Neither of them had ever agreed to be "set up" before, so it was unlikely that they would meet at a Christmas Dinner for singles. It was even more unlikely because the dinner was actually for singles in their 40s and 50s; Carissa and Sean were the only two twenty-somethings there. It was a little awkward to say the least.
Looking back, they both agreed that it is in "unlikely situations" that God often reveals His bigger plan.
After that dinner party, Carissa hadn't received a call from Sean, and she - like most young women waiting for a handsome guy to call - became nervous that maybe he wouldn't call. She was right. Sean didn't call. Instead, he drove across town to the Starbucks where she worked to ask her out in person. For the rest of her shift Carissa wore a smile that stretched a mile across her face - even a coworker commented through the headset "Gee Carissa, could you smile any wider?"
She hasn't stopped smiling since.
When we first met, in an effort to get to know them better, I asked them both, "When did you know? When did you know that this was the one?" Both of them recalled separate conversations where they individually expressed their love for Jesus; for God's calling in their life. It was in these moments, in the precious weight of these words, that they knew God had brought them together. Together they strive to honor God in all they do. Their ceremony was a reflection of this goal: emotional, Christ-centered, and filled with worship.
The day started with the girls getting ready at The Buttes. Me and my team were welcomed with hugs from Carissa and custom embroidered gift bags with our names on them! What a welcome!!
Looking back, they both agreed that it is in "unlikely situations" that God often reveals His bigger plan.
After that dinner party, Carissa hadn't received a call from Sean, and she - like most young women waiting for a handsome guy to call - became nervous that maybe he wouldn't call. She was right. Sean didn't call. Instead, he drove across town to the Starbucks where she worked to ask her out in person. For the rest of her shift Carissa wore a smile that stretched a mile across her face - even a coworker commented through the headset "Gee Carissa, could you smile any wider?"
She hasn't stopped smiling since.
When we first met, in an effort to get to know them better, I asked them both, "When did you know? When did you know that this was the one?" Both of them recalled separate conversations where they individually expressed their love for Jesus; for God's calling in their life. It was in these moments, in the precious weight of these words, that they knew God had brought them together. Together they strive to honor God in all they do. Their ceremony was a reflection of this goal: emotional, Christ-centered, and filled with worship.
The day started with the girls getting ready at The Buttes. Me and my team were welcomed with hugs from Carissa and custom embroidered gift bags with our names on them! What a welcome!!
Carissa couldn't believe the day was finally here as she sat for make-up:
Her mom and bridesmaids helped her into her dress:
Nothing says "bride" like a veil. Love this:
The Buttes were a beautiful backdrop for Carissa and Sean's first look. It was windy on Saturday which added drama to the veil. Such a great moment:
One of my favorites from the day. LOVE the bright flowers:
Carissa and Sean were troopers and climbed a mountain so we could get this shot:
Carissa exchanged her heels for these to accomplish the task:
The ceremony took place at a nearby church. Carissa's dad walked her down the aisle:
And gave her away:
Their pastor came in from Florida to officiate the ceremony. Because he knew them, it was very personal and infused with emotion.
Yay! Husband and wife!
The reception took place back at The Buttes in this setting:
A few shots from the first dance:
Carissa's parents are friends of my parents so it was a treat to have them there for the ceremony and reception! Here's a shot that Michelle, my second shooter got of me and my mom on the dance floor:
Sean, Carissa and their guests danced the night away under the stars:
And the couple was sent off through a field of bubbles:
Such a great day! To see even more photos from the wedding, click here to watch the slideshow!
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