Nick + Shelby

An Elegant Florida Wedding with a Touch of Country Charm

Nick and Shelby said, “I DO!” among their closest family and friends this past Saturday at The Barn at Cottonwood Ranch. Countryside cattle, swans (don’t get too close!), and all of their loving witnesses saw and heard the same heart-warming vows, exchanges of giggles, and abounding joy.

Without a doubt, my photographer-heart was buzzing with excitement to have the opportunity to capture a gorgeous couple in love (again!), at an unbelievable venue, with handpicked florals EVERYWHERE.. Adding to the day’s perfection, we had golden sunshine for the entire day. Nothing gets better than this – nothing at all!

Give me sunshine, open skies, and a joyful couple and I’m set.

It became obvious to me, and likely all of the vendors, that Nick and Shelby come from a family legacy of long-lasting, strong marriages. Both the bride and groom’s sides were involved in all of the details, supportive and you could just tell, this day brought them just as much joy as the bride and groom.

I can’t help myself from noticing the longing, joyful glances from parents on a wedding day. THIS IS IT – this is what we’ve raised our sons and daughter’s for. We train them up in the way that they should go (Proverbs 22:6), as warriors for Christ, we fill our quiver with the blessing of arrows (Psalm 127:3-5) and then the climax hits – Suddenly, it’s their wedding day and we let them go. In many ways, it’s what we hope and dream for, yet so terrifying at the same time.

It won’t be many years before Jonathon and I are handing our daughters and son over in marriage and I won’t be surprised when I feel all of the emotions that I’ve seen so many times after shooting wedding, after wedding, after wedding. To all the parents of the brides and grooms – we see you!

Nick + Shelby, you have a beautiful journey ahead of you. Look to Christ (Hebrews 12:2), abide in the Word (John 15:5), and grow together as you find that marriage is so hard and so wonderful at the same time. You might THINK that your wedding day was the pinnacle, but the best is yet to come.

Thank you SO much for trusting us to photograph such a special day for you. We loved every minute! We hope that these photos bring you as much joy as they’ve brought us.

In closing, the lyrics to Nick + Shelby’s private last dance song sums up the sentiment perfectly.

Let our Foundation be built on your majesty
Let every word you speak fill this home
Jesus, our Cornerstone. The anchor for our souls
Your Glory will be shown by our love
As for me and my house, we will serve you