Mr. and Mrs. Ward - 9.23.23

Have you ever seen those couples who are so ridiculously in love it’s (adorably) disgusting? That is Felicia and Jack.

Their wedding day started off with quite a bit of rain (which hasn’t really stopped since, despite the fact that I’m writing this three days later). However, we did luck out, and the precipitation decided to head north once early afternoon hit which made it possible for us to get some awesome shots outside and even follow through on the plan to have the ceremony outdoors!

Felicia and Jack met when they were set up on a good old-fashioned blind date.

They decided to hit up Emy J’s, a local coffeeshop, on a cold December day. They were both immediately smitten after enjoying some warm coffee, a walk by the water, and listening to some music together.

Their crazy schedules required that their early days of dating be on weird time schedules. This often included late night movie sessions with their cats or meals at 24-hour diners. Felicia has always been an amazing cat mama (that’s actually how I met her many years ago… doing a session for her kitties!) so finding a guy who loves them as much as her was a total must. They were even able to incorporate the cats into the wedding in a few creative ways!

These two are some of the most down to earth, adventurous, and kind people that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. In fact, it was Felicia’s love and compassion for all that drew Jack to her. “She's always striving to make the world a better place, and goes to great lengths to bring joy and happiness to the people in her life,” he said. “I admire her most for her thoughtfulness and compassion, and am so lucky to get to share my life with her.” He just loves how effortless it feels around her.

Felicia notes there were many moments she knew Jack was the one. About two months into their relationship, they took a trip to Nashville together. During said trip, they had french fries during every meal. According to Felicia, “that was all [she] needed to know that [she] found a life partner.” She joked that the term “Jack of all trades” is likely coined after her Jack because he can do just about anything he sets his mind to, even if it means researching and learning how to make it happen.

Other than sunset photos, my favorite part of photographing a wedding is the detail photos. I love it because every wedding has different details that are truly unique to the couple and these details did NOT disappoint! From the Converse shoes to the walnut ring holder, everything was just stunning! They also did a traditional Irish handfasting ceremony with a beautiful braided rope. AND… I feel like I’m having déjà vu here… her dress was made from the wedding dresses of both of her grandmothers (just like a wedding I shot earlier this month)! She added her own extra touch with the gorgeous floral embroidery that matched her veil.

Felicia shared a first look with her father, as well as with Jack, a few hours before the ceremony. Both first looks were filled with tears of joy from all parties.

They had quite the fun-loving bridal party as well that was more than willing to take some goofy photos. There was even some “spooky” time and a re-enactment of the Darth Vader air choke hold. Let’s not forget the awe and wonder of finding a worm on the rain-soaked golf course and pretending to eat it.

Most couples would be upset by wedding crashers, but when your wedding crashers quack, waddle, and are feathered, one makes an exception. With the ceremony and reception being down by the river, there were plenty of ducks roaming around checking things out and looking for an extra snack.

One awesome detail I forgot to mention was Felicia’s wedding gift to Jack. One of her fondest memories in the early parts of their relationship was coming up to his apartment and hearing him play guitar and sing while she was still standing in the hallway. He hadn’t played in front of her yet so she just soaked it up for a moment in the hallway. Fast forward to the wedding… she gifted him with a beautiful guitar! Not only did he serenade the groomsmen for awhile before the first look, he even sang and played while Felicia had her first dance with her dad. He is extremely talented!

There’s no denying, by anyone who knows them, that Jack and Felicia are perfect for one another. Whether their adventures take them from the kitchen to the couch or from their home across the country, they live each moment with wonder and awe just thrilled they are living the moments together.