My junior bridesmaid got married! What!? Just a few years ago (okay, nine!), she was this cutie as my junior bridesmaid in my wedding:
I’ve known Michaela for most of her life; I first met her when her mother gave me piano lessons. Michaela was about 3 or 4. I’ll tell you about these two more. Just keep reading.
This wedding particularly geeked me out because they got married at Franklin First United Methodist Church. Why is that a big deal? Well, it’s a historical landmark: Johnny and June Cash got married there!
It was a perfect fall weekend in southern Kentucky. The Hunk and I stayed one exit south of the church, in Tennessee. We had a blast with the Air BnB hosts who loved hearing our stories of shooting weddings. Actually, I kinda want to go stay with them again. (Sidenote: The Hunk and I didn’t expect to be sharing their space; we expected to have our own place! It’s another funny story we got to add to our wedding shooting ventures! They have two Air BnBs: a room and a cottage. I recommend them!)
Anyway, the inside of the church was a treasure. The pipe organs! Johnny Cash memorabilia! Flowers! Windows through which to peek into the sanctuary. The Hunk and I could’ve spent about all day taking pictures of the details in this classic church.
Michaela’s ladies were seriously incredible! I love these moments with her mother, one of my favorite people in God’s whole created world, Melinda. (A little more about Melinda? I first met Melinda as Mrs. Morgan. Think about that. Yep, she was my teacher! She was my high school math teacher; God’s providence placed her in my life at the single most pivotal stages of my life and I can’t imagine where I’d be had He just given me a teacher who didn’t have a heart for Jesus who would be a faithful woman of God to me right when I needed it most. I could write pages about this, but I’ll spare you, for now!)
Once she got her dress on, Michaela was hit by the reality of the moment. There were tears and there was laughter and then mamma tied the bow on the back of the dress. And then there was a moment when Michaela was overcome and missing her great-grandpa, the most beloved grandpa there ever was. It was a special moment.
Michaela’s ladies were so full of surprises. They made her a book full of memories, including some from her bachelorette party and other sentimental moments. Again, there were tears and laughter!
Michaela’s details were classy and happy and had just the right amount of glimmer!
I may have a little bias, but I think Michaela makes an insanely gorgeous bride. Those flowers? Perfect! That smile? So genuine.
Michaela and Ben had their first look on the square facing the church. Loving that old, small town charm!
When the sweetest Grandma ever sees her granddaughter in her wedding dress, this is basically the sort of face she makes. And then she hugs her heartily! If you ever meet Melinda’s mother, you’ll know exactly where she learned to love others fiercely.
Those sweet bridesmaids strike again with another sweet surprise. This time, it’s literally sweet. Any sensible bride can’t walk down the aisle without enjoying a Coke with her gal pals!
These two ladies. I don’t even have words for their sweetness. Melinda and Kathy became friends around the time Melinda and her husband moved to pastor Kathy’s church. They’ve been inseparable pretty much ever since. There’s not a duo more powerful than these two: God-fearing, genuinely loving, immensely helpful. I wish I could adopt them as official aunts, or something.
I love everything about this ceremony. Michaela’s grandpa began the ceremony; he said, “Michaela, you have never looked more beautiful than you do today.” So. Much. Love.
Michaela and Ben took communion together and their families served communion to their guests.
While guests took communion, Michaela and Ben shared some words with one another privately. We couldn’t hear what they shared with one another, but, again, there were definitely heartfelt words shared on both parts.
And, just like that, they are married!
We grabbed a few moments of them together before heading to the reception.
And, Michaela’s ladies surprised her again with a sweet video; Michaela and Ben worked together to serve children in Haiti. Some of those they worked with and served sent their video greetings to begin their reception. Seriously: It was incredibly sweet. And then the best man and two maids of honor did their speech thang.
While people ate, The Hunk did his magic; he caught these fabulous ring shots.
So, they cut the cakes.
And did the dancing.
After everyone danced the night away, Michaela and Ben had this gorgeous sparkler exit, got in his truck, and drove away, husband and wife.
Just like John and Bethany, Michaela and Ben let me practice film-making on their big day. I know I’m going to keep getting better and better at film-making! I’ve learned so much.
Michaela and Ben,
Grow with the Lord; let Him teach you as the two of you grow together in Him. And love one another, even when you don’t feel like it. And seek His wisdom, grace, and love. Serve others but also serve one another. I can’t wait to watch the two of you change the world for Christ.
So. Much. Love.
Rebecca
