We’ve been counting down the days for over a year. On Friday my brother married his perfect match. I wore a lot of hats that day (photographer, bridesmaid, mom…) but the favorite hat I wore was sister. I cried about 17.5 times. I didn’t expect to be filled with so much emotion, I mean, they’ve been together for six years and we’ve known for a long time that Jacob and Jess would be together forever, but there was something about watching them publicly commit their lives to one another that touched me in a way I never expected.  Jess’s sister brought her some family jewelry to wear on her big day. I love this photo of Miranda helping Jess put it on. Three of my four favorite guys in the whole world.  And there’s the fourth favorite guy, looking quite dapper. Our first choice of locations for the first look and portraits fell through and I’m so glad it did. This rose garden at Fairmount Park was beyond beautiful and the perfect place for my brother to see his bride for the first time. I love this quiet moment in the midst of the chaos of the day where they could just be together, taking it all in. Jess had not one, but two dresses. One for the ceremony and one for the reception. She slipped into her reception dress when we got to Crestmore Manor so we could get a few portraits in that dress as well. My brother doesn’t smile big for the camera very often, but the anticipation of getting married had him grinning ear to ear and I’m so glad I caught it! When Jacob and Jess asked me to both photograph their wedding AND be in it, I knew I couldn’t have just anyone second shoot with me. I immediately called Shannon of Shannon Wright Photography and Leigh of Leigh Burnette Photography. Shannon is one of my best friends and Leigh is her fiance and my second best friend:) Shannon and I shot our first wedding together years ago and I knew there wasn’t anyone else I would trust to assist me on this important day. HUGE thanks to them both for not only second shooting, but also scouting locations, chauffeuring, being emotional support for me, making sure I put my camera down and was actually in the photos I needed to be, and so much more!
Guys, my brother may kill me for posting this one, but I had to because Jacob very rarely gets emotional. When I looked over and saw my brother’s chin quivering, I about lost it.  Our good friend Katie officiated the ceremony, but Jess and Jacob wanted Eddie to give a word about them and their relationship and do their vows. Eddie’s words about the dedication Jacob and Jess have for not only each other, but also for their family and friends had my mom in tears. They’re married!!!