Last May, when the world was shut down. When we were all stuck in our houses, when weddings were being cancelled left and right, when all nonessential shops were closed…Chris and Paiden got married. In Chris’s parents backyard, with only their immediate families present, they committed their lives to each other and the Lord. The food was homemade, the decorations placed by family, the bouquet made by Paiden, and the dress was a beautiful plan b. They danced under a sky lit with twinkle lights, they celebrated over zoom and FaceTime with their favorite people, and most importantly, they ended the day as husband and wife. It was nothing like they planned, but it was still their day. The beginning of their adventure together.
This time around, things were different! Chris and Paiden’s dearest friends could actually be with them this time. Paiden got ready surrounded by her favorite women! Chris got to spend the day with his boys! And their extended families got to watch them renew their vows in person instead of through a screen. Even so, it was reminiscent of that first day! Still in a parent’s backyard, still a family affair, Paiden still beautifully put together the florals. But Chris did FINALLY get to see his wife in the wedding dress that she had been hiding for so long 🙂 In some ways, it was more relaxed because they had already done this once! They could truly prioritize all of their people being under one tent in a way that’s tough to do amidst the whirlwind of a normal wedding day!
It was so gorgeous from start to finish and wonderful to see what Chris and Paiden had been waiting for for so long! We have gotten to be friends with and shoot weddings for these two families again and again and it’s the biggest honor! My kiddos even walked down the aisle at this one! PT and Chris are Ollie’s very favorite people, and it was extra special to see him in awe of Paiden in her white dress! (And to see him break it down on the dance floor with Chris!)
We love you guys! Here’s a boatload of images to recap the second best day ever!
Paiden has such a fun style, so details were beautiful!
Awww Paiden, makes me so happy to see you with your friends!
Last year her momma got her in the dress, this year it was her sister!
The first look with the long awaited wedding dress!
Love that we got to shoot in the town of Smithfield!
Paiden’s flowers she put together herself!
Girrrl! One of my faves!
Thank you Jesus for this white wall! Love this one of them!
My kiddos unceremoniously walking down the aisle…
The flower petals were so fun and I feel like they got extra dumped on because their fam had been just waiting to celebrate!
Bridal party! With some ring bearer and flower girl shots sneaked in 🙂
Love this of Chris!
Once this girl made it down the aisle she was doneeee for the day!
sweet bear!
Some sunset portraits before the big party!
Paidens veil was worn by all the Bowell brides! (Which means I photographed this veil 8 years ago :))
Obsessed with this!
Ollie stayed to get pics with his faves!
Only picture Amelia would be in…
How wonderful to be together!
The end! Plus a few more pictures of my crazy kiddos 🙂
