It was a rainy Saturday morning that was special for so many reasons. One, because there was about to be a backyard, barefoot intimate ceremony in the back of the groom’s mother’s house. Two, because the bride loves the rain. Her mom had taught her to dance in the rain and accept redemption and today was no exception.

Six days before the wedding I got a text message. Something to the tune of: ‘What are you doing this Saturday? WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!’ Oh. My. Gosh. Insanity! The answer was YES, I am free and would be honored to be there. It was a beautiful plan. And with Michael deploying soon, why would they want to spend one more second not being married?

I’ve known Nicolette for a long time now. She’s one of the first people I met in college, she’s the first person to ever tell me sincerely that Jesus loves me, and the woman who introduced me to life with the Lord. She is the kind of person who oozes God’s grace and redemption. She let’s you into her struggle instead of putting up a wall. As she played corn hole with her new husband her dad affirmed they same things I’d known in college. He recalled when she returned from her year of ministry at Radford and told her parents of all that God had done, her dad said he responded by saying, “Nikki, if this is all you ever do, it’ll be enough.” Because a life lived for Jesus is enough. A life lived without fanfare and instead with honesty and grace and much sharing of the Gospel is more than enough.

Saturday June 21st, the rain fell and Nicolette, her mom, and her best friend got ready in a tiny powder room, retelling stories, singing God’s praises, and exclaiming how faithful He had been to bring her to this point. If someone had told 2008 Nicolette that one day she’d get married in a backyard, be an army wife, and wear a pink dress she never would’ve believed it. But God had something much better in store for her in Michael.

Nicolette loves Jesus with all of her heart, and I’m so excited that she has found a man that will love Him first (something she’s always wanted), and then treasure her like the precious jewel that she is. 2008 Kaitlyn would never in a million years guessed she’d be shooting your wedding one day. But oh, am I glad God brought us to this point. :]

And this is where the deep breaths and “oh wow this is really happening i’m getting married’s” started :]

Nicolette has the sweetest relationship with both of her parents. Not a dry eye in the room.

First look! This is really happening!

Love this so much.

The most stunned bride and groom I’ve ever seen!

And of course, the first thing they do is put on their hockey jerseys and hug it out.

I LOVE Nicolette’s mom.

After the selfie it was time to head to Glen Echo for some portraits :]

Ugh you guys are too much!

This is one of my favs. So encapsulating of their love together.

AHH!

Michael & Nicolette, I love you guys! Congratulation Mr. and Mrs. Shipley!