Bear with me. This is going to be a long one.

Because this was my best friend’s wedding.

Because each and every one of my fellow bridesmaids are among my dearest friends. Because this wedding was simply overflowing with love, between the bride and groom, between family and friends, between the couple and their Savior. So to simply say it was a beautiful day wouldn’t do it justice.

The morning began with all the girls in Agatha’s Cottage, getting pretty and watching some World Cup soccer.

Danielle, who shot with us that day, captured these next two. She was absolutely invaluable, and so many of her photographs were gems.Amanda had specifically said she wanted a few moments alone with her mom to give her mom a card . . . but as it turned out, Gloria had forgotten her glasses and asked Amanda to read the card to her. I stayed in the room to capture the moment, and what happened next was so much better than if Gloria had read the card silently. It was like nothing I’d ever witnessed at a wedding before.Once Amanda was nice and emotional, it was time to get her into her gown.I was so thrilled to be able to have Danielle take over so I could jump into some of the pictures and be a part of the behind-the-scenes wedding prep.This next series gets credited to Danielle, too — since I’m in them, I couldn’t shoot the bridesmaid portraits, and I love what Danielle did with them! Oh, and those flowers! After doing flowers for so many other weddings, Amanda’s mother put together a rainbow of florals that were exactly what Amanda had envisioned.Once we wrapped up the bridesmaid portraits, I grabbed my camera and grabbed the bride for a few minutes. After being a bridesmaid (or maid of honor) six times, Amanda was ready to be an absolutely gorgeous bride.We headed back inside for what has become one of my favorite parts of a wedding day: The father-daughter first look.While all this was happening, Danny was over inside The Sunshine Express with Brad and the groomsmen.Then it was time for the groom to see his bride. A first look — something we do at about half our weddings these days. But Amanda and Brad wanted to do things a little bit differently. Taking their cue from the parable in Matthew 25, they set up their first look the opposite of how most first looks unfold: Instead of the bride walking up to her groom, this time the groom walked up to his bride. Amanda sat outside on the porch at Agatha’s Cottage, taking a few moments to read her Bible and pray. And that was exactly how Brad found her.Doesn’t it leave you smiling, and just a little breathless?I love these next two.
After a bit, the whole bridal party joined in.While Danny set up the traditional bridal party portrait, Danielle went for the unconventional angle.Oh, peekaboo. Is there anything better than kids dressed up for a wedding?!Amanda had one request before the ceremony: She wanted everyone to pray over her. I’ve been a part of this numerous times. As the photographer. I’ve never actually been a part of the prayer circle, and I’d never been asked to help lead the prayer. These are some of the most incredible people I know, all together, all celebrating. There was laughter. And there were tears.And then there was a ceremony.In the week leading up to the wedding, Amanda and her mom and several of the bridesmaid had hand painted and lettered the canvases that decorated the ceremony site.Married! As everyone filed out from the ceremony, Danielle followed the newlyweds when they slipped off for a quiet moment.After the family portraits, we went back by the pond for the picture Amanda had dreamed of. . .. . . and to make the most of the glowy, romantic evening.Inside the Tavern, there was a reception ready to get underway, complete with more gorgeous florals arranged by Amanda’s mother.And that colorful cake — it turned out exactly as Amanda had planned it.First dances go by in an absolute blur of emotion. At the end of the party, the marriage begins.Amanda and Brad, we say it every time we blog a wedding, but it’s true: We couldn’t be happier for the two of you. Marriage is going to be joyful and difficult and exciting; it’s going to be one of the greatest encouragements in your life and it will also be one of your greatest, most character-shaping challenges. And it will be the most incredible adventure! We’re just so glad that you two are going to be doing life side by side, hand in hand.

~ Laura + Danny

Vendors:

Venue: The Estate on the Halifax – Tavern & Chapel In the Garden
Wedding Gown: Alfred Angelo
Bridal Hairpiece: David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Hairstyling: Lakisha Rudnicki
Makeup: Tiffany Deegan
Flowers: Gloria Henson (mother of the bride)
Cakes: Betty’s Cakes
Catering: Aunt Catfish’s on the River
DJ: Mister DJ
Second Shooter: Danielle Magnuson of Danielle Nichol Photography
Photography: Laura Yang Photography