It was the first Christmas morning in their new home and Jessica was up bright and early with, as she describes, childlike excitement.  She and Paul exchanged gifts back and forth until Paul handed her a relatively large box to open.  She unwrapped it only to find another wrapped box inside.  Apparently Paul had always wanted to pull this joke on someone so Jessica played along and let him have his moment.  After unwrapping about 9 boxes she made her way to a jewelry box.  In shock that this was actually happening, she turned to Paul as he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.  What started as a meeting through mutual friends at the age of 17 turned into forever after.  Then on the shore of the South River they said their I do’s as streaks of sunshine found their way through the clouds.  I am so grateful I had the honor of being amongst their family and friends to witness their marriage vows and document it in a way that they can cherish forever.  Thank you Jessica and Paul for choosing me.
While looking at the bridal party photos you may notice something a little different.  Yes, that is an adorable little baby and yes, that is Paul’s best man.  Best Little Man Jaxon 😉  While Jessica and Paul’s wedding day was beautiful, it was also very bittersweet for them.  Paul’s best friend and Jaxon’s father (also father to a sweet 2 year old little girl that was one of the flower girls), who was supposed to be Paul’s best man for the wedding, passed away after a tragic accident back in July.  This was only 12 days after little Jaxon was born.  To honor the memory of their friend, Jessica and Paul decided to have Jaxon be the best man.  I don’t think they could have honored their friend in any better way and it definitely filled some eyes with tears on their wedding day.  Jaxon was one best man I will never forget  🙂

All the people that helped bring the day together:
Ceremony Venue: Laurel Grove Inn on the South River
Reception Venue:  The Lodge at Heritage Harbour
Hair: Cheryl Shields of Veil Studios and Katie Thomas
Photography:  Lauren C Photography
Makeup: Megan Sapp
Flowers: Michelle Sauers
Officiant: Ceremony by Heather Saul
DJ: Mark and JoAnn Ather
Linens: Rentals to Remember
Catering: Pit Boys
Cake: Marlene Garner
Stationary: Amy Humphrey
Dress: Maggie Sottero from The Bridal Boutique

He’s dancing with a tree.  Yep, sure is.