Jon and Jessica are Mr. and Mrs.!

There really is no way to start talking about what a joy it was to watch this couple get married. We always get to have a front row seat for the beginning of a new chapter of so many wonderful couples. This time, we got an even closer look. We get to know the couple’s relationship, how they met, what makes them love each other, what they look forward to in their life together; but this time we were a part of the relationship from their very first start to this new start in their story. About 13 or so months ago, James declared to me that he is going to set up his brother Jon with our friend Jessica. I, being the opposite of a matchmaker, was like: that would be cool. What made you think of that? James: they both are just looking to have fun, and the people they have been involved with are either too serious or make things complicated… So he commenced his devious plan. Jess almost backed out of this blind date, and she has reminded me that I told her: even if nothing comes of it, Jon is the kind of guy that you are gonna have a good time with. People just like to be around him… Low and behold, one year and one week after  their first date, we were all gathered at The Vine Community Church to witness the marriage of this amazing couple! What makes this day so much more special is that not only do we now all share the same last name, not only do we get to be family for the rest of our lives, but Jon and Jessica are our best friends. We literally could not have been more ecstatic  to be a part of this day. Oh, did I mention that we were also privileged to be in their wedding party? That’s right, you will see our cameos in the wedding party and ceremony pics… which leads me to a big thank you to two people. First, Katie Davidson Photography, we owe a debt of gratitude for your amazing work during the ceremony and so many beautiful details of the day. Thank you for rolling with the dumb weather that got in the way and being flexible to shoot inside with very little time to prepare! Also, to Jaquie Beute (by sweet sister) who not only did an amazing job on my hair (and many other bridesmaids) but for working the whole day for us as we needed to step into pictures, into the night to help us pack up and get home! You both were a godsend!

Alright, alright… here are the pics!

Jessica ordered all of our flowers from an artist on Etsy.com. This is her bridal bouquet and her hair flowers, both made out of material, buttons and pearls!

Jessica’s hair and makeup were gorgeously styled by Stacy Carto.

I bet you can’t guess where Jess found her wedding dress… no not David’s Bridal… Goodwill! She had it altered to fit her like a glove… take notes future brides, this girl knows how to save money!

Time to see each other… I love that they did this at their outdoor aisle, you will see why a little later…

Dress code for guys: any grey dress pants, coordinating shirt and tie, and chuck taylor converse shoes… topped off with flowers from etsy… this is the awesomeness that comes out of it…

Dress code for the girls: ANY Blue dress, brown shoes… really? and everyone gets flowers that will never die made out of fabric and buttons! Love you Jess!

This little girl happens to be one of my biggest joys in the world… Ladies and Gentlemen… Abby Christerson, my sweet niece, daughter of James’s older brother Tom and his wife Wendy.

Once again… thank you Katie Davidson for the detail and ceremony pics…

The jars are full of jam each handmade by Jessica’s mom, flower arrangements by a great friend Lynn Ferwerda, and program made (with help) by Jon and Jessica (Jess carved the stamp on the front… she couldn’t be more talented!)

Okay, so here is the play by play: It is ceremony time, and the skys still look pretty sunny with some clouds in the sky, not a drop though, all day long. As soon as the groom comes out and the wedding party starts walking down the aisle, it starts to drizzle, just before the bride steps outside… downpour!

So, after a little consideration and time, we start processional #2 at the all too convenient Plan B in the Vine’s Sanctuary, just feet from Plan A…

When the time came just before “you may kiss your bride” Jon got, well… a little anxious. This sweet man could not wait to officially kiss his wife for the first time! And of course, my sweet husband, with perfect position as the best man, couldn’t resist this chance to get an up close and personal image of this sweet first kiss…

Of course I can’t point out one of my joys with out drawing your attention to her counterpart and older brother, Caleb, the first Christerson grandchild, and the coolest 4 year old you will ever meet! check out that suit!

Time to party, thanks to DJ Josh Whitlock!

*****Click here to watch Jon and Jessica’s Slideshow *****

then…

Check out the Photobooth from the Reception!

Jon and Jessica, We love you so much. It was the biggest honor to capture your wedding day. The countdown is on until we are neighbors! We can’t wait to watch your sweet lives merge into one!

Love!

-Lindsay and James