I've tried multiple times in vain to express how special Jon and Angela's wedding was. So instead of trying to craft an illustrative write-up of the day I'm going to give snapshots that will help express what made this day so precious and unique. When I think of Jon and Angela's wedding day, I first think of the way my heart felt looking out over the crowd as Angela and her Dad made the journey up the aisle. My heart was bursting with love, so saturated in the delicate beauty of the moment before me. As a looked at their family and friends, the swelling in my chest was familiar: it was the same emotion I felt on my own wedding day when I looked out over my own guests. I paused in the moment as tears filled my eyes, feeling so grateful to all who were present to celebrate this amazing couple. Since Angela and her family are from Australia many of the guests had literally traveled from the other side of the world to support Jon and Angela's marriage!
In thinking about Jon and Angela's wedding I think about the months of thoughtful preparation put into this day, the hours poured into raising the chicken to be served at their reception--YES! They hand raised the chicken they served! I think of the care taken to hand preserve, pickle and jar their favors. The love and skill Angela's sister put into embroidering the jar toppers for each guest to take home. I think about the nurturing Jon and Angela placed into raising some of the vegetables incorporated into the bridal party's bouquets and boutonnieres.
Something that struck me throughout the months before their wedding was how intentional Jon and Angela were about every aspect of their wedding, from having Jon's grandfather read a poem Angela's grandfather had written, to how their love of gardening was highlighted throughout the entire day. Jon and Angela chose to remove their shoes during their ceremony in order to be more grounded as they became husband and wife. They took each detail to heart and made it their own.
I can't replay this day without thinking of Angela's sister, Michelle's, speech. Michelle and I had an instant connection from the start of the day and throughout the reception she kept mentioning to me how nervous she was about her speech. I kept reassuring her she would do great, but when the time came she didn't do great, no, she gave the best wedding speech I have ever seen. Instead of a traditional talk she performed a customized rendition of "Ice, Ice, Baby" complete with dance moves. The entire reception was rolling with laughter. Jon and Angela were doubled over in laughter and disbelief! If you ask me, spending your first hours of marriage sharing side-splitting laughter with your partner and everyone you love is an incredible gift.
Jon and Ange, thank you for sharing the gift of your friendship with me and for allowing me to capture this precious day.
Second Shooter: Becka Pillmore
Dress: Rachel Gilbert
Suit: Vintage Finds
Wedding Venue: Bryn Athyn Cathedral
Reception Venue: Applewood Events
Catering: Always Cafe
Music: Grits and Grouper Soup
Chalk Art: Cailin Elphick
Florals: Bri Kern
Hair: Hair by Natalie Thomas
Make-up: Eryn Simons