Jackson and Courtney’s wedding day was everything they could have ever imagined and more. Surrounded by their closest friends and family, they promised to choose and love each other each and every day, to support one another always, and to do it all with God by their side. Their love story is such a beautiful testament to the redemption and freedom that Jesus brings…and I still can’t believe I got to be the lucky one to photograph their day!

It’s not often that I meet a couple for the very first time on their wedding day, but since Courtney and Jackson live far away, we had done all of our communication over the phone or email leading up to Saturday. Needless to say, I was so excited to meet them in person and celebrate! Courtney’s family has a way of immediately making you feel like one of their own. Her mom actually has a term for friends who are more like family: framily! Almost every person involved in their day fit under that label. They pulled together a gorgeous wedding venue in their own backyard in a matter of months, and it was perfect in every single way!

To keep this from getting too long, I thought I’d share some moments I’ll always remember bullet-point style below:

• walking up to see Courtney’s dad in work clothes, trimming away at bushes and spreading mulch! Their wedding day seriously was a labor of love from all family members, and it was so neat to see the way every one chipped in!
• when Courtney saw her bouquet for the first time! Andrea (of Bella Sorella Floral Design) is Courtney’s sister-in-law, so obviously her florals were *amazing* — my jaw about hit the floor when I saw the stunning creation she had put together for Courtney!!
• all the family love during portraits! Courtney and Jackson chose to have their siblings for their bridal party. They honored their family so well throughout the entire day, and it was so special to witness!
• when Courtney climbed right up on her grandpa’s lap before the ceremony — there was not a dry eye in the room as they chatted and laughed away despite his terrible memory loss.
• Courtney and her dad walking down the aisle…oh my goodness! There’s one image that will forever be a favorite of mine…her dad is looking right at her mom, and it’s as if you can see all the struggles and years that have led them to this joyous celebration! They had an intimate ceremony overlooking Morse Reservoir, and family members patted him on the back and shook hands as they walked down.
• Courtney’s sweet Grandpa Dick and his little blue camera! If you peak in the background of the ceremony photos, you’ll see a few of him clicking away. I loved how proud he was of her — such a special memory to have!!
• when Jackson’s brother surprised everyone by climbing over the railing and hopping onto the hammock for his toast…haha!
• and many, many more!

 

Overall, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of family and marriage and love. I am so excited to share Courtney and Jackson’s day with you today! Enjoy some of my favorites!

Love these ones of Courtney seeing her bouquet!!!

The sweetest first look! I love all the joy these images hold…and, if you zoom in close enough, you can see some happy tears, too!

Love, love, love!!!

As I mentioned above, their entire wedding party was family. Love all of these fun images with flower girls, junior bridesmaids, in-laws, and more!

Courtney and her grandpa….such a beautiful moment.

And then it was time for the ceremony to begin! Love the image on the right Lauren caught of both grandpas shaking hands!

A favorite, for sure! :) I love the relationship these two have!!

As I mentioned above, Courtney’s entire family put in so much work to make their home the perfect wedding venue for their day. Isn’t it simply stunning?!

My favorite part of the day was how it was just one big celebration! Love all these candid family moments so much!

Congratulations, Courtney and Jackson!!!