Etta and Brian first met in June 2010, at Pensacola, FL at the Flora-Bama bar. They then kept in touch ever since, and during Etta’s next trip to Florida in August 2010 to visit her friends, they went on a date. She was in college in Alabama at the time and he came to visit a few weekends after their first date. From then on they switched weekends driving to visit one another. After she finished school, a year after the first date, Etta moved to Hawaii with Brian.
In November 2013 during a weekend trip to Maui, they rose early to go see the sunrise at Haleakala mountain, where Etta almost ruined it all when trying to warm up her freezing hands in Brian’s pockets… where he had the ring. Once the sun came up and the tourists faded out, he got on one knee and popped the question. Of course, she said “Yes!”
The Bride’s gorgeous laced wedding gown is designed by Galina.
Etta is wearing her Grandmother’s pearl necklace.
The Groom and most of his Groomsmen are wearing Navy uniform, except Brian’s best friend who is wearing a civilian attire. The Best Man, Brian’s brother, is wearing a firemen uniform.
A fragment of Etta’s Mother’s wedding dress were made into a handkerchief and became a part of the Bride’s beautiful floral bouquet.
The couple chose to have their wedding ceremony at the USNA Chapel for several reasons. Brian was from Kent Island, MD and went to the Academy for school. Moreover, their relationship started when he began his Navy career. Etta had been to Annapolis a few times prior and knew it was beautiful. Sited at a place they both love, the Naval Academy served as a special venue for their wedding, as well as provided a beautiful place for family and friends to visit and see each other again after many years of being apart.
I always love capturing the Groom’s reaction at the first glimpse of his Bride, the moment she walked down the aisle escorted by her father.
I am always in awe with the exquisite details of the USNA Chapel’s interior. It sure adds grandeur to the wedding.
In US Military wedding traditions, arch of swords takes place immediately following the ceremony as the couple leaves the chapel or church.
The Bride and Groom must stop before each pair of sword-bearers who formed close swords by bringing the swords down to cross at waist level and request a ‘kiss’ for passage. When they lift the swords, the Bride and Groom proceed. This is repeated until the last two sword-bearers at the end. The person positioned at the bottom closest to the Bride would then welcome her to the military family, which in this case is the Navy, and give the Bride a gentle swat on her behind.
However, the swordsman responsible for swatting the Bride, swung quite hard. It sure hurt! Ouch!
But all is good. 🙂
The beautiful Bride with her Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids.
I just love taking pictures in Bancroft Hall. The details of the interior are phenomenal including the gorgeous chandeliers in Memorial Hall.
Then of course for Navy weddings you get to see an extra ring, the Naval Academy class ring, besides the wedding bands and the engagement ring.
Congratulations Etta and Brian!
May you both live happily ever after! 🙂
Leo Dj
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Vendors
Church: United States Naval Academy
Venue: United States Naval Academy / Ogle Hall Alumni House for Reception
Officiant: Father Robert O’Flanagan
Hair and Make up: Allison Harper and Company
Dress: Galina at David’s Bridal
Cake: The Main Ingredient
Catering: The Main Ingredient
Flowers: DIY
Wedding favors: Compasses from Laura Hooper Calligraphy (LHCalligraphy on Etsy)
Those are awesome, Leo! Love the weaving of their story with the photos. Can’t wait to see more. Thank you so much for your professionalism and exquisite eye for detail. Then again, you had great subjects!
Thank you so much, Janet! It means so much to me. 🙂
You’re most welcome. My pleasure!
Yes, Etta and Brian are great looking couple! I wonder who their parents are? LOL.
Magnificent Photography! Thank you for capturing the most beautiful day for our Brian and Etta. Your work reflects the joy and love they both share for each other and their sweet, playful nature. Well done Leo! Very well done!
Aww… Thank you so much, Nanci. That means so much to me!
It was really great working with all of you. I do love capturing their relationship and like you said, their playful nature!