It was a beautiful Sunday on Labor Day weekend when Mandy & Adron stood in front of their family and friends, and vowed to love each other forever. The day that they had planned for months came together seamlessly as clear blue skies blessed their sweet union and laughter filled the air. They married in Calvary Lutheran Church in Concord, the childhood church home of the groom, and they danced the night away at Dennis Vineyard.

When I walked into the church on that Sunday afternoon, I was greeted by the face of my best friend who was a bridesmaid in the wedding and the reason I met the bride & groom! She led me down the hall to the parlor where the girls were getting ready. Music was playing, cute pj’s on each girl, and the faint smell of perfume and hairspray filled the room. They were buzzing with excitement. I greeted the lovely bride who I hadn’t seen since our Uptown engagement session earlier that year. Before long, it was time for Mandy to get into her dress. From the beginning, I knew that the dress was very secretive and she didn’t want anyone to see it until the wedding day. Her mom put the finishing touches on the buttons, and then her bridesmaids came into the church lobby with their eyes closed, ready to see their best friend in her wedding dress. Their jaws hit the floor as they saw the stunning ball gown with a lace bodice. Adron’s expression was similar when he turned around to see his beautiful bride during their first look. He kept saying “look at you!” as he was in awe of his high school sweetheart and soon-to-be wife!

Before they knew it, the moment had come and it was time for the ceremony. The church’s pews were filled with loving friends and family who were there to witness their sweet bond. As the last of the bridesmaids had made their way down the aisle, the organ quieted and the anticipation of the moment hang heavy in the room. Adron’s lip started the quiver and his eyes filled as the realization hit him that soon she would be walking down the aisle to marry him. The doors opened and they beamed with excitement. Halfway down the aisle, Mandy was overcome with emotion as she was about to marry the love of her life. There was not a dry eye in the place! Adron’s youth pastor greeted them and led most of the service, and reflected on the moment he knew that Adron “had met a girl” and who would have thought that that girl would now be his wife! They exchanged vows and rings, and ultimately a kiss as they started their way back up the aisle as husband & wife.

After all the formalities came the party, and man was there a party! From toasts that had the crowd rolling, and fun first dances with lots of twirls, to hilarious lap dances and bouquet tosses, the night was quite eventful! However what was the most memorable part of the reception came after everyone had left the ballroom, and there stayed the couple for one last dance before they started their married lives. Their held each other close and danced one last dance while reflecting on the day and the life ahead of them. Like something out of a Disney movie, it was an honor to witness their sweet love for the last time that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandy & Adron, words cannot express how thankful I am that you two asked me to be a part of your wedding day. It is one that I will never forget, and I wish you two the happiest of lives together. May the love and joy you felt on that day carry with you for the rest of your lives.

Love,