Where do I even begin to explain this fabulous wedding?  Brittany + Jarrod's big day was a great testament to having a Plan B.  Hurricane Ike brought tropical storm force winds, 20 foot waves, 5 feet of storm surge and intense temperatures to the Florida coast just as this gorgeous couple was set to say "I Do".  36 hours before they walked down the aisle, the Bliss girls made the switch to Plan B.  And what a plan B this was!  Needless to say, Brittany and Jarrod's recent wedding required a total of five posts.  I will let Rae Leytham, one of their fab photographers, begin with explaining this very special couple and their unique wedding story. 

From Rae: "Once, sometimes twice a year we photograph a wedding where every element comes together perfectly for the optimal photographic experience. What all does that entail you ask? Perfect weather, great planners, great venue (location, location, location), and a couple who just knows how to rock the camera. This was one of those weddings. Brittany and Jarrod have always thought of their wedding day on the beach, sand between their toes, and surrounded by loved ones. Well, they almost got that….. They rented a beautiful beach house on Pensacola Beach and had everything planned except for hurricane Ike. Even though he went ashore in Texas on Friday night, the wind was just too high on the beach for an outside wedding here. Luckily, Lara (a long time friend of Brittany) came to the rescue and offered her waterfront home just over the bridge in Gulf Breeze that turned out to be a phenomenal location. On top of everything I just mentioned, they decided to see each other before the wedding to ensure plenty of time for photos." 

Special thanks to Rae and Wes of {Rae Leytham Photography} for sharing with us these amazing images with us. Wedding design and production by {Bliss Event Group}, flowers by {Kebbie Hollingsworth} (and SW's own Rachel Smith!) for Bliss Event Group.
 

Pictured above: (bottom row) SW Editor-in-Chief, Lara Casey, helps Brittany with her finishing touches--fresh white phalaenopsis orchids for her hair. Lara and Brittany have known each other since they were kids. "Seeing Brittany say her vows was such a gift to me.  I cried tears of joy the entire day!" says Lara.

How did the two of you meet? We met working at Chili's here in Mobile. I had just graduated from the University of Florida and moved there. I was looking for a job to get me going. Jarrod was working there, and we hit it off right from the start. He was actually dating somebody else at the time, so we became great friends.  After his relationship ended, we started dating and the rest is history!
Describe the proposal: I had given Jarrod a "love jar" early on into our relationship; it was just a jar filled with slips of paper that had little inside jokes, reasons I loved him, etc. written on them. So, the weekend after my first year of grad school, Jarrod arranged a weekend away for us to Pensacola Beach. We were sitting on the beach, drinking Coronas, and he went back inside to get some things. He brought back out a love jar, with all the reasons he loves me written one slips of paper. Taped to the bottom was a piece of paper that said "will you marry me?". AWESOME! Later that night, he took me to dinner. Sitting at the table were our parents, my sister, and my grandmother; he had arranged that surprise as well. It was absolutely magical.
What attracted me to my husband was: His great smile and cute rear end in the jeans he wore to work.  After that shallow stuff  I'd say he is incredibly generous, kind-hearted, caring, and funny.
Why do you love your husband? Because I know that he absolutely loves and cherishes me more than anything. He also is such a hard worker; that attitude translates into our relationship, and how much we are willing to do to make this the best marriage possible.
What attracted me to my wife was: He also says nice "butt", but used a more guy appropriate term. ;-)... and bubbly personality.
A date we went on that we’ll always remember: Our one year anniversary fell right around Christmas. Again, Jarrod had arranged a surprise for us. We went to eat at Chili's (visiting our old stomping ground), and Jarrod told me to dress warm. We drove out to Bellingrath Gardens here in Mobile to look at the amazing Christmas and holiday lights. We got hot chocolate and walked around through this fairy-tale type arrangement. As we got to one little secluded bench, Jarrod sat me down a pulled out a Tiffany box. There was a ring inside! It wasn't an engagement ring, but it was a "true love" ring by an artist who designs for Tiffany. That was the time that we really committed to one another. Little did he know, I had also gotten him a ring to symbolize our relationship! I gave it to him when we got home, and we've worn those rings ever since.

Check back shortly for Part II of V...