secret from Patrick - which meant she would be getting dressed at the venue itself right before she walked down the aisle. While Stacy and her sister were having their calming moments back at the house, the moms, dads, and siblings were already in full-blown setup mode at Garden & Grain, putting together stunning decor that had been hand-chosen by Stacy and Patrick, complete with vinyl records chosen by more family members to play during things like Stacy walking the aisle, the vows, the prayer, cocktail hour, everything.
I wanted to pause and notate a few things here that I think specifically led to this day being as laid-back, relaxed, and as intentionally beautiful as it was:
There was no "race" to the ceremony site, or anxieties over arriving guests. They booked their venue with plenty of time to spare, which meant no one had to rush to setup or even have a huge rush to break down - everything was able to be thoroughly enjoyed before moving to the next phase.
The personal details mattered more than the "big" things. Right before we departed for the ceremony, I was shocked when my incredibly calm, joyful bride told me that her wedding flowers were wrong. They had ordered beautiful bouquets and arrangements, but due to Hurricane Helene, they never made it to them - so the afternoon before they tried to hurriedly go to a local florist - that was completely shut down. They were in an unfamiliar city, the day before her wedding, with no flowers. BUT they found some they were able to use, and ultimately her keepsakes that were meant for her bouquet still went into it flawlessly, thanks to Stacy's mom and dad; everything remained stunning.
Stacy and Patrick truly felt like the guests of honor - and because it was just their closest family in attendance, there was no stress about "keeping people waiting" or feeling the pressure of "having to make rounds". Everyone there, was simply just so happy to be there and to witness the beauty of their marriage. There was no checklist of formal photos, or people that they felt they needed to please - the whole day incorporated everyone, and everyone had the ability to truly enjoy themselves and the day, alongside Stacy and Patrick.
Wanna know my favorite part of every wedding? Right after the ceremony, after the couple has made their way down the aisle and there's that little bit of celebration in the air before everyone makes their way into the cocktail hour. This is usually when the most raw, genuine interactions occur - hugs are exchanged - "congratulations" and "offical" welcomes to the family are expressed. These moments seem to flow and happen more naturally on these smaller, intimate, more relaxed wedding days like the Krystman's day.
After toasts, tequila, and lots of tacos were had, the designated drivers and myself loaded everyone up and headed a few miles away to the beach, where we would do family photos and then Stacy and Patrick would have their private moments to celebrate together before re-joining everyone else for dinner.
And then, Stacy literally let her hair down, their families said "we'll see you at dinner!" and more fun and celebration was had, just the two of them (and me 🤭)
And guess what - we're still not done! Say it with me: small weddings do not equate to short or uneventful
After the sun was gone, we loaded up once again to head back to where the day started. What awaited Stacy and Patrick was (again) their sweet pup 🥹, an incredible 4 course dinner from a private chef, and more immaculate decor courtesy of the sweetest mom duo.
More precious, incredibly meaningful moments were shared over this dinner that were so special they don't even feel like they are mine to share or talk about, so I will keep those private.
This whole day felt like I was given the honor to sit front row to, literally, two families becoming one and watching this sweet couple be celebrated so joyfully and naturally.
About Kelsi Grant Photography — Hampton Roads Intimate Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day should feel like you. Whether you’re saying “I do” with just your closest people by your side or planning a romantic micro-wedding, I’m here to capture every heartfelt moment. As a Hampton Roads intimate wedding photographer, I specialize in documenting love stories with an artistic and storytelling approach across Chesapeake, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and beyond. Let’s create a gallery of images that will take you right back to the emotions of your day—reach out to start planning your wedding photography!
If you are leaning towards having a smaller wedding, in hopes of being able to be more present in the moment, and you are wanting photos that will reflect the way that the day felt for you - I can help ❤️
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