From our first FaceTime call, I knew Tommy and Annie were the perfect couple for me. Something about them just clicked with me. Some may say it was their bubbly personalities, some may say it was their kind spirits, but as I got to know them, I would say it was their love for Jesus that made that connection between us!
You see, Tommy and Annie live in Malibu (I’m a little jealous) so we had to rely on FaceTime, emails and late-night text messages to communicate. Our FaceTime sessions would sometimes be in Pj’s and the text would sometimes come at odd hours when Annie would have a “bride moment” and need reassurance that the wedding would be beautiful or she had random questions. You see, I really strive to serve all of my clients in the same way, thankfully through technology I’m able to do that with bride and grooms who don’t live in Knoxville, TN.
Looking back on their wedding day, I don’t think Annie and Tommy could have been more excited than they were. Geez I don’t think I could have been more excited about their wedding! The wedding was beautiful, the wedding was Christ-centered and the guest and bridal party (halla!) were so fun and gracious.
My favorite moment of the wedding was Tommy and Annie’s first look. As I drove Tommy to the spot we had picked out, he pulls out a leather bound journal that he’d been writing to Annie since he proposed. Ya’ll I can’t even begin to tell you how my heart melted (as I secretly prayed, “Jesus I want a man that is this thoughtful and can you hurry up and bring him”).
When Annie and Tommy finally got to see each other for the first time it was such a beautiful moment and yes Tommy cried! Tommy read the last journal entry to Annie and explained what the journal was, she was so surprised. Before we started photographs Tommy took the time out to pray over Annie and their marriage….and then I CRIED! Do you know how hard it is to take photographs and cry? This is the real reason I have a second shooter, ha I’m a sap for a good love story! What a beautiful moment to be able to witness! Some people put more time into planning their wedding than planning their marriage, I’m thankful these two are focused on planning a marriage!
Thank you Tommy and Annie for reminding me why I do what I do. Serving and loving people well with my talent, that’s what it’s all about but when you also get to share the love of Jesus it’s just like hitting a home run. Being a wedding photographer gets crazy sometimes, but seeing a Christ-focused relationship always reels me back into the bigger picture of things.
I pray that God continues to bless you both. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for your future together!
OXOXO
Tonya
Venue: Whitestone Country Inn Venue Coordinator: Deneise Lane Wedding Planner: Heels and Veils
Videographer: Rellek Films Florist: Kim Jones Cake: Sweet Beginnings By Elaine DJ: Special Notes Entertainment Agency
Makeup Artist: Sacha Stikeleather Hair: Metropolis Bridesmaids Dresses: Blush Fashion Tuxedos: Mens Warehouse
String Treo: Laurence Eaton Live Painting Artist: Joy Varnell Wedding Gown: Lowes Bridal Transportation: Regal Carriages
Annie’s moms veil
The heart ring is Annie’s grandmothers
This was the bridesmaids reaction to Annie’s dress
This was Tommy’s reaction to seeing Annie for the first time
The journal Tommy had wrote letters to Annie in
Tommy praying over their marriage before photos officially started
An artist that paints your wedding live
Isn’t she adorable
Best bridal party ever
