Her eyes filled with tears. Tears she hadn’t anticipated. This was supposed to be a joyful day; a day to celebrate, dance, and smile. But the words struck her to her core. The officiant reminded her sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law to look at each other’s hands. She explained that these were the same hands that first touched back in 2017, and that they would be the same ones reaching for each other when they’re wrinkled with time.

But she couldn’t help thinking of her sister’s hands as the ones that had held her since she was a baby. The ones that had guided her through every season of her life. They had both grown since then. And now she was watching her big sister marry the man who had been part of her life for so many years—the brother-in-law she’d never remember life without.

That kind of love is what surrounds Emma and Ethan. It’s what has taught them how to love each other. It’s showing up even when you can’t, like how Emma’s grandpa found a way to talk to her just moments before the ceremony despite his illness keeping him from being there in person. It’s the way we practice over and over again because you want to get it right for the people you love, like how Ava, Emma’s baby sister, practiced her walking pace even just moments before the processional to make sure she had it perfect.

There were so many moments on this wedding day that reminded everyone what it truly means to be loved by someone.

Emma & Ethan,

Thank you for letting me be part of this season of your lives. From your engagement session to dancing together as husband and wife, I’ve felt nothing but honored to witness it all. I’m so excited for your future together. I hope these images will always remind you of the way you’ve chosen each other and of how your friends and family have chosen to uplift you in your marriage.

A huge thank you to a team of great vendors! Linked Below!

Venue: The Chandelier
Lead Photographer: Kaitlynn Payne Photography
Second Shooter: Amanda Lauren Collective
Dress: Atlas Bridal Shop
Hair Stylist: Tangles Salon, Ashley Reinhart
Makeup Artist: Tangles Salon, Lexy Gosche
DJ and Videography: Reflections Event Group
Cupcakes: Handshoe Cakes and Cookie
Cake: Kristi’s Buttercream Kitchen