I’m going to approach this wedding post a little differently. Rather than give you an overview of Arica and Chris love story or wedding events, I am going to share all of the many reasons I love their day.  To read more about their love story, be sure to check out their Nashville engagement session.

I love that Arica’s day started with prayer. Before the first stroke of makeup was applied, Arica’s bridesmaids sat and prayed over her day and her marriage to Chris. The two met on Christian Mingle and boldly incorporate their faith into their daily lives. It was the perfect start to the day.

I love that Chris bought Arica a pair of pink Converse shoes to wear, and that she wore them her entire wedding day! “Love” being embroidered on the side, certainly doesn’t hurt, either!

I love that Arica’s mom saved her baby cap to be used as a hanky on her wedding day. And speaking of parents, I love how Arica incorporated her parents into the wedding process. She waited a long time to find the one God saved for her, which means they waited a long time to see their baby girl walk down the aisle… Arica wanted them to be a part of her wedding journey, although they still live in her home state of Texas. She even scheduled a Skype call with me and them, not long after hiring me, so that they could meet me too.

 Arica planned a first look with both of her parents, before letting Chris see her for the first time.

I pretty much love all first looks… that’s no surprise. But, watching Chris pray, while Arica cried was special. This single image, I believe, sums up their wedding day and their love.

I love Arica and Chris’ silly, and sometimes inappropriately funny wedding party. Their friendships go back so many years. They are surrounded by love, daily.

I love that Arica and Chris’ wedding was the first to take place at their church’s new campus. It just seemed right that way… that they would be the first of many couples to commit their lives to one another on that stage.

Love the pre-ceremony selfie with dad!!

And I especially love this shot of the littles that couldn’t make it through the wedding, who are still watching while they snack.

Arica and Chris both love children. She is a professional nanny and was surrounded by children all day. This shot of them with the wedding party kids, after the ceremony, sums up each of their unique personalities.

BBQ = love. Always. And with macaroni and cheese? Love, love, love.

I don’t think I have a picture of it… but, I celebrated my birthday at their wedding, with cake and singing! I’m not used to being the center of attention at a wedding. Knowing it was my birthday, they wanted to celebrate me and their friends who were celebrating birthday’s that weekend.  Aren’t they the sweetest?

The thing I loved most about Arica and Chris’ wedding is that the day was truly about their relationship. They told me from the very start that photography was very important to them and that parts of the wedding would be modest, to allow them to hire the right photographer. Neither side of the wedding party got ready in the fanciest hotel and their reception wasn’t held at a high-end venue… I love weddings that with unique editorial-worthy details as much as the next photographer, but it’s my relationship with my couples that I treasure most.  The simplicity of their day reminded me of that.

VENDORS: CEREMONY VENUE:  The Church at Avenue South // RECEPTION VENUE: The Martin Center  // BRIDAL DRESS: David’s Bridal // HAIR: Dana Sullivan // CEREMONY MUSIC: Jasson & Pauline Medlin, David Naish // INVITATION: Designed by Toby Sturgill // CAKES: Nothing Bundt Cakes  // CATERING: Corky’s BBQ // DJ: Al Gregory // VIDEO: Fields Films