What a lovely “destination” wedding for Chris and Breellen at the Birkby House took place over Veterans Day Weekend! I’ve been eager to reflect on this wedding and share some of the highlights! Breellen and Chris go together like… well, like all the cliche’ things I can say (but won’t!) Their bond and unity is evident. You can see that they have a strong mutual trust that has been fortified already as a result of facing various challenges as a couple and their decisions that put the interests of one another and care for each other at the forefront. It’s a marvelous thing to observe when a couple has already weathered some storms and come through stronger as a result.

When you meet Breellen, you sense her serving nature and her attention to the needs of others. When I arrived at the Bridal suite I found Breellen curling the flower girl’s hair and what is remarkable is that the act of serving was done with joy… Not only that, her sweet bridesmaids all shared the same beautiful heart! So sweet, so open and caring and have you seen the photos? (So beautiful!). Breellen is intelligent, a natural leader and has an adventurous streak about her for sure!

Likewise, when you meet the groom Chris you immediately feel like an old friend! He has a playful smile and a happy-go-lucky way about him and you pick up on his adventurous spirit! Even though it was so cold, Chris had a great time with the portraits and keeping his bride warm :). He is indeed kind, dependable, generous and I enjoyed our short conversations and a few deep belly laughs along the way!

Breellen and Chris,

What an incredible future lies ahead for you both! While you may be on your vacation (Yay for Bali!) at the moment, I have a feeling you will be filling your passports with many trips in the future! My hope for you is that your kitchen wall map will fill up with all the places you have been and your hearts will store up all the memories like treasures! I also hope that on these trips you have a chance to work together in a special way, impacting people’s lives by just being YOU! I hope you both find the balance to the adventure, the grounded perspective along with the deep analytical thoughts and the lofty dreams.

Chris, I hope that you continue to slay Disney trivia, and continue to sweep Breellen off her feet and that you’ll be dancing with your bride – well into your 90’s and beyond! Breeellen – I hope you enjoy those shopping trips (and I know you will) with your sweet Mom in Law and that during those shopping dates Chris will get his video game fix with his brother! And that the new terrific TRIO (Bree/Chris/Bro of Groom) will have many fun adventures together! I hope and pray your home is filled with love and (at the right time and if you decide to take the leap) with sweet pups! But most of all I join the prayers of your loved ones that you will love each other as Christ loved the church. May the deep unity that C.S. Lewis talks about guide your marriage and may buckets of grace abound when you need them. May health and happiness be yours for the taking and I hope that you all will keep in touch!

Blessings to you! Michelle

P.s. Wanted to add for the folks stopping by that I used a “vintage” medium format camera the Contax 645 to capture some of the images for this wedding! Even though the camera is not the most attractive camera, I have to say the wedding images are #swoonworthy! Loving the journey with FILM!