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Mandy + Kendra

I have the fortune of knowing Mandy & Kendra for quite a few years now!  In fact, Mandy and I have shared a love of photography.  She has helped me at weddings, has gone above and beyond in providing assistance at mini sessions as well as goody bags for children at those sessions.  Mandy is one of those friends that you can get in trouble being in the same room with…. because there is SO much trust there! I mean that in the most complimentary way as one of my most cherished friends.  Having photographed her and Kendra before, this time was different.  They were getting married!

The Day

The day was so much a reflection on who they are – laid back and hands on.  From the time of arrival, Mandy was helping in small ways, unloading more things for the reception and so low key!  Her bridal party consisted of two young ladies who mean so much in her life!  My son, Jackson, was ‘ring security’ for Kendra.  It was a little poignant as Kendra was the first ever appointed female police major in Historic Downtown Wilson.  He has looked up to her so much growing up in our congregation!

Little moments that were so touching appeared everywhere.  Mandy had her grandmother’s ring intertwined into her bouquet.  They both exchanged sweet, heart warming notes to each other before the ceremony… and Kendra’s aunt appeared to make the room burst with light.

Ceremony + Reception

The ceremony had so may touches of beauty with Matthew West’s “I Say, I Do” being sung as well as a touch of humor.  The Linus and Lucy theme was mentioned by me in passing to them, because it makes Kendra smile.  I didn’t think (at the time) twice of it.  However, Kendra decided it would be great as a recessional.  I’ll be honest.  Part of me as a Minister of Music had initial weird feelings about it in a service of worship.  However, Mandy and I talked about it.

Mandy, who is in our praise team, felt the same way.  But she thought about it and said, “the last thing is ‘amen’…. the service has kind of ended.” and you know what… I told her I sort of agree with it.  It’s onto the reception.  They valued so much sacredness in their choices of the service that this was just a little touch of who they are. It was PERFECT…AND they began dancing down the aisle!

The reception was beautiful!  It was decorated by two of Mandy’s dear friends and it was BEAUTIFUL! Again, the personal touches were everywhere. It was clear they had their fur babies in mind with the sweet treats, even for others’ fur babies!  Enjoying the amazing flavors of Taste of Texas, heart felt toasts and dances, the evening ended with a perfectly orchestrated sparkler exit!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day!

___________________

Ceremony Site: First Christian Church

DJ: Members of the Wilson Youth Council

Florist: Brushed by Bec

Musicians: Cindy Darden, Andrew Childers, Casey Childers

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Suitshop

Rings: Diamond’s Direct

Hair: Shannon Crawford

Decorations: Tanya Neville & Judi Etheridge

Caterer: Taste of Texas

Cake: Jennifer Ethridge & Mandy’s mom, Debra Harris