We arrived at her house before the sun rose. The ground was frosty and the stars were shining. We climbed the steps to her bedroom. Fannie Lynn and her sister talked quietly as they finished hair and did final make-up touch ups. Little brother, all shiny in his suit, stood shyly outside the bedroom door, watching and grinning. When it was time for  Lavern to arrive, he found her before she even could come down the stairs. Beaming smiles, exuberant hugs, and excited laughter followed…setting the tone for the day.

I always walk away from a wedding blessed by some aspect of the day. This time it was the close family, heartfelt stories, tight hugs, tears of happiness, and genuine laughter. Oh, and the amazing peanut butter pie I was sent home with.

Thanks to Colleen from Capture This Photography for working with me!

Lavern and Fannie Lynn, thank-you for including us in your day. I am quite certain you have many, many good years ahead.

I will let their  slide show and photos tell their story….

The day dawned warm with light gray clouds scattered across the sky.

As she walked into the church,  she took a deep. Her eyes danced.

Her girls bustled around her. Primping and prepping and laughing and doing what bridesmaids do on the big day.

And she smiled softly.

Reds shoes were perfect for her.

Kate is sweet and kind and it is easy to see Leon loves her with his everything.

As the rain gently pitter-pattered outside, Kate and Leon promised forever.  It was clear family and friends shared a deep affection and loyalty for Kate and Leon.

Stop here to see their slideshow.

Leon and Kate, it was an honor to be included in your day. Many, many blessing to you both.

Loved the punchy red flowers.

Everybody cheered as Kate and Leon entered the reception.

As promised, I wanted to post Kate and Leon’s wedding this week.

Happy weekend to all!

Some people glow. Glow from the inside.

The glow sparkles from the eyes and shines in the laughter. It shimmers and dances. It’s radiant. It’s vibrant.

It leaves you feeling like, well….I like this person. There is something real here and it is good.

It’s heartwarming and winsome and just good. All at the same time.

Double this and add forever…

It’s beautiful.

Daryl and Lindsay are some of the most warm, genuine, and open people I have ever met. And I am pretty sure everybody else would say the same.

Thrilled and so happy were these two. Their day reflected them and was perfect.

It was a truly an honor! Thank-you and I wish you two the absolute VERY best.

Thanks to Larry from Weaver Images for working with me rocking his camera.

Stop here to see more of their day.

Details…

Speaks for itself…Lindsay was stunning.

This next photo is Tawanda’s….I was immediately drawn to the simplicity, clean lines, and real expression.

The following photo is Larry’s…love the emotion on Dad and Lindsay’s faces.

And now Mr and Mrs!

Always and forever!

Her name is Kate.

She knew that red shoes were perfect for her wedding day!

More to come of this awesome bride.

Happy weekend!

To paint a picture…

Some of us wear a quiet “Love”. It may be soft grays with a punch of red every now and then. Not real obvious, but it is still strong and sweet.

And then there are some of us that wear “Love” with exuberance. I am thinking bold reds and purples. Designer brand, indeed.  Worn with pride. Obvious to the world. Laughing. Sparkling. Dedicated and vibrant. Hugs are not just a hug, but all encompassing and felt from head to toe. Arms open wide affection. And very strong and sweet. Indeed.

This is Jonathan and Crystal.

Two weeks ago today, Jonathan and Crystal promised forever.

And they did so with their entire heart and soul. Absolutely.

The day was filled with warmth. Family and friends expressed much affection and appreciation. Big brothers approved the “new man” in the family, friends shared fond memories, sisters shed a tear of happiness, and parents seemed so proud of their families.

Jonathan and Crystal, thank-you for including me in every way. It was an honor to document your day, your true love.

See the slide show  here.

Thanks again to Larry from Weaver Images for working with me.

I met Jonathan and Crystal at this beautiful location for photos.

Beautiful….

The heartfelt “first look”. I love how this gives plenty of time for photos before the ceremony.

Totally candid…you see this is them.

Tawanda caught the next image and I love the emotion.

Sweet light pouring into the covered bridge was perfect for photos.

Loving every minute of her day…

Too adorable of a flower girl to not include one shot….

And the best for last…this is Crystal and Jonathan. This is how they wore there love.

She planned to start her day with an early morning run. Because that is how she starts her days. Running. Ready.

There are some girls who let life guide them. Happy and content to wait and see what will happen around the next bend. Then there are some that take life by the wheel, wear their favorite designer jeans and drive fast. Real fast. Just for the sake of fast. With the windows down and the radio pumping.

Ony looks at the world with yes, a smile. But even more…a head tilted back, eyes squinted shut, bubbling up from “love of life” laughter. Just for the sake of loving to laugh.

And the man who keeps her in such a state of bliss is Matt. One glance from her and he melts into a puddle of love mush. Well kinda. Without many words… he grins, encourages, and keeps her on the road. His steady, gentle demeanor is the perfect fit with Ony’s animated, lively personality.

The details were divine. A big white tent was set up in the back yard and lights were strung through the trees. The wooden dock over the pond was selected for the first dance and an old canoe was designated as the “gift table”. Seating tags were clipped with clothe pins to twine. Quaintly painted wood signs were placed in the ground waiting to direct guests….this way for  Aunt Marilyn’s southern brewed sweet tea…this way for the scenic route…this way for the first dance. Flowers bloomed everywhere…vibrant reds and yellows. Music tinkled through the warm air. Little cousins ran and played. Family and friends did indeed travel many miles for the occasion; ready to celebrate Matt and Ony and the “good life”.

Dad watches from the doorway!

Gorgeous!

Yup, the day is here!

Loved the vibrant hues of the flowers against the girls dresses.

Music pounded and the guests cheered and clapped to the beat as Ony and Matt entered the reception.

Lovely details.

Evening crept over the festivities.

Thanks again to Larry from Weaver Images for working with me and helping to capturing the day.

Matt and Ony, you both truly make each other that much more wonderful. Thank-you for allowing me to join you on your wedding day. It was an honor. Ony, may you always laugh with your head tilted back and live with your whole heart. I am certain your wedding day was only the start of the “good life” together.

Stop here to see the slide show.

So what exactly defines the modern bride?

Hey, you can go many ways with this….but I am thinking Chucks fall in there. For sure.

More to come…

It is one of life’s sweetest pleasures… to be loved and to know that you are loved. To know you have somebody that thinks the world of you. To know somebody will be there when you hurt, or want to celebrate, or just need to be quite. To find somebody in this big, big world that will travel the mountains and valleys by your side.

Their smiles and laughter were so genuine …so tender and real.

Knowing that no one but the other could make him so happy…that no one but the other could make her heart spill over with this much joy. Realizing that it’s simple….they have each other and life is good.

The reception was held on the gorgeous grounds of Welkinweir. Carson from Carson Smucker Video was great to work with. A big thanks to Larry from Weaver Images for working with me and rocking his camera.

Jayce and Nicole, by yourselves you are wonderful…together you are perfect. May you relish the little things you have been anticipating…snuggling on your living room couch, spending Saturday night in Home Depot, cooking dinner together, just “being” side by side.

Thank-you for allowing me to document your big day. It was truly a pleasure.

Stop here to see their slide show.

The hustle and bustle of preparing for the moment.

Beautiful detail on Nicole’s dress.

Mirror shot, eh?!!

A stunning bride, indeed.

Oh, the excitement of…it’s almost time! A wonderful group of bridesmaids.

A few details from the reception.

And a parting shot….’cause I like the tender, heartfelt candidness of this photo.

She beamed….radiated little sparkles of bouncing light.  Overjoyed. So, so happy.

Reggie loves Nicole so evidently. Almost as if he holds her so carefully in the palm of his hand.

Their wedding day was filled with fun, joy, and gorgeousness….Nicole’s touches everywhere.

Reggie and Nicole, I was honored to document your wedding day! Thank-you for having me.

Stop here to see their slide show.

A few details from the day…

Like I said, Nicole was beaming. This was her expression most of the day!

Eternally beautiful!

Like crisp, chilled watermelon…these colors popped.

The reception was held at Cameron Estate Inn…so pretty.

Ms. Mallory made an adorable flower girl.

Attentive bridesmaids helping Nicole with her dress.

Again, beaming. This time at her father during the father and daughter dance.

Two big hearts of gold. Yes, and so so happy to be together. Genuine joy and contentment to be side by side.

Her blue eyes spoke it quite clearly….as they are bluest when she is the happiest. For sure, I am told!

Thank-you Delvin and Michelle…you seem perfect for each other. Wishing you the absolute best!

Stop here to see their slide show.

All white roses…simple, clean, and so pretty.