I wasn’t sure what to expect during the trip to Stanleytown but I couldn’t have been happier when I pulled up to Fort Trial Baptist Church. I knew, somewhere inside the building was a beautiful bride who had waited 5 and a half years to marry the man of her dreams. Justin and MaryJo met in calculus class during their senior year of high school and kept their relationship strong during time at different colleges and MaryJo’s two years in CA as a missionary. He proposed to her on the 5 year anniversary of their first date and the wedding planning commenced! Rarely have I seen a wedding with such great details when the family hasn’t had the help of a wedding planner or event crew. If I was a betting woman, I’d bet that the McNiel’s pulled off one of the classiest and most beautiful weddings Stanleytown has ever seen.
The bride’s sister Emiy did her make-up and could rival Kelsey as one of the funniest little southern fire crackers I’ve ever met!
It was fun to be a messenger as I helped the bride and groom exchange letters before the ceremony.
While I was with the ladies, Jenny, my wonderful intern and second shooter, took the guys for their formals. I think we can all agree she did a great job and they had a blast!
The ceremony was brief but full of meaning and wonderful moments. MaryJo looked like she might explode with happiness during the whole thing. I loved it!
Justin was close as well, check out this beautiful smile Jenny caught as he saw his bride for the first time…
Her smile stuck all the way through the rest of the ceremony, she told us later she was smiling so big so she wouldn’t cry, like Justin’s brothers.
It was hot, there’s no way around that, but we frolicked in an open field anyway.
I just can’t get enough of that look in her eyes. There’s a whole lot of love and happiness there.
I told you about the details…just beautiful!
The reception was over in a flash and the bride and groom were off to Charleston, SC. I have a pretty soft spot in my heart for that town and I’m sure they are enjoying it just as much as Josh and i enjoyed it this time five months ago! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Peak!
PS. This is my 100th blog post! The first person to comment on it and tell me a joke having to do with the number 100 will win a $5.00 iTunes gift card! Ready…go!
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