jaimesmithphotography

She has that way about her that makes everyone stop and stare. The men want to know her and the women want to be her. The funny thing is Nellie’s gorgeous appearance is certainly not all she has to offer. She is one of the kindest and down to earth people I have ever met. Besides her now husband, Chetley, of course.  I met these two three years ago when I was hired to photograph his brother, Jeb’s farm wedding. I have gotten to know this family pretty well over the years and if there is one thing they all share it is appreciation and gratitude. They make me want to pack up and live off the land! Their family is the closest of families and to see them together is like turning on the TV and watching The Waltons. 

Pulling up to their big iron gate and their tree lined drive to Nellie’s childhood, country home was jaw dropping. The weather was perfect and their location a dream. The laughter coming from Nellie’s dressing room was rising as I walked up the stairs of her parent’s home. Amongst the sea of eleven bridesmaids, grandmothers and mothers there was Nellie. She greeted me with her usual wide eyed smile, then she held her hand to me. It was shaking. Her nerves had gotten the best of her in that moment, because she realized that today was the day. The day that true love made a promise.

Chetley and Nellie have been together since high school. 10 years! So this day was a moment the entire family had been waiting for. In front of nearly 500 of their closest friends, family and the entire town on Reddick and Williston, these two said I do. 

Being a part of this wedding reminded me why I do what I do.  The happiness and joy of the day filled me up and was inspiring. Congratulations you two on your dream come true and thank you for including me in such an important time. All my love, Jaime.

Make-up Artist – Kimtasha

Production – Keith Watson Productions

DJ – Genius Entertainment

Videographer – Platinum Digital Video