A group of women sat around a home preparing to study the Bible. Tonya, Bonnie, Melissa and Gloria knew two adults that would be perfect for each other, Ryan and Elizabeth. Tonya, among others, encouraged Ryan for many years to contact Elizabeth. After three years he finally acquiesced to the request, opting to text her first. They set up a first date at Stella’s, a local Italian restaurant in Paducah’s downtown district. It’s beautiful and romantic.

Neither of them had ever planned on finding love again, but at the end of their first date Ryan knew that he was going to marry Elizabeth. He had spent the last three years telling people that he wouldn’t ever marry again but realized that he was going to have to walk that back with a lot of people.

Elizabeth walked into the restaurant searching for her would-be date. Conversation started flowing smoothly, lasting several hours. By the end of their first date, Ryan knew he had fallen for her. After a month, Elizabeth shared the same feelings.

They spent the next several months getting to know each other, building their foundation in the steadiness of Biblical truth. God being the center of each decision they made, it didn’t take long for their love to bloom into something truly remarkable.

Before long, Ryan was ready to propose to Elizabeth. He set the stage, inviting family from far and wide to witness the special moment. Vickie, Ryan’s mom, was among the crowd gathered there. Having met Elizabeth by chance shortly after their first date, Vickie had kept her feelings close, not wanting to influence her son one way or another. She adored Elizabeth from the start, and now here she was, watching it all come true. In a loft in downtown Paducah, family and friends gathered with video cameras recording the moment they stepped off the elevator. Ryan held the ring in his pocket, ready for the moment they stepped through the door. She walked in first, seeing everyone and being completely surprised. She turned to Ryan, who was down on one knee with the ringbox in his hand. Professing his love to her, sharing how special she was in his life, he asked her to marry him. With happy tears flowing, a special song playing in the background, Elizabeth accepted. Cheers erupted as everyone rushed toward the happy couple.

Wedding planning began almost immediately, Elizabeth choosing her colors, the locations and shopping for her beautiful gown. Bridesmaids were given a fun assignment of selecting shades of green for their dresses. The beautiful array displayed during their wedding created an amazing tapestry of emerald, olive, mint, celadon, juniper, teal, kelly, pine and peridot. Ryan’s groomsmen wore a luxe shade of ivory with deep green ties and pocket squares adorned against solid white button down shirts. Ryan stood in stark contrast mirroring his groomsmen in reverse. A deep spruce green suit, mint tie and white button down shirt set against cognac shoes. The smiles, laughter and genuine gratitude seemed to flow from each person in their entourage. They knew, probably before Ryan & Elizabeth realized, that the two of them were completely meant for each other.

Elizabeth’s gown was a luxurious white satin with an illusion bodice adorned with floral appliques that met a full satin skirt and beautifully oversized bow. Her beautiful gown appeared as an elegant white waterfall cascading down the edges of her stage. The stage where she would profess her forever love to Ryan.

Joy seemed to permeate every person that surrounded Ryan and Elizabeth. Each bridesmaid, groomsman and family member knew without a doubt that the love shared between these two was strong, true and abundant. It was evident to me when I lined them up that they each shared a deep connection with their person. I especially loved the moment I directed them to cheer for the bride and groom. Cheers erupted in such a profound way. Whoops and hollers, whistles and claps, I was so overwhelmed with happiness in that moment.

We completed all of the formal bridal portraits before the ceremony thanks in part to the “First Look.” Ryan & Elizabeth’s private moment together before the big crowd joins them. The day flows so smoothly with this incorporated into the timeline. Elizabeth’s Daughter, Mom, Grandmother, bonus Daughters and Bridesmaids helped her get ready earlier that morning while Ryan’s Son and Groomsmen joined him in his getting ready room at Friendship Baptist Church in Lone Oak.

In the main sanctuary, I guided Ryan to his spot and prepared Elizabeth to see her groom for the very first time that day. Months of preparation had gone into this moment. Ryan stood with his back to Elizabeth as she walked up to him. Hand outstretched, she placed a few fingers on his shoulder. Ryan paused, savoring the moment before he saw his Bride. Tears welled up in their eyes. He turned, slowly, intentionally, and met her smiling gaze. True love seemed to pour out of them. A deep bond, cemented on the foundation of their faith in Jesus guiding them, formed in that instant. They hugged, and the world stood still. My camera captured each smile, kiss and tear of pure joy. My task at that moment was more than documentation, it was more important than mere photography. These moments are the very core of my “why.” Why I love this career, why I stay in this career. Ryan and Elizabeth’s journeys may have taken several turns before they met, but it all ended up here. Looking at each other for the first time on their wedding day.

There was no doubt in my mind, no questions at all. Ryan & Elizabeth’s story is one that will be passed down through each generation. Ryan, Elizabeth, Evah, Eliza, Willow, Roman, family and friends will be impacted in such a positive and profound way because they are choosing each other.

With all bridal and family portraits complete, Ryan, Elizabeth, their friends and family had a much needed breather before their ceremony. With so much anticipation building up to their wedding, this small break allowed them to simply enjoy the moment. A wedding day can become so hectic that it slips away without much time for reflection and connection. Building in this small break before the ceremony allows just that, time to pause.

Guests began arriving during that window. With Ryan, Elizabeth and their wedding party safely hidden away the pews started slowly filling until they were soon at capacity. Nearly every seat was filled, a testament to the far reaching impact Ryan & Elizabeth have in our community. Soft music floated through the air, an expectant hush falling onto the gathered crowd.

Ryan appeared out of the side door, walking the few steps onto the stage with his entourage trailing behind. Men that have undoubtedly known Ryan in the best and worst of times, lining up behind him in a show of love and support. His son Roman stood so proudly next to his father, together watching dear family members walking down the aisle to their seats of honor in the front rows.

Bridesmaids entered behind them, gliding slowly down the aisle to the altar ahead. Clutching beautiful flowers, they took their spots behind Elizabeth’s spot in front of Ryan.

The doors closed. The Bridal March began and Elizabeth appeared arm linked with her father. Tears of joy flowed down her face as she looked ahead at Ryan and his son Roman, standing tall next to his father. Stoic in his expression, but I could see the excitement playing behind his eyes. The crowd rose to their feet, gazing in awe and wonder at Elizabeth’s slow march toward the front. I snuck a glance back to Ryan and sure enough, his smile spoke volumes. The years leading up to this exact moment, the highs and lows of life, all summed up beautifully in his expression. Nothing else mattered here, Elizabeth was before him matching his excitement and anticipation. Soon they would become husband and wife, but in this very instant the world became quiet.

As the music swelled in crescendo, Elizabeth and her father reached the front of the room. The room paused and a collective breath was held.

After a tearful departure at the base of the steps with her father, Ryan and Elizabeth made their way up the steps to the altar. Pastor Jason welcomed each person to witness their marriage. Inviting everyone to take their seat, Pastor Jason began the ceremony. Elizabeth’s daughter Willow stepped forward from the row of bridesmaids to help her mother take her place. She gracefully lifted the train of her mom’s beautiful gown and smoothed it out onto the stage. Jason began speaking about the commitment Ryan and Elizabeth were about to make to each other before God and the congregated crowd. He spoke of the importance of keeping God at the center of their relationship, sharing Scripture that is the foundation of truth and marriage. He prayed over the couple, asking God to guide and direct their path forward. I scanned the crowd, taking the opportunity to view everyone with eyes closed. Then it happened. I saw Elizabeth’s father with his hand outstretched toward the altar where his daughter was getting married. Tears started flowing down my face as I viewed her father praying over them. I snapped the photo, savoring the moment of absolute perfection.

At the end of the prayer, as if on cue, Spencer and Melissa stepped forward to sing “I Speak Jesus” as piano music filled the space. Jason invited everyone to stand once again and worship alongside Ryan and Elizabeth. Guests rose to their feet preparing to worship, music began and voices filled the air. Praising God for his goodness and mercy, hands began to raise alongside Elizabeth’s outstretched arm. Bouquet in one hand, the other clasped firmly in Ryan’s, she lifted her voice to God praising Him for the provision in her life.

Friends and family joined in, and I found myself once again caught up in the moment. I scanned the crowd looking for faces to document when my eyes landed on Vickie and Tonya. Ryan’s mom and bonus mom, eyes closed in worship and hands outstretched. I thought back to that Bible study group and the chance encounter after their first date. Years before this day, a group of women knew that Ryan and Elizabeth were perfect for each other. I thought about the prayers that led to this moment. Each woman seeking God for guidance, praying for the relationship that was meant to be. It all led up to this day.

I could feel the moment coming to an end as the music began to fade away. Pastor Jason invited everyone to take their seats once more. Roman and Willow stepped into the spotlight once again, passing the rings to Ryan and Elizabeth, while taking the bouquet from her hand. They both beamed, knowing that such an important task was granted to them. The significance of that gesture fell profoundly on me. Roman, Willow, Evah and Eliza were not just participating in a ceremony. They were establishing a brand new family. One built on love and choice, not just blood.

Rings in hand, Ryan and Elizabeth exchanged their symbols of commitment with one another. I thought back to our first meeting at Piper’s Tea and Coffee when they shared the story behind Elizabeth’s rings. Ryan ordered them from a vendor in Israel in November, a small piece of the Holy Land that is significant for the whole of Christianity. His plan had been to propose during the holiday season but it didn’t work out that way. After spending a month and a half in Cincinnati, held up by customs, the rings were shipped back to the vendor in Israel. No explanations were offered, just a cold letter stating that they’d been denied entry and shipped back. He didn’t give up though, and on the second attempt, the rings sailed through customs without any problems at all.

As I watched Ryan place the ring on Elizabeth’s hand that day, I thought of the similarities of the rings’ trip and their relationship.

A joyous smile spread across Elizabeth’s face as she placed the ring on Ryan’s finger. They began exchanging their vows, committing their hearts and lives to each other.

This was it. The very moment the entire day was building toward. The vows and rings had been exchanged, the songs had been sung, nothing else was left except this.

“I now pronounce you Husband & Wife” announced Pastor Jason. “Ryan, you may kiss your bride.”

He stepped away, and Ryan gently cupped Elizabeth’s face and pulled her into their first kiss as husband and wife. The crowd erupted in cheers, applause broke out and music filled the atmosphere. Ryan and Elizabeth lingered in the moment, caught up in the excitement and joy that surrounded them.

They turned to face their crowd, Elizabeth taking the bouquet from Willow, and raising triumphant hands into the air. The cheers became louder, the sounds filling every corner of the room.

“May I present to you, for the first time, Mr & Mrs Ryan Smith.” Pastor Jason proclaimed, and the recessional began. Ryan and Elizabeth led the way, smiling the entire walk back. Hand in hand, they led their group into the awaiting vestibule.

Guests began filtering out of their seats, making their way to greet Ryan and Elizabeth. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged as guests filtered out to their vehicles. Nearly all of them were making the trek over to Ryan and Elizabeth’s reception at The Purple Toad Winery.

The ceremony may have been over, but the party was just beginning. Guests carried their joy and excitement out of the church doors and into the reception venue. The Purple Toad winery was decorated beautifully. Delicious food lined the wall, their cake standing tall amidst boxes of delectable cupcakes.

Ryan and Elizabeth arrived and her father prayed over the meal. As guests lined up, I noticed something. During the planning phase, I always suggest to my bride and groom clients that they eat their meal as soon as they arrive at the venue and then cut the cake. The flow of this allows guests to finish their meal and then have dessert during the traditional dances. When Ryan and Elizabeth finished eating, they walked to their cake table and the cupcakes hadn’t been unboxed yet. Instead of seeing a problem, they saw an opportunity. They started unboxing the cupcakes themselves, opting to serve their guests rather than asking someone to do it while they waited.

Others began stepping in to help, and before long the table was filled. The aroma of sugary sweetness filled the air and children crowded the table in excited anticipation.

While they were working, I noticed the cake servers. They didn’t look brand new, so I had to ask about their history. Elizabeth shared that they belonged to her parents, and had been used in their own wedding many years ago. The sweetness of this moment was made even sweeter with the inclusion of her parents’ cake servers.

After taking the serving set into their hands, Ryan and Elizabeth placed a slice of cake onto a plate. Following tradition, they picked up small bits of cake to feed to one another. Laughter almost immediately erupted as they fed each other a bit of cake.

The moment passed as guests made their way to the dessert table. At the same time, Elizabeth’s mom made her way to the microphone at the DJ booth. An impromptu speech began, but this one had a hidden agenda behind it, a surprise for Elizabeth. Her brother, Wes, had prepared a song for their first dance and he had to fetch his guitar. Bonnie began speaking about fun moments over the years and how thankful she was for Ryan to join their family. It only lasted a few minutes, and the hugs at the end allowed Wes to sneak in with his guitar and stand at an awaiting microphone next to the DJ booth.

Bonnie took her seat at the table, Ryan and Elizabeth still chatting with her when Wes started playing his guitar. The melody floated through the air and immediately caught Elizabeth’s attention. Ryan was looking at her, hand extended in invitation. She smiled, realizing what was happening. Her brother was performing the song for her first dance.

Tears welled in her eyes as Ryan led her to the dance floor. He gracefully wrapped his arms around her waist as they began swaying to the music. Family and friends gathered around, watching intently as the new couple twirled. Several phones were recording the milestone moment, one of them Vickie’s as she watched her son dance with his new bride.

Wes sang the last notes of the song, playing the final chords on his guitar and the dancing came to a close. Ryan and Elizabeth walked up to him and wrapped him in a hug and handshake.

Dancing continued, Elizabeth inviting her Dad onto the floor for their moment in the spotlight. I loved watching them laugh together as they swayed to the music. It was easy to see that they shared a deep bond as they moved across the floor.

Ryan watched from his seat, knowing that his turn was next. As Elizabeth’s dance came to a close, she shared another hug with her father while Ryan and Vickie walked to the center of the floor. He pulled her in close and began swaying to the music. I always get emotional when I watch mothers dance with their sons on wedding days, and this one was no different. Vickie was soon overcome with those same emotions, and tears of joy started dancing at the corners of her eyes. Elizabeth looked on, watching the tender moment with tears in her own eyes.

Ryan hugged her one last time, savoring the moment with her before it was time to invite Tonya onto the floor. As they embraced, music began once again. Placing his hand in hers, they started to sway along with the tempo. Huge smiles spread across their faces as they danced, laughter coming just a few seconds later.

As I watched, snapping photos from all angles, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone was smiling as they danced. I felt the ease of the moment, no rush to hurry through. These dances were sacred, Elizabeth with her father and Ryan with his mom and bonus mom. Moments of surrender for the parents, they had played their roles, guiding Elizabeth and Ryan towards this relationship. Planning the wedding day, offering help anywhere they could.

These dances weren’t a conclusion to the festivities of the day, though. They marked a new beginning. A path that now included Ryan, Elizabeth and their children forging a new bond together.

As Ryan and Tonya’s dance came to a close, applause broke out. They embraced, signaling the end of the moment and walked back to their table. I snuck a photo of Tonya hugging her daughter before they took their seats.

The DJ made an announcement, inviting couples to the dance floor as joyful music played on the speakers. I took this opportunity to pull Ryan and Elizabeth away for a short set of photos amongst the grapevines at the vineyard. The verdant green backdrop was absolutely perfect, a nod to Elizabeth’s wedding colors.

Wanting to replicate the fluid motions of their dances, I guided them into fun poses using movement and Elizabeth’s gown into the photos. Her gown billowed and swayed in the breeze as she spun, grasping Ryan’s hand in the air. We then made our way over to a paved path with a willow tree as their backdrop. After coaching them, they began a slow walk down the pathway. The willow tree created an exquisite backdrop for these images.

As our time came to a close, the three of us started making our way back to the venue. Ryan and Elizabeth’s guests were waiting for their return. As they walked back to the venue, a visual made me pause. Guests had grouped together outside, watching everyone dance and fellowship together. Conversations flowed easily as Ryan and Elizabeth walked back up the path to their awaiting guests.

The dance floor was still full, children and adults alike having fun. My time with them was ending, but their night was just beginning. Ryan and Elizabeth walked back into their venue, surrounded by people that loved them so much with nothing but their future stretching out before them.