Every couple has their own story. Although often filled with ups and downs, every story has a beginning. Christie and Duaine began their story together years ago after meeting each other through Duaine's sister.
After dating for about 6 years, Duaine proposed to Christie at the 'happiest place on Earth'-the day after her birthday, in 2015. He was originally planning to propose on her birthday, but decided it wasn't sunny enough. He wanted it to be perfect. So he waited until the next day, and when he asked, of course Christie said yes. Soon after, they began planning their dream wedding!
As Christie explained to us when we first met, their main goal for their wedding day was to exchange vows in a place that would mean something to them, and where they would be able to share their day with so many of their friends and family that have been there alongside them throughout their journey.
Together, they chose Fort Bragg as their destination wedding location! Duaine had fond memories from there as a child, and Christie was in love with the thought of a beach wedding. They envisioned a beautiful beach setting, followed by an intimate and fun reception at the McConnell patriarchs residence nearby.
As time passed, plans were made, and their wedding day began approaching...However, just before 2016 came to an end, tragedy became a chapter in their story. Duaine was involved in a terrible accident in his truck-that shattered his pelvis and left him in a hospital for weeks-not to mention, the months of recovery and rehabilitation that would follow. Christie called to update us with the news, and even with all the pain that he was in, mentioned that Duaines biggest concern was getting healthy and walking again, so he could walk with his mother down the aisle at his wedding.
Well, 2017 was huge for these two-because their wedding day came-and because of the love and support of Christie, along with Duaines determination and the amazing strength of his family-he WAS able to walk his mother down the aisle on his wedding day. And even better yet-he walked in the sand, on a beautiful beach, at their dream location in Fort Bragg! Where he awaited his bride at the end of the aisle...
But before we get to see that, let's start at the beach house where Christie was all smiles as everybody began getting ready-and she started seeing that her planning and dreaming was finally in action!
The details at every wedding are always so neat to see and unique to each couple. There is a reason for everything that is included, and these beautiful photos are of Christie's grandparents who were there in spirit that day. Christie admitted that the photos were hard to find, but with help from family, she was able to have these with her, and tied to her bouquet with a little something blue-on her wedding day.
As everybody began to arrive, the excitement began to build. Her Maid of Honor and bridesmaids began getting dressed, and as they began looking the part, Christie started to take it all in and realize that the day was here.
Meanwhile, downstairs, Duaine had arrived, and the guys were getting ready too.
Back upstairs, it was time for Christie to get into the dress. Often during the rush of a wedding day, it is easy to get caught up in being on time, and details, and other people...and before everybody knows it...the day is over. It's really important though to have a couple of minutes with the people that mean everything to you, and that you mean everything to. So we slowed down, and let Christie and her mom share a few words before she walked down the aisle to become Mrs. McConnell.
Once Christie put the dress on, her mother presented her with a cross and pinned it inside her dress-close to her heart.
It was all very beautiful and emotional. The moments little girls imagine as they dream of their storybook wedding, and here they were, real, and now a part of Christie's story.
Dad was ready to see his beautiful daughter too. And his moment was equally perfect.
With everybody ready, and everybody excited, it was time for a wedding!
We left the beach house, and drove to Big River Beach for the ceremony.
And as the procession finished, Here Comes the Bride!
The ceremony was led by their friend David, and even though the day had little sun, and was overcast, the words said, and vows and rings that were exchanged were beautiful. Not to mention that Christie and Duaine looked happy, genuine, and so in love in those moments, on that beach, on their wedding day.
And with that, David pronounced the couple to now be man and wife. Duaine, you may kiss your bride...
We now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. McConnell!
Let's celebrate and have some fun!
Did we mention there had been no sun the whole day? Well, just after the ceremony, as Christie and Duaine were spending a few minutes alone for some photos of just the two of them, the sun peeked out just for them. It was literally only out long enough for the couple to enjoy their first sunset as husband and wife...
Once the sun had set, we had a few miles to travel to the reception at Duaine's fathers home in Fort Bragg. The newlyweds had planned to arrive in style and had a beautiful 1927 classic Ford roadster waiting for them.
The evening followed with food and drinks, dancing, conversation, and a chance for everybody to celebrate the couple. It made for a perfect chapter to their story.
And although this perfect day had to come to an end, their story is only continuing. They will begin a new chapter as husband and wife. They will take with them all that they have learned in their beginning chapters, and will love each other-as they work every day in a quest to a happily ever after. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. McConnell.