They have waited.  And waited…and waited.  This was their FOURTH official date for their big celebration (an intimate wedding happened last summer in the middle of those 4 dates), the fourth date they planned for and dreamed of.  They were so patient and gracious through it all, and about 18 months after officially becoming husband and wife with only immediate family present, they finally got to have their PERFECT big celebration, and it was as amazing and lovely a day as could possibly be. Meredith and Matt are truly just the most lovely couple.  They are warm and inviting, and absolutely beloved.  Both years, they got to have their ceremonies in Meredith’s childhood church (which is also where I met her family during my couple of years that I got to direct the choir at St Johns Lutheran, a place I have many fond memories in).

Both years, I was particularly struck by the sermon for their ceremonies, spoken by someone who I enjoyed listening to preach as much as anyone I have ever attended the church of.  Both years, he spoke of shoes (which has my attention already!).  Last year, he spoke of choosing to lace up and wear their shoes (more context can be found here!) over the years of their marriage (shoes representing their daily choice to love each other)…and this year, he discussed the removal of those shoes, in such a space as we were in together, on such holy ground.  It truly did feel like a holy gathering of two people (and finally, a lot of their loved ones) who made a choice last year and are living it every day.  There were many acts of love for each other shown on this day, and I truly was so honored to get to witness the reaffirming of their vows and love for each other.  And as I said last year, I believe these two will honor and choose each other for their lifetimes.

And I just can’t wait to to share all the beautiful moments, details, and interactions from this day!  I hope it was worth every day of waiting for these two, and truly believe it was! First look…my favorite! I will never get over these colors! My sweet friend Brittany Troxell stepped to second shoot for me, and I am SO thankful!  I had so much fun with her– this gorgeous shot (and many more!)  was taken by her! Favorite…Meredith, would it be weird if I blew this up on MY wall??!!;-) How BEAUTIFUL are these ladies?!#squadgoals! Looking GREAT guys! LOVED these outdoor family formals- I adore a beautiful church and it’s the perfect backdrop for their ceremony, but that natural light outdoors cannot be replaced in my book for these photos!! This is just the most classy bridal look ever…I love these so much! Meredith and Matt, I adore you two and am so so happy you finally got to have this dream celebration!  I can think of no more deserving a pair!  Full gallery coming soon!

To see Meredith and Matt’s engagement session, click HERE! To see their intimate 2020 wedding, click HERE!

We loved working with Meredith and Matt’s amazing creative team!!

Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Lutheran Church

Reception Venue + Caterer: Crowne Plaza

Wedding Planner: the lovely Cindy Millburg

Florist: Michelle with Petals & Co.

Wedding Dress: Genevieve’s Bridal Couture

Veil: BHLDN

Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Videographer: Dewy On Point

Hair Stylist: Lyndsey with BJ Grand Salon & Spa

Makeup Artist: Rosa with BJ Grand Salon & Spa

DJ: Troy Armstrong

Cake: Specialty Cakes by Tammy

Officiant: Pastor Greg Busboom

Invitations: Zazzle