A Joyful Wedding Day at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club, Florence Alabama

The day started at Mary Claire’s childhood home, and y’all — it was one of those mornings where everything felt light and happy. The house was full of family, friends, babies, and laughter, but somehow not an ounce of stress. You’d expect chaos with that many people under one roof, but if you know Mary Claire, you know how she sets the tone — joyful, calm, and full of gratitude.

Hair and makeup were in full swing, dresses hung neatly in their places, and the air buzzed with excitement. My husband was setting up her gorgeous pink-and-green flat lay, while the content creators helped me carry her gown and veil to be photographed. The lace on her veil was handmade, and the seamstress even came by to help fit her boleros — one long-sleeved piece for the church and another halter-style made from the lace of her mother’s wedding gown for the reception.

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Sweet Moments Before “I Do”

Mary Claire’s mom helped her into her dress — a moment every mama dreams of when she’s raising a little girl. As the only daughter in her family, this was tender and special, full of quiet smiles and teary eyes.

Next came her first look with her bridesmaids on the staircase. There were squeals, gasps, and plenty of “oh my word, you look STUNNING!” echoing through the house. Her mom watched from upstairs, taking it all in.

Then, out in the backyard — under the gazebo where so many memories were made — her daddy saw his little girl as a bride for the first time. And yep, he teared up (and so did we).

First Look with the Groom (and Ozzie the Pup!)

Will looked dapper in his white tux jacket, and the first look between him and Mary Claire was everything — tears, laughter, and pure excitement that the day was finally here. Even Ozzie, their beloved Labrador, got his own “first look.” Though, to be honest, he was more interested in marking the bushes than his mom’s dress. 

After a few portraits, Will couldn’t stop telling Mary Claire how beautiful she was — over and over again. Family and bridal party portraits followed in front of the house, and the light was absolutely perfect.

A Ceremony Full of History and Heart

The group loaded up the party bus and headed to the church where Mary Claire’s grandfather attended and where her parents were married. The sanctuary was packed — standing room only — and filled with warmth, hymns, and heartfelt readings. You could feel generations of love in that room.

After the beautiful ceremony, we were off to the reception at Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club in Florence, Alabama.

A Waterfront Reception to Remember

As guests arrived, they enjoyed cocktail hour by the water — the views were breathtaking. The bridal party headed down to the marina for portraits with the river glistening behind them, and then came one of the most romantic parts of the day:

Mary Claire and Will boarded a sailboat for a private dinner before the reception began. Can you believe that?! A quiet moment to breathe it all in — just the two of them, married at last, floating along the water as the sun set.

After dinner, we photographed their just-married portraits on the dock, and y’all, these two were glowing. Mary Claire told me she loves candid photos, so we just let them be themselves — laughing, dancing, and soaking up every second.

Dancing, Laughter, and a Streamer-Filled Exit

Back inside, the reception space was decked out in shades of pink and green, with flowers filling every nook and a gorgeous floral arch framing the room.

The dances were beautiful — Mary Claire and her dad, Will and his mom — each one filled with emotion and joy. The live band kept the dance floor packed all night long, and when it was time for the exit, let’s just say their faces were priceless as a sea of streamers came flying their way!

A huge thank-you to Tracy and her team from “The Event Planner” for keeping everything flowing so seamlessly. It truly takes a team to make a day like this run so smoothly, and they did it with grace and joy.

Forever on the Tennessee River

Mary Claire and Will’s day was everything a wedding should be — meaningful, full of love, and full of laughter. From her childhood home to the same church her parents said “I do” in, and finally to a sunset sail on the Tennessee River, it was a story worth remembering.

We’re so honored to have been the ones to capture it all.

The fabulous vendors

• Planning: The Event Planner (@weddingsbyep)
• Florals: FloriDesigns
• Cakes & Desserts: Yummies
• Late Night Snack: Lost Pizza Co
• Photography: Collins and Collins Photography
• Videography: Down in Front Productions
• Band: Norris Dates and the Power Surge
• Rentals: Party Pros
• Beauty: FloBlo and Reagan Cunningham
• Bridal: Victory Bridal
• Bridesmaids: LulaKate
• Transportation: Party Life Bus
• Venue & Catering: Turtle Point Yacht & Country Club

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Links

Mary Claire and Will’s full wedding gallery!!!!

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Venue Website: Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club

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collinsandcollinsphotography.com