Anne Carol and Jordan were married in December 2018, after loving each other for nearly a decade.  Their ceremony was held just a few short weeks after Hurricane Michael devastated the local community.  Friends and family of the Williams’ lost their homes and businesses, and in the days leading up to the ceremony, Anne Carol questioned whether the timing was right.  Anne Carol’s mother shared part of their touching wedding day story on Facebook:

As I walked down the isle of the wedding ceremony and saw this cross built from limbs of trees downed by hurricane Michael, my emotions were overwhelming. All of my friends who lost their homes and their precious belongings during the storm were there supporting and loving Anne Carol and Jordan. I felt their love in a way that words can not describe.
For those who do not know the story behind the cross, I would love to share now. The day after the storm, Anne Carol with tears flowing down her cheeks said, ‘Mom we can’t have this wedding right now. It’s not fair to everyone who have lost so much.’ I admit the thought crossed my mind too. Rachelle Youd, our friend and wedding planner, completely lost her home and wedding supply warehouse. I spoke with her and she said postponing the wedding was not an option, adding the wedding was what everyone needed. A bright spot and a beautiful new beginning. So we proceeded planning a wedding that was less than 8 weeks away.
One night God spoke to me with such clarity. He said build a cross for the ceremony out of limbs from the fallen trees and show everyone that through the ugly destruction there is beauty and hope. The next day I contacted Toni Jordan, a local artist that has done amazing transformations in my home, to ask if her talented son could build the cross. She lives in St. Andrews and was struggling with a lot damage at her home. She lost almost every beautiful tree in her yard. She didn’t hesitate. She gathered limbs and got them to her son in Georgia who began working on it. A few days before the wedding they delivered the cross to my house. There wasn’t a dry eye here. I knew this is what God wanted.
God blessed us in so many ways during the hurricane. I kept asking Him what His plan was for our family who was spared the devastation that so many of our friends had suffered. I believe God wants our family to help others and to be a light for Him. I hope this beautiful cross, and a marriage between two kids that have loved each other for almost a decade, helped shine God’s light.”

There are few words to describe the beauty radiating from this couple, surrounded by their friends and family on their special day.  Today we celebrate them and the grace and love they shared during their ceremony and beyond!

 

Coordination, Design, and Florals: Rachelle Youd Designs

Makeup Artist: Becca Griffith

Venue: Churchill Oaks

Rentals: H&M Event Rentals

Chef: Derek Langford with Firefly Catering

Bars: Cork and Cap

Music: Az Izz (booked through Music Garden)

Photo Booth: Epic Photo Co.

Videographer: Six Pence Productions

Cake: Confections on the Coast (artist: Rhonda Joodi)

Dress: Martina Liana (purchased from Margaret Ellen Bridal)

Santa Rosa Beach Florida wedding photography