You may remember Jessica and Daniel from their modern twist in the woods engagement session. To this day, I still have inquiries wondering if I can bring “the grey couch along” for their particular session. Imagine their disappointment when I tell them I don’t own the couch, Jessica and Daniel do. HAHA! I met Jessica and Daniel over a year ago. At the time, I had no clue they were dating, but when I finally saw them holding hands, I kind of had a ‘duhhhhh’ moment. I mean, let’s face it… They are absolutely perfect for each other. So trendy, adorable, and they both have GIANT giving hearts. I love that about them both.
John and I were SMITTEN when Daniel and Jessica picked US to shoot their special day. When Jessica told me her wedding was on October 5th, I almost forgot that the 5th is my birthday! I was so excited that she asked me to shoot her wedding, that my birthday seemed less important than such an honor. I can’t say that I would work on my birthday for just ‘anyone’ but J+D, um hello, no brainer! PLUS, what better way than to celebrate with people on the happiest day of their lives!
The morning of the 5th, I received a phone call from Jessica. It was only about 9:30, so I was a little concerned about what on earth she could be needing? I picked up the phone and said “Hi Jessica!” a voice said, “Hey Kelly, this is Gretchen, one of Jessica’s bridesmaids, I have some bad news.” My heart literally stopped beating, because I imagined the worse possible thing. Gretchen said the venue that Jessica and Daniel were getting married at tragically burnt to the ground early that morning. I gasped. I immediately let out a sigh of relief because I was afraid I was going to be told someone was hurt, but still couldn’t imagine how upset Jessica was. Gretchen told me that they were working on another venue and they would keep me updated. All I could say is “Bless her heart.” I just couldn’t even imagine the devastation both Jessica and Daniel were experiencing. Luckily, the venue was a barn, and ALL of the horses made it out alive (something I wasn’t going to ask, because I was afraid of the answer.)
When I finally heard that J+D were going to continue on with their day, and press forward, my heart immediately felt better. Some people would have laid down and died, threw in the towel, and gave up. Not Jessica and Daniel. They knew it was God’s will to for the two of them to join lives, and switching venues wasn’t going to stop them. I was glad to hear that Jessica’s dress was NOT in the venue, although I would have given her the shirt off of my back had she needed it. Unfortunately her decorations were in the barn, but we made do without those.
Jessica and Daniel ended up getting married at Hope Presbyterian Church, where Daniel is a worship leader. When I arrived I heard someone say “Kelly!” Around the bushes came smiling Jessica. I hugged her and wanted to cry for her, but decided to try and stay strong. She had the highest spirits the entire day, and never let anything get her down. While Jessica and Daniel were getting ready the Hope community was ensuring that J+D would have the perfect day they deserved. I walked down to the sanctuary and gasped. I saw dozens of people vacuuming, moving props, watering plants, building arches, setting out chairs, organizing, etc (the list goes on and on and on). It was inevitable. Despite the yucky forecasted weather conditions and terrible venue tragedy, Jessica and Daniel’s day would go on. With a lot of love, good friends, and a WHOLE lot of Hope, Jessica and Daniel pulled their day off. I overheard Jessica say “It blows my mind that I planned this wedding for months, and it’s all being pulled together in one day.” It made me laugh, but it also made me realize what was really important.
John and I were able to work with our favorite Videographers, Jimmy and Toni from VMWeddings Studio. Toni was nice enough to remember my birthday, and even brought both John and I a cupcake.
A HUGE THANK YOU to John for taking some AMAZING images that you will see below. I cannot stress how amazing it is to have both a boy and a girl’s perspective on your wedding day. His creativity blows my mind. He does things I would never think of, and I’m the one with the art degree!
It was beyond encouraging to see how both J+D handled the unfortunate event that took place the morning of their wedding. In a way, I feel like I was supposed to take part in their day, and learn from these two incredible souls.
We are thankful for you both.
Enjoy!
I nearly squealed when I opened J+D’s gorgeous wedding invitation set!
Daniel gave all of his groomsmen skinny polkadot ties.
You may recognize both Loye and Claire, they have been in a couple of weddings that I’ve shot, and are dear friends/sorority sisters of mine! They’ve been best friends forever, and I love how much they laugh when they’re together.
I have shot ALL three of these beautiful girl’s weddings. What an honor!
Daniel was dressed to kill.
Jessica sewed this into Daniel’s jacket. I love her thoughtfulness.
Just moments before Jessica saw Daniel, she was literally glowing.
Before Daniel let Jessica take his blindfold off, he wanted to reassure her that everything was going to be ok, and that he loved her more than he ever had. I know she appreciated such comforting words after an eventful morning.
My favorite moment.
This ivy wall at Hope Pres was such a dreamy backdrop!
John Ginn shoots amazing stuff!
When Jessica said she was sweating, Daniel naturally waved his jacket to give a breeze.
How could I not post this? Jessica and Daniel are gorgeous, trendy, and creative, but let’s be honest. This is them all day, everyday.
Brides, flower crowns are so in. Jessica looked flawless with her simple flower crown! I wish so much that I too would have worn one!
Gretchen’s bangs make me so jealous.
I can always count on Loye to make everyone laugh!
Daniel and his groomsmen are all great friends. They like to laugh and do silly things. John and I cried we laughed so hard. Needless to say, we were very entertained
Hello awesome mustache.
While Daniel can be serious, and dramatic for pictures, he can’t help but also be himself. Per the groom’s request.
John had to walk away, he was laughing so hard. Another Daniel request.
During the ceremony, they had a mini worship, Daniel did his best to get the crowd involved.
Then, Jessica and Daniel’s family joined them to pray.
It’s not a wedding if Daniel doesn’t get on someone’s shoulders.
Another one of my past couples! Love Caitlyn and Zach!
Jessica and Daniel has a professional line dancer at their reception!
And if you aren’t tall enough, just grab a chair.
Our hearts are soaring.
Vendor Credit List:
Photography: Kelly Ginn Photography
Videography: VMWeddings Studio
Dress: Vineyard Collection- Barefoot Bride
Shoes: ModCloth-NVY Collection
Bridesmaid’s Dress: Anthropologie
Invitations: What’s Inside Design by Mary Jo Green
Flowers: Angie Morton Design
Line Dancer: Kenny Shackelford
Caterer: Jennifer Young
