What do you say when your best friend for 22 years asks you to marry them? When Jim asked Audrey on her front porch swing, she first replied, “I don’t know!” [spoiler alert: she said yes!]
While we took a few portraits of Audrey on that same porch swing, she gave us the back story: She and Jim met at a church dance, and through years of active involvement in the church, they became best friends. When they decided to get married, it was because the rest of their lives would be that much more meaningful as husband and wife partners. They made a pact: they would help each other get to Heaven.
Audrey's daughter and daughter-in-law helped her prep for the day and kept her smiling.
The wedding was held at their home church, the beautiful Holy Child in Bridgeville, and the ceremony was a celebration of Audrey and Jim's long relationship and their new beginning. As friends and family filled the church (to the extent that Covid precautions allowed), I was moved by the sense that these two people were so loved and so appreciated. My favorite photos from the ceremony document quiet moments of worship, unexpected laughter, and tears of joy.
Jim and Audrey took a moment to thank friends and family for their support before dinner and dancing began at The Club at Nevillewood. The bride looked around the room and feeling so much love and light reflected back, commented, "this is what Heaven must be like."
Around sunset, we snuck away to take advantage of Nevillewood's stunning balcony views.
Then everyone hit the dancefloor, and partied into the night!
The party kept going the next day! The newlyweds hosted an all-day picnic, outdoors at Fairview Park in Bridgeville. Throughout the afternoon, friends and family dropped in to congratulate Audrey and Jim.
I love seeing a couple truly revel in their day, surrounded by loved ones, relaxed and present in every moment. Audrey and Jim will always remind me to be thankful for today and choose the happiest tomorrow.