This wedding was not on my calendar for 2021. I was introduced to Josiah and Emily via email 2 days before their wedding was to take place. A good friend of mine was supposed to be their wedding photographer but in true pandemic fashion, unfortunately was exposed and tested positive for Covid the week of their wedding. He kindly thought of and trusted me to take his place in documenting their day.

Though this was such an unexpected and stressful change of events for all involved, I am so honored to have had the opportunity to be apart of Josiah and Emily’s wedding day. They accepted the changes they could not control when it came to their wedding, like having to find a new photographer, who they did not know, with 48 hours notice. It didn’t take me long to realize that these characteristics reflect who they are in their day-to-day. They are kind, gracious and committed people. Josiah and Emily are the kind of people that make me want to be a better spouse.

In my experience, the most important detail you can keep in mind when planning your wedding is the intentional choice to be present and to stay present with your people, and not only the decorations or timeline details.

Throughout the day, Josiah and Emily were present with their people and the moments unfolding around them. This is always my hope for my couples on their wedding day. Instead of doing the traditional dance intros to their reception, they introduced each person in their bridal party and shared why they were so important to them. To me, this is what it’s all about. Our people are our story; they make up so much of who we are and who we are becoming.

Venue: Amway Grand Plaza

Church: Moran Park