I spent a little bit of time with Nathanael and his groomsman before returning for Kathryn to put her dress on. All the pieces of their classic and romantic winter Iroquois Club wedding were coming together. I unintentionally made my bride tear up! Who does that? I shared with her how handsome I thought Nathanael looked. They had a rough week leading into their wedding day. Much went wrong. The culmination of those stress points and the realization that this was her wedding day was overwhelming. Nathanael has the best natural expression. It was as if everything he was feeling inside was displayed on his face. It couldn’t be contained. And his smile was a big ear to ear, happy grin. The groomsman fell quiet behind me which NEVER happens. They were such an enjoyable group of gentlemen to spend the day with! And Kathryn’s bridesmaids were attentive, so sweet and just smitten with Kathryn. Friendships like that aren’t easy to come by.

Kathryn was hoping for a winter wonderland. I was just hoping it wasn’t twenty degrees or worse on her wedding day. We got both. Snow on the ground and relatively mild temperatures. It rained during their portraits which isn’t ideal but all those clear umbrellas I always have in my car came in handy and made their wedding party and couple portraits possible AND cute.

At the start of every engagement session, one of my main goals is to truly get to know my couples. Who they are as individuals. How they interact with each other. Their story. But with Nathanael, long after the engagement session was over it become more and more clear just how romantic and thoughtful he is toward Kathryn. They met at church and their families have been long time friends. They have known each other most of their lives. But, they don’t behave as though they are ‘used’ to each other. After all these years of knowing each other, their love is still so fresh. So intentional. Nathanael serenaded Kathryn with John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ before he proposed. He purchased a blanket for his bride to stand on, during outdoor portraits, and protect her dress on their winter wedding day. Nathanael MADE their place cards. That isn’t just a romantic kind of love. That is selfless love. When you take care, with pride, of even the small things because you know it’s important to your partner. Nathanael, I hope in fifty years you still look at Kathryn the way you do now. I hope that you’ll lift her off of her feet and above your head because your love for her is so big for many years to come. I pray that you keep Christ first and lead well. It’s the only hope for a peaceful home full of joy.

As a parent, one who is trying to instill Godly principles, it is my experience that nothing is more powerful than a praying parent. As I prepared to leave Kathryn + Nathanael’s wedding I tucked a memory away of the glance I saw Nathanael’s parents exchange as they held hands for prayer. And Kathryn’s mom brought tears to my eyes as we spoke before I left. She said ‘praise God. That’s all I can say is praise God.’ She was fighting back emotion as her daughter and now son-in-law danced just a few feet behind her. They danced like they were in their own little world. Mrs. Stewart pointed at them and said ‘this. This is what you get when you pray for them every single day since they were babies.’ Kathryn + Nathanael, you have been so richly blessed with two exemplary, Godly examples. I pray you realize what a blessing that truly is. I don’t think it’s possible to spend time with you and your families and leave without feeling touched by God. My heart is so full of so much I want to share with the pair of you but words fail me. God first. Your spouse second. Your self last. Always last. BIG hugs!!!

Full list of vendors at the end of this post.

Hair + Make-up: 24Luxe
Florals: Floral Designs by Lori
Ceremony + Reception Venue: Iroquois Club

To view Kathryn + Nathanael’s engagement session, click HERE!
To view more recent weddings, click HERE!