The rooms at the Jackson Park Inn were bustling with people getting ready. And buzzing with excited energy. Jonathan was all smiles when we knocked on his door. Jaelyn was darting around her hotel suite, finishing up last minute things, taking deep breaths as her sister finished her make up. It seemed like the morning went by in warp speed up until it was time for Jaelyn to get in her dress. Her mom and sister helped her step into it and then everyone paused with emotion and happy tears as Jaelyn became a bride right before our eyes. She was gorgeous in every way, a beauty that comes from the heart and soul, and every comment was gushing about how Jonathan was just going to lose it when he saw her.

And he did. He broke out into the biggest smile when he turned to see his bride for the first time. He was surprised all over again by joy and by Jaelyn. This was the moment they’d been waiting for. The day was so full of emotion! From the laughter that they let out during portrait time as they held each other close, to the way that Jonathan wiped away tears as he watched Jaelyn walk down the aisle, and even to the way their friends and family let loose on the dance floor. Everyone in attendance was functioning at full joy, wrapped up in the love story that Jonathan and Jaelyn had invited them into. There wasn’t a dry eye when Jaelyn walked down the aisle and no one could refuse a smile as they walked back up, hand in hand, finally the Fureys.

On our way to the venue to meet Jonathan, Jaelyn asked “When does it feel real?” And that’s the thing about wedding days. They’re just really, really good days. And this one was especially good. It rained all morning, but the sun came out from behind the clouds just as the processional music started. The gospel was beautifully displayed through the ceremony and through the way their families dedicated songs, spoke about them, and sent them off into their marriage. Their wedding day was a labor of love from friends and family: Jaelyn’s mom handmade everything on the dessert table, her Pappy cut the wood for the centerpieces, the decor borrowed and collected to create a perfect atmosphere. There was a feeling of true community all evening long. Jonathan twirled Jaelyn on the dance floor and they ran off into the sparkler filled night and it was just good. And lovely. In all the best ways.

We love these two deeply and it was a privilege to spend their wedding day with them! There was a special type of nostalgia in the air for us. We’ve gotten to see them both grow as college students for the last four years, and now here they were…at the same venue where we got married, the same friend and pastor officiating, and a similar road laid out before them. Jonathan and Jaelyn, we’re SO thankful for you two! Thanks for letting us be a part of your story and a part of your lives!

Elegant in every way.

Time to go see her groom…

The sweetest first look!

Love this bridal party.

Too precious for words!

The sun came out all glow-y at the perfect time!

Such sweet father/daughter and mother/son dances.

Jonathan and Jaelyn’s parents played a worship song for them and their whole bridal party gathered around. Such a beautiful moment.

venue: sinkland farms // florals: northside flower shop // gown: alfred angelo // bridesmaids: francesca’s // groom & groomsmen: jos. a. bank // hair : maegan flemming // deejay: nathan magstadt // dessert table : charlettia burch // video : michael garlich //