Joanna and Ed met through a mutual friend in the ’90s and reconnected in 2006. They dated for 11 years, during which they commuted between Southport and Myrtle Beach. Ed popped the question when his sister and brother-in-law were visiting from Durham. He proposed with a beautiful ring from Vicki Lyn Michael’s Jewelers, and it was very special to have family there to help celebrate. The wedding venue the pair booked was cancelled when the upcoming Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys. They decided to hold the ceremony, officiated by their minister, Bobby Wilkes, in their backyard. The day was special because it was small but beautiful, with just family. The colors were gray, coral and navy blue. Flowers were spread throughout their house and the pair’s neighbors let them borrow their beautiful furniture for the ceremony. The catering was cancelled due to the possible evacuation, so Joanna’s sister baked a Key lime cake. They toasted with Prosecco and, a year later on their first anniversary, they were able to have a cake from Incredible Edibles. Joanna and Ed live in Myrtle Beach.

PHOTO BY PAULA PLAYER PHOTOGRAPHY