Gina's bridal photos were shot prior to her wedding at Moody Mansion in Galveston, Tx. The wedding took place in Townsend, Georgia a quaint little town in eastern Georgia near the coast. Brides & Weddings recently asked Gina details about their wedding day. Enjoy her beautiful bridal session by Real Teel Photography while you read her excellent advice about wedding planning!
Sean & I met on March 6th, 2016 at a car meet in the Wolfies Parking lot. It took me a solid couple of weeks to get him to really notice me and talk to me! Sean claims it's because I was way out of his league and didn't want to be rejected. (as if, he was soooo cute!) We started "officially" dating on April 12th and hit the ground running from there. Sean bonded immediately with my son Jax and made my heart swell anytime I saw them together.
March 31st at about 2 in the morning after a night out with Sean and my best friend Jennifer, I told her that I knew I was falling in love with him and I was going to marry him. She laughed then but look at us now. Sean and I became best friends, we shared our worst and best moments together and when I flew home with him to Georgia and met his family, I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of for the rest of my life.
We got engaged on July 18th, 2016 just a few months later after we started dating. As expected we were questioned and judged but we both knew what we wanted.
Sean proposed to me in the middle of 6th street in Austin, TX while Jennifer's boyfriend was playing guitar and singing in the bar near by. It was the middle of the afternoon as we were saying our goodbyes to friends, Sean asked Jennifer to take one last picture of our trip in Austin and to make it a video instead. You could imagine my confusion and surprise when he pushed me away and got down on one knee. Jennifer jumped and screamed and was telling any stranger that walked by that I was engaged.
We decided later that night we wanted to get married on New Years eve and be able to celebrate our marriage every year with a grand celebration!!
Brides & Weddings: What was your theme?
I wanted to combine the beauty and earthiness of South Georgia with the calmness of the ocean and coast with a little bit of vintage flair. I loved the moss that would hang from the trees, the smell of the salt water in the air, and the sight of shells anywhere you went. I wanted to incorporate those things into our wedding but to also reflect my old soul.
Brides & Weddings: Describe the dress you chose and the moment you knew it was the one.
I chose the exact opposite of what I had imagined myself in. I loved the flattering look of the A-line style with a semi-sweetheart neckline. I actually had to try it on twice, when she put the veil on my and my best friend started crying, I knew it was the one.
Brides & Weddings: What was your favorite detail?
My favorite detail of the dress were the silk buttons that ran along the back all the way through the end of the train. The lace was so elegant yet vintage and the belt added just enough sparkle to satisfy the girly girl in me.
My favorite details of the wedding were the photos of our parents and grandparents I had displayed and the items passed down from my mom and Seans grandmother for me to carry with me.
Brides & Weddings: Any advice for other brides?
Focus on the marriage and not the wedding. The moment the wedding planning starts to overwhelm you, take a step back and love on your soon to be husband, remember what the end goal is- everlasting love with your best friend. Set your expectations low and be kind to everyone who is trying to help BOTH of you have the best day of your lives. No wedding is worth the loss of friends and family.
