Jenna and Stephen | Pewaukee Wedding Photographer
It's easy to write about nice weather and pretty details, but it's more difficult to pinpoint joy & love.
Maybe that's why I'm having a hard time putting Jenna and Stephen's wedding day into words.
It began with sunshine and ended with smiles.
It was bright, breezy, and approximately 77 degrees. Sublime. It was the kind of weather that you wish for during the winter. The sunshine made me smile. So did Jenna. There's something so authentic about a bride on her wedding day. Jenna is the type of person that you want as a friend when you need help organizing something. She's the type of person that encourages others and makes them better. Detail oriented. Efficient. Effective. Kind. Stephen is the type of guy that you would get tacos with. Actually, he's the type of guy that would surprise you with tacos. And guacamole. And extra cheese. He's the type of person that listens to hear and not just respond. Thoughtful. Spontaneous. Generous. Gracious.
Together they're dynamic. They balance one another out, understand each other, and pray for one another. They are so thoughtful, giving, and welcoming.
The day started with prayer. I always pray in the car as I drive to the venue. Believe it or not, I still get nervous whenever I photograph a wedding. There are so many moving parts, so many details, and so many moments. So I pray over them. It's an honor that I get to step in on one of the most memorable days of a someone's life and show them the way I see it. It still leaves me feeling humbled, emotional, and overwhelmed.
Prayer continued all throughout the day, from the prayer that Jenna's mom prayed over Jenna before she walked down the aisle, to the prayer Jenna and Stephen prayed on opposite sides of a doorway just minutes before the ceremony started, to the prayers said by Pastor Marriott at the ceremony, and the prayers and blessings Jenna's Dad said at the reception. It's beautiful to see God's answers to prayer in such a tangible way. To witness two people commit to love one another and pray for one another.
While I've been to many weddings, there's always something that is prominent at each of them; This time it was family. Jenna had all 6 of her siblings stand up in the wedding and Stephen had all 7 of his. It's so special to have the people that have always been there (some of them since day one) stand beside you on "day one" of the rest of your life.
What stood out to me the most was during the speeches, when Megan, Jenna's sister/maid of honor, expressed how Stephen had always felt like a brother and how he had always fit in with her family.
I could go on and on, but I think I'll let the photos do the rest of the storytelling.
Enjoy some of my favorites pictures from July 7th.
Jenna and Stephen, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your celebration! Your wedding is the type of wedding that I wish I could photograph every Saturday :) Prayers and blessings on your marriage.
Much love,
Carley
P.s. You guys win the cutest couple award.
Megan, Allie, Lindsay, Sarah, Hannah, Katie, Moriah, Emmah, Santi, Kyle, Thomas, Michael, Ryan, Colin, Timothy, and Ian. What a group! Thank you guys for being so fun, kind, and photogenic ;)
Shout out to my brother Joshua Ethan for photographing this wedding with me!
Josh, you made everything ten times easier. Thanks for carrying my heaviest bag and for managing the timeline! You're a true pal.
Thank you to all of the amazing individuals & vendors who helped make this day possible:
Hair: Hannah Crawley | Makeup: Hailey Ligocki | Gown: Davids Bridal | Bridesmaids Attire: lulus.com | Groom + Groomsmen Attire: DuBois Tuxedos | DJ: Midwest Sound | Caterer: Bubbs BBQ and All Occasions Catering