The story of Kierston scheduling a portrait session for herself, me joking that perhaps that very session would lead to a boyfriend, and her contacting me for an engagement session less than a year later, is one of my favorite client stories to tell. But, the truth is, AJ didn’t just appear in her life after that session. She and he already attended church together and had been friends for a year, before they considered dating, despite all of their friends suggesting the same.

Not long after they started dating though, they both realized that they had something special together.

When Kierston accepted AJ’s marriage proposal, she already knew he was the one because of how well he treated her. She says, “he was 100% the man I didn’t even know I needed. He was my protector, caregiver, friend, love and prayer partner.” During the planning of their wedding, Kierston’s mother was unexpectedly hospitalized and sadly passed away. All of the good Kierston already saw in AJ as her future husband was magnified because he never left her side, during such a difficult time. “He took care of me like only someone who loves you deeply can. He was absolutely, hands down an amazing blessing from God! I know for sure that our relationship was timed and ordained by Him.”

The two pictures below tell the story of Kierston’s favorite moments from the wedding. The first, of course being AJ crying as she walked down the aisle… and the second being her eleven-year-old nephew walking her down the aisle. A few moments before, her nephew looked at her and said, “I’ve got you. You look beautiful, and I’m proud of you.” Kierston said it melted her heart (as it probably did yours.. because I know it melted mine!) and eased all of her nerves.
Kierston and AJ’s wedding was an emotional day because so many of their loved ones were’t there to celebrate with them. But, it was equally as beautiful because they honored their parents and grandparents throughout the day, knowing that neither would have made it to that moment without their parents’ and grandparents’ love and support.

TRUSTED VENDORS : VENUE : Matthews Manor // EVENT DESIGNER/FLORALS: Dana’s Foral Design // BRIDAL GOWN : White Room // MAKEUP: Sylvia Smith // HAIR: Camisha Rivers // RECEPTION MUSIC : Johnathan Avant and Band / DJ Hollywood