Dylan and Kelsey had been waiting three years for June 30th, their wedding day. They’ve known since near the beginning of their relationship that this is where they were headed. Dylan was so sure that he moved halfway across the country to be with Kelsey, only for her to move two hours away from that. They’ve been through so much life change and trial together, only to come out stronger together. They’ve grown more into who they’re meant to be and they experience a deeper joy in each other’s presence. Their long distance relationship, turned into a short distance relationship, but as of last weekend, they’ve got no distance at all! Their joy was so full when they finally got to see each other. Kelsey teared up reading through Dylan’s letter, and when she finally saw her almost husband? The biggest smile imaginable. She was absolutely breathtaking and Dyl couldn’t stop celebrating how amazing she is!
The whole morning of the wedding was surreal! After all of the prep, months and months of planning, we were at the salon for hair and make up! It still didn’t feel real when we arrived at Sierra Vista! It was just wild! I’ve been to SO many weddings, but this time, it was my sister hurriedly finishing her letter to her groom, stepping into her dress, counting down to the first look! The day took on a new tone knowing just how much this meant to the both of them. Knowing all that the Lord had done to bring them both to this precise moment in time, it was kind of overwhelming! And a little tear inducing :] I’m going to save the emotional stuff for the next post – it’s definitely coming :] It was a good, good day! Literally, the only thing I wish was different was that time could’ve moved a little slower! It went so quickly!
Without a doubt, this is my favorite wedding day ever! It was gorgeous from start to finish, and I’m quite fond of the bride and groom! :] So much so that I had to separate Kelsey’s wedding into two posts! With the help of Ali and Glorianne, I got to photograph the day! Literally could not have done it without them! They tackled everything that I had to be a part of, and I got to shoot all of my favorite parts! So that means between the three photographers present, there were over 7000 images to go through! Once I finally got it culled down, I STILL had SO many pictures and wanted to be able to share ALL my favorite moments – so this wedding will come in two parts. Today covers the first half of the day: the bridal details and the getting ready and the first look and the bridal party – all the way up to the ceremony! My favorite part from this half of the day comes towards the end of the post :] I’ve included lots and lots of commentary throughout :] This day was so special to me and I think it was near perfect for Kels and Dylan!
Hope you enjoy this stunning, Jesus-filled day as much as we all did!
Sierra Vista’s bridal suite was a dream come true!
Loved their details. Super simple, but very them!
Coordinates to the spot where they would exchange vows later that afternoon!
I’ve NEVER seen a wedding dress like Kelsey’s! Just gorgeous!
Sierra Vista is a show stopper!
We had a big group of wonderful women for bridesmaids!
Getting her in the dress!
Our momma is the cutest!
Kels laughing at momma’s reaction to the dress!
Matron of honor duties :]
SO SO GORGEOUS!
The girls seeing her in the dress for the first time!
She loved her letter :] And her gift! Dylan and I conspired a little so her could get her a lace kimono she’s been eyeing! She was so surprised!
Meanwhile the boys were getting ready :]
Love this! I was so thankful I could pop over to get some of Dylan’s getting ready shots!
Kels gave him a gag gift with a Parks and Rec quote before the real one :]
They both looked amazing!
Just a normal golf cart ride to the first look! Camera in hand!
The best.
Dylan gave her a spin!
And had the most “dylan” reaction to her giving him a spin!
Some portraits in the woods!
Love!
They were so happy and smiley!
Meanwhile, the flower girl and ring bearer had their own getting ready photoshoot! Ollie was the ring bearer and our sweet friend’s daughter was the flower girl – Isla! Erica and Kelsey have been friends since birth and we had Ollie and Isla right around the same time! They’re such cute little friends! We call them the next generation :]
Glorianne, I just LOVE these!
Bridal party time! Ali rocked these out like a champion!
And the flowers! *insert heart eye emoji* Tree of Perennial Uprisings slayed it!
I love them all!
Okay, so these dresses! Goodness gracious! Kelsey gave us a color palette and a general guideline and they turned out PERFECT together! We had no idea how it would look until we saw them lined up at the venue on the morning of! (and yes, I’m wearing white! I tried the dress on and told Kelsey I wished it wasn’t white and then she made me buy it anyways!)
Obsessed. She’s the sweetest.
Obvi one of my faves!
My favorite thing that happened before the ceremony! We got to stop and pray for Kelsey and thank God for what He’s done. Dylan and Kelsey believe in prayer and Jesus and it was so wonderful to pause and take a moment to praise Him before the ceremony. And yes, it was a cry fest.
The boys did the same!
Last moment before the ceremony! First look with our dad!
They’re so cute! So glad I got to spy on this!
Sneak peek of what’s coming on Thursday! The ceremony and portraits and everything that followed after! Seriously, the views are breath taking.
venue – sierra vista // photographer – kaitlyn phipps photography, alisandra photography, glorianna picini photography // videographer – michael garlich // dress – made with love // florals – perennial uprisings // deejay – jason paljug // invitation suite – seth mcduffie // calligraphy – ash bush // caterer – pumpernickel pickle // day of coordinator – a little party //
