It was a long journey that brought Yi and Michael together, to Christ, and to each other. She traveled from halfway around the world to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, while he barely had to venture beyond his hometown to meet the girl of his dreams. Michael noticed Yi first, and his interest was piqued; she didn’t reciprocate. But finally, she said, some people she really respected told her she ought to at least give the Navy veteran a chance. All right, she thought. He can have a chance.

A chance. That led to a proposal, and, last weekend, the start of a marriage.For her wedding day, Yi had two gorgeous gowns and two pairs of snappy heels. Michael needed to prepare to have his breath taken away!Yi, who attends our church with Michael, got ready with her bridesmaids right at our house, since we live just a few minutes from the church. We loved having the whole bridal party buzzing around that morning; the excitement of a wedding day is always so much fun, and the upstairs guest room was the perfect getting ready room. Yi transformed into an absolutely glowing bride!Then came one of my all-time-favorite bridesmaid portraits:Just around the corner, Michael and his groomsmen got ready at the church.Yi arrived and her father walked her down the aisle, and it was one of the sweetest ceremonies I’ve seen. Because of moments like this.For the reception, Yi changed into her darling red dress — hands down, the cutest little reception dress I’ve ever laid eyes on!So of course we had to make sure we got some portraits while she was in that dress.Love!Our plan had been to take Yi and Michael over to The Loop or the river for their bride and groom portraits once she changed back into her wedding gown, but with a storm system moving in and hastening the darkness, not to mention bringing plenty of rain, we made the call to continue shooting there at the church. It was definitely the right decision — and I don’t think we could have gotten portraits we would have loved any more than these even if we had headed to the river!Don’t they make you smile right back?See even more in the slideshow:

Yi and Michael, we hope you two have a fabulous time in Savannah on your honeymoon, and we wish you every blessing and happiness imaginable. We believe this was the start of what will be a joyful marriage that will not only enrich your lives, but the lives of everyone around you, and we can’t wait to see where this life takes you!

~ Laura + Danny