Some weddings leave a lasting impression because of the beautiful details. Others are unforgettable because of the way they make everyone feel. Rachel and Justin’s wedding was both.
From the quiet moments at Rachel’s childhood home to dancing beneath the stars at Village Creek Landing, every part of their celebration reflected who they are as a couple. Thoughtfully designed, deeply rooted in family traditions, and overflowing with genuine joy, their wedding was a beautiful love letter to St. Simons Island.
As a St. Simons Island wedding photographer, days like this remind me why I love documenting weddings that are full of authentic emotion.
St. Simons Island Wedding Vendors
Photography: Posh South Photography
Getting Ready: Private Residence, St. Simons Island, Georgia
Ceremony: Private Family Residence, St. Simons Island, Georgia
Reception: Village Creek Landing, St. Simons Island, Georgia
Day of Coordinator: Amanda Holt
Florals: All In Blooms
Hair & Makeup: Down the Isle Events
Catering: Tasteful Temptations
DJ: iSound
Transportation: Lighthouse Trolleys
Rentals: Beach View Rentals
Wedding Dress Boutique: House of the Bride, Augusta, Georgia
Wedding Dress Designer: Justin Alexander
Wedding Details Inspired by St. Simons Island
Before the excitement of the day began, I spent time photographing the carefully curated details that Rachel and Justin had poured so much love into. Their invitation suite featured elegant illustrations of the island’s iconic oak trees, a meaningful nod to the place where Justin proposed. Oyster shells appeared throughout the wedding, from hand crafted escort cards to decorative accents, celebrating Rachel’s years working at the beloved Crab Trap restaurant. Soft ivory, blush, pale greens, and dusty blue created a timeless coastal color palette that flowed beautifully from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the reception linens and florals. Nearly every detail carried a story, making the day feel incredibly personal.
Getting Ready at Rachel’s Childhood Home
Rachel spent the morning surrounded by the women who know her best inside her childhood home on St. Simons Island. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, laughter, and happy tears as everyone helped prepare for the day ahead. One thing that stood out immediately was Rachel’s smile. She was genuinely excited from the moment she woke up, and that joy never faded throughout the entire wedding day. Watching generations of family members gather together in the home where Rachel grew up made these moments even more meaningful.
Rachel’s Classic Justin Alexander Wedding Dress
Rachel found her dream gown at House of the Bride in Augusta, Georgia, but everyone knew it was the one long before the appointment was over. The second dress she tried on immediately captured everyone’s attention. Designed by Justin Alexander, the gown was timeless, elegant, and perfectly reflected Rachel’s style. The only custom change was lowering the statement bow on the back of the gown to create exactly the silhouette she envisioned. It was classic in every sense of the word and perfectly complemented the timeless aesthetic of the entire day.
First Look and Portraits Beneath the Oaks
One of my favorite parts of the day was watching Rachel and Justin finally see each other. With towering live oaks surrounding them, they shared a quiet moment before the celebration officially began. It gave them an opportunity to slow down, soak everything in, and simply enjoy being together before family and friends arrived. Their portraits throughout St. Simons Island perfectly reflected their personalities. They laughed constantly, held each other close, and never stopped smiling.
A Garden Ceremony Filled with Faith
The ceremony took place at the private home of longtime family friends beneath the beautiful canopy of live oak trees. One of the most meaningful moments came immediately after Rachel and Justin were pronounced husband and wife. Before walking back down the aisle, they shared communion together as their first act of marriage using a communion cup brought home from Jerusalem by Justin’s parents. Justin’s father officiated the ceremony, making an already emotional celebration even more personal. There wasn’t a dry eye in attendance.
Wedding Party Portraits Full of Joy
If I had to describe Rachel and Justin’s wedding party in one word, it would be fun. Every portrait session was filled with laughter, inside jokes, and genuine excitement for the newlyweds. Rather than feeling overly posed, everyone simply enjoyed celebrating together, creating natural photographs that perfectly matched the energy of the day. These are always some of my favorite images because they capture the friendships that helped shape the couple’s journey.
Cocktail Hour at Village Creek Landing
Following the ceremony, guests boarded Lighthouse Trolleys and made their way to Village Creek Landing for cocktail hour overlooking the marsh. Guests enjoyed shrimp ceviche shooters, grazing boards featuring Rachel’s favorite pimento cheese, and two signature cocktails that perfectly reflected the couple. Rachel’s “Marry Me Margarita” combined grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar, while Justin’s “Tonic for Two” offered a classic gin and tonic. Cocktails were served from a custom built bar that Justin had originally constructed for a friend’s wedding and brought all the way from Athens for their own celebration.
A Reception Filled with Personal Touches
The reception perfectly blended elegant coastal style with countless handmade details created by family and friends. Justin’s mother designed the reception florals while Rachel’s father handcrafted the ceremony arbor. Rachel, Justin, and their loved ones spent countless hours creating every oyster shell escort card by hand, each finished with gold leaf and beautiful calligraphy. Blue linens, soft florals, candlelight, and marsh views created an atmosphere that felt sophisticated while remaining warm and inviting. Everywhere you looked, there was another reminder that this wedding had been built with love.
Dancing the Night Away
As the sun set over the marsh, the dance floor quickly filled with family and friends celebrating Rachel and Justin. From heartfelt speeches to packed dance floor moments, the joy that had carried through the entire day only continued into the evening. One thing remained constant from beginning to end: Rachel’s smile. It was impossible not to notice how genuinely happy she was every single moment of the day, and that happiness became one of my favorite things to photograph.
Congratulations, Rachel & Justin
Rachel and Justin, thank you for trusting me to preserve one of the most meaningful days of your lives.
Your wedding was more than just a beautiful celebration. It was a reflection of your faith, your families, your island roots, and the incredible community that surrounds you. Every handmade detail, every joyful laugh, and every heartfelt moment made this one of those weddings I’ll never forget.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ritchey. Wishing you a lifetime of laughter, adventure, and many more trolley rides together.
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