Mackenzie and Matt | A Cedar Room Wedding

Wedding

Mackenzie and Matt | A Cedar Room Wedding

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]his year has certainly not been the easiest for most couples getting married. None of us could predict what 2020 would bring when Mackenzie and Matt started planning their wedding day! A year ago, I met these two in Downtown Charleston to capture their engagement session. When they turned the corner of Meeting St and Queen to meet me, the first thing I noticed was Mackenzie’s infectious smile!

We explored the city together capturing swoon worthy images. And at the end of our session, while at White Point Garden, it happened! I finally fell at a session. I knew it was only a matter of time. I was so excited about what we were capturing, I completely spaced on the fact that my camera bag was right behind me. Both ankles hit my bag, and the next thing that I knew, I was flat on my back right there on the oyster shell path. But that isn’t what I want you to remember! The part of this story that I want you to remember is how gracious Mackenzie and Matt were to me. I want you to imagine how many times they checked on me to make sure I was ok! Because it says so much about who these two are as a couple!

After we said our goodbyes from their engagement session, it was time to dive deep into planning their big day! But as 2020 started, the reality set in for everyone that this year was going to be met with challenges because of Covid. Mackenzie and Matt’s May wedding day at Cedar Room was going to have to be postponed. However, Mackenzie and Matt reclaimed their original day and had an intimate ceremony on a family farm with their immediate family. Mr & Mrs Fox were officially married in May!!

3 months later, Mackenzie and Matt were back in Charleston, and it was time for their dream wedding day with all of their friends and family at Cedar Room. As I walked into Mackenzie’s getting ready house, and met her mom and bridesmaids, the energy just filled the entire space. As the girls shared mimosas, they reminisced about Mackenzie and Lexi’s days re-enacting High School Musical. They danced around the living room in their robes and you could just feel an energy that was going to be the common theme for their day. A theme based around love! Love not only between Mackenzie and Matt, but the immense love that everyone in attendance has for these two!

Mackenzie made a request to have a first look with her dad and brothers before the ceremony! And this was a first for me! I have never had a bride include her siblings, and let me just say, it is a must! And as each of her brothers and her dad slowly turned around, they were overcome with the same infectious smile that Mackenzie shares with the world. It was hard to hold back the tears as they shared hugs and Mackenzie adjusted their Palmetto Rose boutonnières!

It was time for the ceremony, and as Mackenzie made her way down the aisle towards Matt, I watched as his brother placed a loving hand on his shoulder. The kind of touch that says “This is it brother, and I am here!”! As these two shared “I do”, again, the room was filled with laughter and tears. These two have already faced adversity in 2020, and the love that I witnessed that filled the room is the reason Mackenzie and Matt has faced it all with such grace!

As the guests entered the reception space, they were met with the most gorgeous flowers and decor! When I say Charleston Weddings by Allison and Fresh Weddings and Events outdid themselves, I mean they outdid themselves y’all! The reception space looked like it was on the spread of a magazine cover. Guests took their seats, and got ready for the most amazing speeches that had everyone laughing and crying.

During Mackenzie’s dad’s speech, I think we all had to hold back our tears. Her dad graciously thanked families one by one for their support and love for their families. He also shared Mackenzie and his love for movies like Dumb and Dumber, which I think we can all agree is a cinematic classic. Mackenzie’s dad shared how full of life she is! And that their motto was “Keep going, until someone stops you!”! What a motto we should all be living by!

As the night was wrapping up, Mackenzie and Matt had one more request! They asked that their guests go outside to get ready for the sparkler exit as they shared one last dance in the now empty Cedar Room! It was one of the most precious moments I have ever witnessed! And it went back to the heart of their entire day! It was a moment, a day, filled with so much love!

As Mackenzie and Matt drove away in their car from Lowcountry Valet, I just knew that this is going to be an amazing adventure for them both! They will take time to have moments! And they will not let adversity stop them!! Mackenzie and Matt, thank you for allowing me to be on this journey with you! I wish we could live last Saturday over and over again! But here are some of my absolute favorite moments of your day to help us all continue to relive it!

Love you guys!

XO Natasha