Where It All Felt Like Home: Patrick & Mollie on Sea Island, Georgia

Photographer Favorites, Spring Weddings, Weddings

This past March, our family gathered on the coast of Georgia for one of the most meaningful, joy-filled celebrations of our lives — the wedding of my brother, Patrick, to the woman we are so lucky to now call family, Mollie. Watching them begin this new chapter together at The Cloister on Sea Island was nothing short of magical.

From the moment we arrived, the weekend felt like something out of a dream. We kicked things off with a welcome party at Dorothy’s — a colorful, coastal gem where the cocktails were just as vibrant as the people. The bartenders brought their A-game with specialty drinks and the kind of warm, lively energy that set the tone for the days ahead.

The wedding day itself began at the home we rented for the weekend, nestled on the marsh with an incredible pool and peaceful views that seemed to stretch forever. The vibe? Pure happiness. There was music, laughter, champagne, and the kind of excitement that only builds when something truly good is about to happen.

Two of my best friends — Adrienne and Ellen — made the trip to St. Simons Island to round out the dream team. The three of us together again felt like the ultimate full-circle moment. But when the time came, I stepped out of the photographer’s chair and into something even more sacred: the role of sister, sister-in-law, wife, and mother.

As we all got ready at the house, Mollie gave Abigail and Bethany — Patrick’s daughters — matching bracelets to symbolize their new family unit. It was one of those quiet, beautiful moments that said everything about who Mollie is. Thoughtful. Intentional. Loving. A true gift to all of us.

Taking photos of my brother on his wedding day — a core memory.

Patrick and Mollie saw each other for the first time that day on the beachfront at The Cloister. The sun, the sea, the way he looked at her — it was everything. We wandered through the manicured grounds for portraits, and then gathered in the Garden with family. Before the ceremony began, Patrick and Mollie took communion together — a private, deeply spiritual moment that reflected the foundation of their relationship.

And then… the ceremony. Mollie walked into the Cloister Chapel in her custom Ines di Santo gown from The Bridal Finery, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. As “The Goodness of God” played on strings, it felt like time slowed. Every step she took was filled with grace and purpose — and every face watching her glowed with joy.

Side story – her entrance was follow by a sudden crash where her dress took out at least two large standing candles in the ceremony aisle – see if you can find the photo where it happened! Luckily, we had the most incredible team of women alongside us the entire day, flawlessly executing the flow of each moment to the next, catering to us as a photography team, as a family and of course the couple. Aimee and her team quickly whisked away the broken pieces in a silent chapel during the ceremony with no one even noticing. It was quite impressive, especially to me, as a wedding vendor. The art of the subtlety was so evident.

After the ceremony, champagne was passed and guests flowed into cocktail hour, where custom hors d’oeuvres were served, kids ran around laughing, and spontaneous dancing broke out in the golden evening light. It was one of those rare moments that felt perfectly unplanned and perfectly right.

Dinner took place in The Wine Cellar, where guests descended the staircase to be greeted with espresso martinis and one of the most stunning tablescapes I’ve ever seen. Every detail was planned with intention — the florals, the lighting, the mood — it all sang of celebration and deep, genuine love.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get more personal, dinner began with hand-written notes from Patrick and Mollie to each guest. There were tears, so many tears — the happy kind that mark a night you’ll never forget. A champagne sabrage ceremony officially kicked off the evening, followed by course after course of unforgettable food and heartfelt toasts, both rehearsed and spontaneous.

The morning after the wedding, we all gathered once more — a little sleepier, maybe, but still riding high on the joy from the night before. Sunshine spilled across the marsh as the newlyweds made their way back to the house for one final celebration: a post-toast brunch that felt like the perfect exhale to an unforgettable weekend.

With mimosas in hand and plates full of good food, we relived every moment — the vows, the dancing, the laughter, the tiny details that made the entire weekend feel like a reflection of Patrick and Mollie’s love. Kids ran barefoot in the grass, stories were shared between bites of breakfast, and the morning light shimmered off the water just like it had the day before — as if the world itself was joining in on the celebration.

There was something so tender and grounding about ending the weekend this way — slow, present, together. Just family, sunshine, and the start of something new.

Patrick and Mollie, you created a wedding weekend that was full of meaning, beauty, and the kind of love that lingers long after the last champagne toast. It was a gift to witness it, and even more of a gift to call you both family.

Mollie, you are a blessing to our family in more ways than words can capture, and I’m so grateful Abigail and Bethany have you in their lives. This weekend was a reflection of everything you are: thoughtful, joyful, grounded in love, and surrounded by people who believe in the goodness of this life together.

Patrick, to grow up alongside you has been a privilege. Seeing the excitement you have for everyone in your circle is a beautiful thing to watch — you are full of life, personality and and love for everyone you know. We have had so many memories as siblings and I look forward to so many more.

Here’s to you — and the beginning of something so, so beautiful.

Where It All Felt Like Home: Patrick & Mollie on Sea Island, Georgia

Photographer Favorites, Spring Weddings, Weddings

WEDDING AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

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