This wedding is inspirational on so many levels.  Not often do I meet couples so serious about embracing God's will for their relationship and their marriage.  It's not often you find couples that are saving the most precious aspects of love for their wedding day. 
I met Tonya (Makenzie's Mom) through the local MOPS here in Sumter.  She was warm and accepting and an amazing friend from the moment I met her.  She has a smile that will melt you and make you feel as warm as a South Carolina summer day (by a pool of course). Tonya and I spoke on one occasion about Missions and about opportunities to be a missionary.  I have had a long time passion for this (from a missions trip I took when I was 15).  I thought it was my calling for so long, and I have realized that my mission is right here for now.  Tonya had the amazing opportunity to go to Botswana and have since, MOVED there!!!  I am spiritually so envious (wait, is that a sin?!?)  but I am so proud of her for this leap of faith and so amazed by their motivation and the love that this one family has.  You can follow their progress and story on their blog: http://shipesonmission.blogspot.com. 
Makenzie and I had not met until the wedding day.  I instantly loved her just reading her story, by knowing her Mom, and knowing the intense and real love she has for Jesus.  It gives me hope for my own daughters and son that they will have the guts to stand up for what is right, what they believe in, and wait for love.  Makenzie has a strong relationship with her father as you will see in so many of the photos.  If you are a dad, this is so important for you to show your love and affection to your daughters.  Let them know they are important and beautiful.  They will desire & pursue it less from a boyfriend, it has been proven again and again. Our security is not found in another person, our security is found in God's promise.  
soapbox....whammy.

The picture above is something that I had never seen done before, but sincerely loved.  Makenzie and Tyler washed each others feet during their ceremony.  This is something seen done over and over again in the Bible, and it was so sweet.  I am showing quite a few ceremony images, which I don't always do.  I wanted to show you the suspense leading up to this couples, FIRST KISS!! It was pretty amazing...I had butterflies for them.  

There were like 101 things I loved about this ceremony.  First the parents of both Makenzie and Tyler both got up to share something & speak to the couple.  I loved hearing what they chose to say, it was heartfelt, more personal & awesome they included their parents. Second, the feet washing as stated before.  Third, they had the families come lay hands on the couple in prayer.  Everyone came forward and prayed for their marriage.  What a way to start, right?! And last, the first kiss.  Bill and I sort of blew it in that department, but witnessing this made me see how electric it was. Totally seemed worth the wait ;)

the next series (garter/bouquet) the before is shot by me, and the after by Emily.  I love her shots!

Venue: Old Wide Awake Plantation, Hollywood, SC
Hair and makeup- Carrie Mcleod (paper dolls)
Bridesmaid dresses- j. crew

Bridesmaid shoes: Forever 21

Brides dress- David's Bridal
Catering- Food for the Southern Soul
Cake- Ashley Bakery
Chairs/tables- snyder rentals 

Flowers: Terry Jowers (family friend)

Bridesmaid sashes and flowers, Jr. bridemaid dress, & all the guys ties: Makenzie's Grandmother

Hand painted cake topper & all  the fantastic signs: Makenzie