Military weddings have a special place in my heart. When you know how lucky and fortunate we are as Americans to live free in this great country, you step back and realize that our military has so much to do with it. We all love all military and these brave soldiers, however, I know that every day when I see anyone from the military, I always walk up to that person and say I we really appreciate what you all do for our country.
Then comes a way to give and show my respect to those soldiers when they give me the honor and privilege to capture their wedding. I met this lovely couple Samantha & Joseph at Wedding Festival show back in August of last year, there was even a bonus, has Joe brought his lovely mother as well. They walked to my booth and we had a lovely consultation, they had at that time a choice of 14 other wedding photographers to also choose from. As I expected with the great connection we had the fantastic offer I gave them, that they had total confidence in my passion.
Citadel Military Charleston, SC
June was here now and their magical day was near. Samantha was very busy and I managed to capture her bridal session prior to the wedding in many locations of our Holy City and being a bright and very smart person and she is graduating from the College of Charleston was the theme we wanted to include and which bride would not want to be photographed at The Cistern. Then came their rehearsal dinner on the beautiful the Carolina Queen Riverboat a perfect sunset amazing family and friends, I even got a chance to have a very small engagement session. On their day with Samantha and Joe, we had designed a great wedding timeline since we would be there for many hours and go to 4 different locations. Kevin (the cinematic videographer) and I met Samantha and her lovely bridesmaids at Pink Dot on Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. The to Joe with his groomsmen the to the park at the Citadel for some very cool photos Joe’s groomsmen having a great time. A full mass Ceremony at the Citadel Summerall Chapel, then to the southern soiree reception at the Citadel Beach house. Their magical day went perfect, and this time Samantha & Joe thanked Kevin and me for our service that we provided to them and their family. I know you all reading this blog will love the art I created for them as I know they are. Enjoy and remember reach out and thank our amazing military every day.
Here is the lovely couple story on how this Day became:
Joe first met Samantha at a Saturday night swing dance in February 2014. She was a sophomore at the College of Charleston; he was a junior at the Citadel. Three months later, Joe showed up again and found that the radiant socialite Sam did not remember him. He suavely procured her number the next week and invited her to Patriot’s Point to see the band Dangermuffin. The night went perfectly: a low-key, high energy start to a friendly summer.
After two months of playing tennis and mini golf, watching Godzilla and Star Wars, dancing and picnicking, Joe begrudgingly left Sam for six weeks of Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. Heartfelt letters revealed the true potential of their romance, and in the end Sam flew up with his family to see him graduate – a very “girlfriend” thing to do.
Two summers later, Sam finished her B.S. in Accounting and Joe (B.S. PoliSci) commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. On June 18, 2016, Joe floored Sam on the dance floor at the Summerville Country Club by proposing in front of 200 friends and family members celebrating his commission. (Legend has it that she screamed and snatched the ring.)
Long-distance fiancéhood proved challenging for wedding planning. While Joe was in Quantico, VA for The Basic School, then Pensacola, FL for flight school, Sam was in Charleston earning her Master of Accountancy degree. Thanks to accommodating, experienced vendors and support from family and friends, the details came together beautifully and their wedding celebration was one to remember.
The Clients Charleston, SC Wedding Vendors
King Street Photo Weddings: Michel was the most experienced and charismatic photographer at the Wedding Expo.Wedding Photographer, Michel Berda:
http://gownboutiqueofcharleston.com/ Gown Boutique of Charleston was the 10th place I looked for a dress and I fell in love with one. Bride wedding dress, Jessica:
https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/iron-gate-events-charleston-sc-581101 Iron Gate Events The Citadel Beach Club had an exclusive contract with Iron Gate Catering. Courtney Lynch, Sales Coordinator:
Fr. Patrick Allen He officiates the mass I always sang at in Charleston. Fr. Patrick Allen
http://www.smoothsailingevents.com Rachel Cole Rachel is a friend of the Bordiuks Rachel Cole:
http://www.thesentinelnews.org Wendell Nolan is a friend of the Bordiuks who often DJs at the Summerville Country Club
http://jwweddingsandevents.com Justin Wham Weddings Justin played organ at the church I sang at. I liked his personality and thought highly of his floral arrangements and decor sense Nicole (Secretary)
http://www.pinkdotbeautybar.com Pink Dot Beauty Bar Pink Dot had great reviews and the 2nd floor bridal studio was beautiful. I wanted to rent it and get ready there with my bridesmaids. Meghan Walker (Makeup)
http://Minted.com Minted had the best design for my Save the Dates and offers free address printing on the envelopes
http://www.thescratchpad.com The Scratch Pad They could order a Carlton design that I liked and their customer service was impeccable.
Kim’s Fine Jewelry Kim is a friend of the Bordiuks. imsfinejewelry.net
Ella Celebration They had a gold bottle opener favor shaped like a key that I liked.
http://www.citadel.edu/root/beachclub The Citadel Beach Club Joe is a Citadel Alumni Association member Michael Kreitman
