When Drew + Stepheny’s big wedding at the Lee University Chapel turned into a small, intimate gathering, my heart went out to them. No one could have seen COVID coming, but it has taken an incredible hit on brides, grooms, and weddings as an industry. I absolutely hate it for my sweet clients who aren’t getting the days they’ve always dreamed of. But despite the fact that their plans were changed, Drew + Stepheny did not let COVID steal their joy! Theirs was my first COVID wedding, and they truly inspired me in the midst of a dark time.

Surrounded only by their immediate family, Drew + Stepheny vowed to love one another for better or for worse… something we often look over in wedding vows, but with our current situation, I can’t help but realize just how POWERFUL those promises are. And these two definitely meant it.

Photographing their day honestly reminded me of all the reasons I fell in love with wedding photography in the first place. Their day was full of so much pure emotion, and I loved capturing each piece of their story unfold. As you browse through my favorite images from their day, I hope you feel as inspired as I felt photographing it!

Stepheny’s dress was absolutely stunning, so I give you permission to stare at it all day if you want. And her long veil 😍 Everything my wedding photographer dreams are made of.

The reality of a COVID wedding: FaceTiming your friends while getting ready so it still feels like they are with you!

I love all the black and whites from their preceremony photos…. I hope you love them too because I am about to share a LOT!

Photos of mom getting the bride ready are always some of my favorites! Look at these two!! So precious.

Drew opening his gift from Stepheny before the ceremony. Capturing reactions during gift exchanges is always so sweet!

Then he put it on his tie. 😭😍

This is how getting ready usually goes for grooms… they attempt the boutonniere on their own… and then mom steps in.

Love these groom portraits we got in the room below the chapel before the wedding ceremony!

Stepheny had been using this sign to post daily countdowns leading up to the wedding… so of course we had to grab a photo of ~the final countdoooown~ (I hope you’re singing along with me there).

Stepheny also got a gift for Drew’s mom… talk about the sweetest bride. His mom’s reaction to this made me tear up!

I truly believe that one of the best decisions a bride can make is doing a first look with her dad at her wedding and the Lee University Chapel courtyard was an absolutely gorgeous location for this one. I may tear up again just looking at these!

I’m so glad Stepheny has these images of her dad seeing her as a bride for the first time!

I also love this sweet shot of him being a proud dad and taking a photo of his beautiful daughter!!

Remember how great of a gift-giver Stepheny is?! Well, this is what she got for her dad… Prepare to shed some tears.

The chapel always makes a beautiful backdrop for ceremonies!

THE kiss! AKA everyone’s favorite part of the wedding ceremony.

They’re MARRIED! After they were officially pronounced man and wife, we headed to the downstairs room of the chapel for a small reception. And y’all, they got the SWEETEST surprise.

Their friends and family who weren’t able to make it to the wedding put together an amazing video for them. They recorded their well-wishes, encouragement, advice, and sent their love even though COVID prevented them from being there in person. You can’t see it in the picture, but yes, I was crying.

Some videos made them laugh…

While others made them cry. What a beautiful gesture from the people they love!

Here’s a look at some reception details!

Finally, the moment you’ve all. been waiting for… their wedding portraits! I swear, Lee University Chapel weddings are some of the best when it comes to variety for portraits. We were able to utilize the outside of the chapel, the inside, and the lawn! And they are all BEAUTIFUL!

This is one of my all-time favorites!! The veil, the genuine smiles, the black and white… I’m telling you, these two just have joy written all over their faces!

I know you’re loving the couple portraits, but let’s all just take a minute and appreciate how gorgeous Stepheny is!

Next up on the portrait location list…. the lawn!

Everyone take a moment and admire the back of this dress with me. Take it in because it sure is a beauty. And when you’re done, check out some of my FAVORITE images of the day… inside the chapel!

Then it was time to cut the cake, which is my personal favorite part of every wedding day.

Drew’s face on the right… that’s also my face every time I get a piece of wedding cake, too. Or a cookie. I love cookies.

I love this candid I got of them walking back up to the front of the chapel before we did some final portraits and their official exit!

Ok. The photo on the right… this is only possible at a Lee University Chapel wedding. So if you’re looking for a venue, this is your quiet nudge to check it out. Maybe I’m biased as an alum, but I think it’s an absolutely breathtaking building & this couple is gorgeous, too.

As the day came to a close, their friends and family sent them off with bubbles! So classic & I loved it!

Drew and Stepheny… thank you so much for allowing me to photograph your day. I know it wasn’t everything you planned, but I do know that the joy of the Lord was 100% evident in your ceremony and everything about your day. I pray He continues to bless not only your individual lives, but your marriage as well!

Loved working with these amazing vendors!

VENUE | Lee University Chapel

MAKEUP | Makeup by Lexi B

HAIR | Breanna Copeland

DRESS | Hello Honey Bridal

FLOWERS | Sparta Flowers & Gifts

CAKE | Jennifer Wheeler

CATERING | Alshabibi Catering

BRIDESMAID DRESSES | David’s Bridal

GROOM’S WEAR | Men’s Wearhouse

INVITATIONS | Brady Printing

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