Bryan + Rachel

Let me choke out the words to even begin this post, because I’m going to be honest – this one is near and dear to my heart. And I’ve cried a few times just putting the post together. It has seriously been my honor to watch Rachel and Bryan’s relationship grow over the past couple of years to what it is today. These two were in Dave and I’s college groups when they first began, and to see how they have grown in the Lord separately and as a couple has been nothing short of amazing to witness. From praying for their relationship all those months ago, to then helping with their proposal, and then having the honor of shooting their wedding  – it’s all been such an unbelievable joy and privilege! In what could have been negative temps, this day was blessed with a high in the 30s and bright sunshine. Not to mention a set of incredible vendors (everyone listed at the bottom of this post!)

As Bryan said in his letter to Rachel, there’s no telling what the future will hold. Where you will live. How many kids you’ll have. What bumps you’ll hit along the way. But I love how he brought it back to the two of you in the end. That no matter what happens or where you end up, there’s a pact there. A promise that you made on Saturday, to love each other anyway and always. In Rachel’s letter to Bryan, she wrote that she sees them “surviving on laughter,” and from personal experience with these two, there’s never been a truer statement! If you’ve spent any time with these two at all, you know that Bryan always has Rachel laughing :) It’s easy to see that they make each other better – by balancing each other with their different qualities/gifts/personalities. But regardless, individually AND together, they are blessings to everyone they know.

So, here’s to all the laughter, the adventures, the messy, and the beautiful to come! You’ve just turned the page to a brand new blank chapter, and I have a good feeling that this is going to be a really good one :) Again, so thankful to have been a part of telling your story and having the privilege to walk alongside you on this part of your journey! Love you guys <3

p.s. For optimal viewing of the images, click the play button below to listen to Rachel & Bryan’s first dance song while scrolling ;)

Photography: Courtney Smith Photography ; Venue: Silver Oaks Chateau ; Florist: Petal Pushers STL ; Hair: Heather Blankenship ; Make-up: Holly Patrick ; Dress: David Tutera / Mia Grace Bridal ; Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff & Hayley Paige ; Groom’s/Groomsmen: Vera Wang and Calvin Klein ; Caterer: Sugarfire Smoke House ; DJ: Joe Fingerhut ; Cake – Cakes by Georgia ; Second Shooter – Molly Elizabeth Photography ; Videography – Jessica Lauren Photography