Every couple dreams of their wedding day being perfect, but sometimes the real magic happens when things don’t go according to plan. Kelcie and Stephen’s wedding day on August 11, 2024, at Tailwater Lodge was nothing short of breathtaking. While the weather threw in a little surprise with a torrential downpour, it only made their celebration even more memorable. Surrounded by close family, friends, and the warmth of the beautiful venue, they proved that love truly shines brightest when faced with the unexpected. With each moment filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt connections, this day was a true testament to the strength of their bond.

The day began with Kelcie surrounded by her closest friends, family, and her daughters, Lily and Olivia, as they prepped for the big day. The love between them was palpable, and the way Lily and Olivia gazed at their mother in her wedding gown was something straight out of a fairytale. They looked at her as if she was a vision, their faces full of admiration and pride, setting the tone for the rest of the day. While the weather may have been unpredictable, the spirit of the day remained unchanged. The morning was filled with laughter, love, and moments of serenity before the storm clouds rolled in.

A unique touch during Stephen’s prep was the arrival of a personal barber from Good Guys Barber Shop, who came to freshen up all the guys' hair and beards. It was a fun and laid-back moment, with Stephen and his groomsmen laughing and joking around while getting the perfect look for the big day. The barber’s skills ensured that everyone looked sharp and polished, and the relaxed atmosphere made it feel like a mini celebration in itself.

To make the morning even more special, Kelcie surprised Stephen with a thoughtful gift, an awesome pair of Oakley sunglasses. It was a meaningful moment, as he unwrapped the gift with a smile, a reminder of her love and the life they were about to start together.

As the skies began to darken, Kelcie and Stephen shared a quiet, intimate first look. Before the rain hit, they stood together, alone, surrounded by the natural beauty of the venue. Their emotional exchange was raw and beautiful. Stephen, with tears in his eyes, couldn’t take his eyes off of Kelcie. It was a moment of pure connection, one of those rare, beautiful moments when time seems to stand still.

But the surprises weren’t over. Stephen had one last trick up his sleeve: he revealed that he had arranged for a live wedding day painter—a dream of Kelcie’s—for a special keepsake of the day. The emotion on Kelcie’s face said it all; she was touched beyond words, and the moment was just one of many that would leave everyone in tears.

Even with the rain, the couple ventured out for some stunning couples photos. The rain added a sense of romance and intimacy that made each shot feel like a moment suspended in time. It didn’t matter that the weather wasn’t ideal; what mattered was the love that was overflowing in each frame.

As the rain continued to pour, we made the most of the gorgeous covered awning at the venue for the bridal party and family portraits. Despite the weather, the love and energy of the group were undeniable. The close-knit bridal party, full of laughter and support for Kelcie and Stephen, radiated joy even as the rain tapped gently on the roof above.

Stephen, who holds the title of “bonus dad” to Kelcie’s daughters, shared a heartfelt moment with them during family portraits. Watching him with Lily and Olivia was a testament to the bond they share, a bond that is filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings. This wasn’t just a wedding of two people; it was a union of a family, with Stephen embracing his new role as their bonus dad.

The family photos were equally heartfelt, with every family member coming together to celebrate this special day. The covered space provided the perfect setting for these intimate moments, and the warmth from the group, combined with the cozy venue, created a stunning atmosphere that felt as though the rain had only added to the beauty of the day.

One of the highlights of the day was the stunning group photo taken with the drone. Despite the rain, the large group of family and friends gathered to celebrate Kelcie and Stephen was a sight to behold. The aerial shot, taken from above, captured the magnitude of the moment, making the day feel even grander and more beautiful. Thanks to our talented videographer Javee, who captured breathtaking drone footage throughout the day, every moment felt elevated. The footage brought an extra level of grandeur to the day, showing the stunning landscape and capturing moments from angles that made the celebration feel even more monumental.

The skies let loose, and the rain began, but nothing could stop this celebration. The venue’s gorgeous covered entryway provided shelter, and the cozy fireplace in the reception hall kept everyone warm. The venue, filled with rich wood beams and rustic charm, only added to the warmth of the day. There was something so intimate about the indoor ceremony, the warm light filtering through the rain-soaked windows, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and magical.

The ceremony, officiated by the couple’s friend Scott, was so sentimental. As Kelcie and Stephen stood hand-in-hand, exchanging their vows, the sky seemed to echo their love. Thunder rumbled in the distance, as if nature itself was celebrating their union. The sound of the storm only heightened the emotion in the air, as tears welled in their eyes and love radiated from every word spoken. It was a powerful, intimate moment—one that perfectly encapsulated their journey together and the strength of their bond. Surrounded by family, with the storm as a backdrop, their vows felt even more profound, a reminder of the promise to weather any storm together.

The reception brought a new level of excitement with hilarious entrances that had everyone in stitches and heartfelt speeches from close friends and family.

But the best part of the night? The surprise guest appearance by the “Dumb and Dumber” characters—Kelcie’s dad and brother. Their hilarious antics had the crowd laughing so hard, it was one of those unforgettable wedding moments that everyone will talk about for years to come.

Once the formalities were over, it was time to party! The couple’s first dance under the wooden beams of the venue was magical, as the soft lighting created an almost ethereal glow. The couple swirled in each other’s arms, completely lost in the moment, surrounded by family and friends who were there to celebrate their love.

The parent dances followed, each one filled with tender moments that showcased the deep bonds Kelcie and Stephen share with their families.

The cake cutting was a sweet moment of joy, and who can forget the delicious desserts? Bevs Bakery provided banana bread, brownies, and cake, while Crumbl Cookies brought the perfect cookie creations to the party.

As the night unfolded, we stole Kelcie and Stephen away from the lively reception for a few quiet, moody photos in the dimly lit bar. The atmosphere in the bar was perfect for capturing an intimate moment between the two, with warm, ambient lighting casting soft shadows around them. The contrast of the bustling reception nearby and this secluded, quiet space allowed them a brief moment to savor each other’s presence. They shared a few private laughs and gentle glances, their love illuminated in the glow of the bar lights. These shots captured the raw, romantic energy of the day, adding a layer of mystery and depth to their wedding story.

And of course, the dance floor was alive with energy. The music, expertly curated by DJ Deaf Geoff, had everyone dancing the night away, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Kelcie and Stephen’s wedding day at Tailwater Lodge was a testament to the power of love, family, and the beauty of life’s unplanned moments. Despite the rain, the warmth of the day shone through in every gesture, every smile, and every memory made. This wedding wasn’t just a celebration of two people coming together—it was the union of a family, and it was nothing short of magical.

Kelcie and Stephen, thank you for allowing us to capture such an intimate, beautiful day.

Your love story is one for the ages.

Kind Words from the Couple:

“There aren’t enough words in the world to describe the way I feel about these photos, these people and this day. I will never truly be able to explain how grateful I am to have worked with Natalie and Javee and how they perfectly captured everything we felt that day.
I knew the moment Stephen proposed who I wanted to capture our day, and I emailed them almost instantly. When we finally nailed down our date and they said they were available, I didn’t hesitate to book. I never once even considered anyone else, and for this reason specifically. Our photos are stunning, and this is just a sneak peak at what we haven’t stopped drooling over all day.
The very moment I heard two “hiii/helloooo!” ‘s from the doorway to the suite I felt all of my worries, fears and nerves sink away… and I can confidently say the same for Stephen. There was an immediate sense of confidence, calmness, relief, trust and safety that The Javier’s radiate. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it over and over again - our day felt so safe in their hands. Despite the torrential downpours, I just knew everything was going to work out perfect.
I am blown away by the work we got to see this morning. As Stephen, my sister and I were sitting at brunch and got a text from Natalie and Javee we both had to stop ourselves from crying at a breakfast bar and simultaneously couldn’t stop laughing at just how amazing our teaser photos are.
I’m so, so glad I trusted my instincts. We are forever and ever grateful. We are in love with these photos, and so excited for what’s to come. We cannot wait to cherish these for the rest of our lives, I already can’t stop staring.
Love always, Kelcie & Stephen”

If you're planning your own special day and want to ensure every moment is captured with the same care and attention to detail, feel free to reach out. I'd love to help you tell your unique love story through stunning photography.

Stay Beautiful,

Natalie Javier | JV Films Photography

Kelcie & Stephen

Kelcie and Stephen, thank you for allowing us to capture such an intimate, beautiful day.

Your love story is one for the ages.

Charles & Rachel

Dana & Timothy

Javee + Natalie Javier