While their first interactions actually happened online, the first time Jesse and David met in person was a random alignment of the universe, proving even further that there was definitely something more to their then-budding relationship.

They had discovered that they both were rock climbers, and climbed somewhat regularly at the same gym, Metro Rock in Everett.

Jesse was climbing and saw someone that she thought "might" be David staring at her from across the gym. Unsure, she sent a text to David, at which point he responded that he wasn't at the gym. At that point, she had already been staring at the other person, who had been staring back trying to figure out why she was looking at him. Once she realized it wasn't the "real David", she moved to another area of the gym.

Some weeks later, when she and David went to the gym to climb properly together, they passed the original "mystery man" and Jesse was surprised to find out both her date and the mystery man were named "David"!

When they're not rock climbing, Jesse and David obsess over their fur-babies. They also enjoy playing boardgames with friends, going out to eat at interesting places, and snuggling while watching TV. Country music is almost always playing in their giant pickup truck.

When Jesse and I first started discussing her wedding, I had the fortunate experience to get to "meet" her mom over the phone and give input on the dress. That's not always something a photographer is asked their opinion about, so it was nice to chime in on that little detail.

The day of the wedding was in late January, which even in the Florida Keys, runs the risk of being chilly. But Jesse and David were blessed with warm weather and a rain-free sky. While we did have some ocean breezes to contend with, the ceremony overlooking Sunset Beach in Marathon, Florida was stunning.

One of my favorite parts of their ceremony was the "blessing" of the rings. Instead of simply having the officiant say some words, they actually passed their rings around the guests, and each guest had a few seconds to say a silent wish before the rings made their way back up to the couple for them to exchange. They also symbolically "tied the knot" using a nautical rope, which was a fun "tie-in" (no pun intended) to the locale.

One of the best parts of any wedding is getting to spend time with the bridal party. Jesse and David made sure to include all their best friends, without the constraints of a typical wedding party. Jesse had her good guy-friend serve as a "bridesman", and David had his sister stand up for him as a "groomsmaid". This lively crew were up for anything, and we had the best time traipsing about the beach while the rest of the guests enjoyed champagne and waited for the sunset.

The reception, held at Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon, was a lovely sit-down dinner, in which the couple left two seats open at every table so they could rotate around the room and sit with each group of guests. Remembering how fast my own wedding went by and how few people I got to talk to, I really enjoyed this tradition, and thought it was a lovely way to spend time with everyone.

Both dads gave heartfelt toasts, everyone ate, drank, and was merry, and we even wrapped up the evening with some gorgeous photos with the Faro Blanco lighthouse in the background to guide the couple to a happy close of a beautiful day!

Enjoy Jesse and David's Wedding Day Highlights HERE

Photographer: Karrie Porter Photography
Getting Ready Location: Courtyard Marriott Marathon
Ceremony Location: Sunset Beach, Marathon, FL
Reception Location: Faro Blanco Resort and historic Lighthouse
Planner: Bobby Camp with Keys Breeze
Hair and Makeup: Aimee Ortega
Bridal Boutique: Mary and Tux in Nashua, NH
Dress Designer: David Tutera
Bridesmaids Dresses: David's Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Officiant: Ken Thomas (personal friend)
Ceremony Music: Island Time Band
The Rings: Skylight Jewelers in Boston, MA