Last Memorial Day weekend, I met with Hilary and Shawn at Wrightsville Beach to photograph an engagement session for them. At the time they weren’t sure when or where the wedding would be. But Hilary knew she wanted something different. She wasn’t quite sure what she wanted, but she knew what she didn’t want – a cookie-cutter wedding. I don’t think any of us were surprised in September when Hilary and Shawn decided to take off to Las Vegas with just close family and tie the knot.

They had a great wedding but didn’t get to share their joy with the rest of the family and friends. So Charlotte and Billy, along with their friends, decided to have a party to honor Hilary and Shawn. And what a party it was! Polly, Val and Joanne transformed the Jacksonville Country Club into a winter wonderland. The decorations were exquisite – snowmen as far as the eye could see. And Kathy Canby outdid herself with a snowman cake.

I believe everyone had a wonderful time. It is always fun to spend an evening with friends and family – especially when there is good food and great music. I’m not sure who enjoyed the party more – the adult guests or Griffin. Griffin is a party boy – much like his mother and aunt

Charlotte and Billy were such gracious hosts. The Hardisons are much more than clients to me. They are friends. I feel blessed to have them in my life – and to share in the important moments of theirs.

Hilary and Shawn decided they didn’t want to cut the cake, make toasts and all of the normal wedding reception activities. They did that in Vegas. But Billy didn’t get to dance with Hilary at the wedding, so he wanted his dance. And Hilary lovingly obliged.

We didn’t do formal, posed pictures at the party. But we did take a minute to run outside and get one family picture. This is for Mrs. Bridge – the woman who started it all. And I’m so glad she did!

Best wishes to Shawn and Hilary. Your party was great fun and I’m so glad I was there.