Joey and Joanna – Henderson Beach State Park Wedding

Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

Ok, I would say 90 percent of the time things don’t go as planned. Especially when it came to this Henderson Beach State Park Wedding!

But if there are two people who know how to roll with the punches it’s Joey and Joanna!

Their Henderson Beach State Park wedding on November 10, 2018 was definitely on the chilly side, resulting in a last minute change from a beautiful outdoor reception to a cozy and intimate indoor one.

The beauty of all this is how family and friends pulled together at the literal last minute and made everything work.

Joey and Joanna, I had such an amazing time at your wedding. I felt like I was welcomed in as family and as an extreme introvert that’s an incredibly amazing thing.

I first got to meet these two at their Gatlinburg engagement session (you can see a bit of one of those photos on the invitation below). As soon as I met them I knew this was going to be one of my favorite love stories – keep reading to find out how they met!

henderson beach state park wedding wedding details, dress, invitations, and rings
Joanna’s Essence of Australia wedding gown was absolutely divine! All the intricate details just about made me fall over <3

Her crew surprised her with some gifts before getting ready for the wedding, and of course this turned into an amazing photo op! Glitter filled balloons are always a win in my opinion!

Joanna’s mother was on hand to fasten the dress, and a letter that was shared between them (not shown) brought tears to everyone’s eyes.

They could barely contain their smiles as Joanna walked down the aisle toward her groom… and really, who would want to contain the happiness that everyone was feeling?! It was so tangible one could practically cut through it.

Their good friend Drake received his credentials especially so he could perform the wedding ceremony!

And instead of a sand ceremony the two chose to perform a wine ceremony. I commend Joanna for being so steady handed with it while wearing a white gown!

Allllll the smiles as these two were announced man and wife!

Also, some of the most gorgeous bridesmaids dresses I’ve seen from Nordstrom Rack.

It was chilly on the beach by this time, so no one complained when I told them all to snuggle close for a photo!

Then the magic really began. These guys were so amazing and scheduled their photos around the sunset so we were able to create some really beautiful works of art together.

Of course it helps that they’re beautiful human beings.

And now I have to tell you how they met.

At the gym.

Yep, you read that right.

Just a reminder that romance can find you in the most mundane places.

Of course we had to get some photos of the muscles these guys had been working on for so long!

The last minute change to an indoor reception would have stressed out even the most laid back bride, but Joanna stayed calm and I even caught her moving chairs and tables all while wearing her wedding gown! Talk about a trooper!

With these guys’ cultural backgrounds (Italian and Polish) it’s safe to say that the food at this wedding was some of the best I’ve ever had. With a main course of brick oven pizza I was one happy camper.