Celebrating my couples is easily one of my favorite things to do, but the wedding becomes all the more special when the bride and groom are your friends!! I’ve said since the day I met them that Rachel and Kyle are two of the sweetest souls I have ever met, but as we moved through their big day, it was so evident that these two are true gems to everyone around them. Each family member, friend, mentor, etc, all said the same thing: they have a true love for Jesus, for loving others, and for loving each other. They’re all-in, gentle-hearted, honest friends with servant hearts.
I’m pretty sure I’ve been excitingly telling Rachel, “You’re going to be a wife!!!” every week since she got engaged, but walking into her getting ready room at Crossroads Church was so surreal. She was glowing, peaceful, and so joyful to be marrying the love of her life, and her bridesmaids were the ultimate hype team! I’m talking a HUGE spread of breakfast deliciousness on the counter and all the hugs – aka the best way to start your wedding day!
Once Rachel had her hair and makeup all done, it was time to get her dressed, but I wanted this moment to be intimate and special for her, her sister, Emily, and her mama! We set up a little get ready room in another part of the church so it could be just for them, and it was so much sweeter this way. You could see the love in her mama’s eyes! We then hid Rachel away for a second, got all of her bridesmaids ready with their eyes closed to catch their reactions. On the count of three, they saw their bestie as the most beautiful bride, and there were hugs and tears all around! They ended their little reaction covering Rachel in prayer.
Many of my couples ask for a first look, but this time, Rachel wanted to have her first look with her dad. How sweet?! He was so proud of his little girl and they had some time to share warm embraces and talk as father and daughter.
Rachel and Kyle opted not to see each other before the ceremony, but we did set them up to hold hands around a corner and have a few moments to talk and pray together before they became man and wife. Each of them took a turn praying for each other and their marriage, showing more and more how they both put Jesus first in their relationship.
We then went back to grab some fun photos with the guys putting on their finishing touches, and just like the girls did for Rachel, Kyle was also covered in prayer. They always say that you are who you surround yourself with, and this duo certainly has so much love and godliness around them. The Spirit was definitely moving that morning!!
Next up was the ceremony, where the officiant said the most beautiful things about getting to know these two and about having a true love of Jesus and each other. After their sweet first kiss and “I do”s, Rachel and Kyle took the time to say hello and hug each and every guest. They exited with birdseed (which looks like glitter in the photos) and in a fancy little getaway car!!
Family photos were extra precious – lots of laughs and little kiddos. This group is close-knit and doesn’t take life too seriously! McKinley Memorial Library was their portrait spot (one of my FAVORITE locations), and the dreamy light was to die for. No matter how humid and hot it got, the bridal party danced, joked, and all around had such a blast celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Smith!
Intentionality is so key to any relationship, and Rachel and Kyle truly prioritize that. Instead of sharing vows in front of everyone, they saved it for after the bridal party portraits were done so they could vow their love to each other just the two of them. It was all the more special and brought tears to my eyes!
Once we hit the reception at Divieste’s in Warren, it was time for some sweet first dance moments and serious dance moves. I’m telling y’all, almost every guest was out there dancing and singing their hearts out to 1990s songs. Not to mention, there were all the twirls for the ladies during the first dances.
No matter which part of their lives you look at, Rachel and Kyle are such a testament of Jesus’ love and represent the love God has for us so well. They love well, intentionally, and with everything they have. As I know every person at their wedding would agree, being friends with them is such a blessing! You always leave them more joyful than you came and knowing that you are truly cared for.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Smith!! It’s an honor to know you, to be friends with you, and to celebrate you every day, but especially your wedding day!! You are so loved!
Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Bree Thompson Photography
Videographer: Alec Ballentine
Wedding Dress: Abbott’s Bridal
Veil: Abbott’s Bridal
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom Suit & Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse
Groomsmen Suit & Tux Rental: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: Bree Thompson
Caterer: Divieste’s Banquet Centre
Cake: Bake Me Treats
DJ: Tim Lewis
Hair: Carissa Flint – New Styles
Ceremony: Crossroads Church
Portrait Location: McKinley Memorial Library
Reception: Divieste’s Banquet Centre
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