We walked into the room where the girls were getting ready + Rachel’s mom greeted us with the BIGGEST smile on her face + a warm, welcoming hug. “Remember me?!?” she said. (We met Terri briefly during Marcus + Rachel’s engagement session last year!). She couldn’t stop smiling — grinning from ear to ear — as she welcomed us to the celebration, told us how well the rehearsal went the night before, + asked us if there was anything we needed from her right away. Shortly after this initial meeting, all of the bridesmaids came over, one by one, with a hug + big smile on their faces, too : ) They introduced themselves, said encouraging words to us … and that’s just how the day went.

It was a day spent with some of the kindest people you could ever meet, centered around the MARRIAGE of two people who just couldn’t wait any longer to be husband + wife! A day focused on faith, relationships, + joyful celebration. I watched the tears well up in Marcus’ eyes as his bride’s proud father escorted her down the aisle. Throughout the ceremony, loving glances + hand squeezes were given frequently, + the room erupted with gladness as they were pronounced as husband + wife : )

In between the ceremony + reception, we made a pit stop at Rachel’s parent’s house to say “hi” to guests during the afternoon reception. The experience so beautifully encapsulates the family that Rachel comes from, as well as the family that Marcus comes from + where I KNOW the family that they are creating together is heading. Guests parked all up + down the street — hundreds of them — to gather at Rachel’s parents home + celebrate the marriage they had just witnessed together. The entire yard + every inch of the home was being used for the party — everyone was welcome, anywhere. There was endless food + drinks + conversation … and everyone was smiling : ) It was a really unique event that we got to experience + honestly just had so much fun interacting with guests + truly being a part of Marcus + Rachel’s celebration as not just photographers but guests + witnesses to their marriage commitment : )

The rest of the evening was nothing but a joyous celebration + we are just so excited to share some of our favorite images from their day with you!! Enjoy this beautiful wedding + have an amazing weekend, everyone!!!!!

I just LOVE these girls + this porch!! Ahhhh!!

LOVE this one!!!

Another favorite : )

THANK YOU to Marcus + Rachel’s wedding day TEAM!!

Ceremony Location: St. Clare Parish | Reception: Thornberry Creek at Oneida | Florist: Ebb & Flow Floral + Event Styling | DJ: Elite Music Service | Wedding Dress Shop: Elaine’s Wedding + Event Center