Michael’s Facebook post on May 3, 2014 read :

For Michael and Crystal, the  weeks before the wedding blurred by, as if a high-speed train had hitched itself to the sun. May 3rd turned out to be a clear, sun-shiny day that more than lived up to the anticipation of friends and family of Crystal and Michael.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Michael when he first started attending my church a few years ago. He visited my family for Thanksgiving and practiced violin with my sister a few times. I have known Crystal longer, since about 2010. Crystal was a bridesmaid in my wedding last year, and I was so excited to share in her day!  It is not every day dear friends gets married and you get chosen as the photographer; I was humbled.

Michael and Crystal took on a major challenge of a do-it-yourself wedding combined with graduations from college, applications, and tests for medical school and graduate programs. If you think a DIY wedding is too difficult, consider Crystal’s amazing calm a few days before the wedding in the midst of final exams. Crystal and Michael remained focused, and as a result the wedding (and their exams) was a huge success.

Crystal added so many details to this wedding to make it unique and stylish, but one detail that stood out to me was the flower bouquets held by the bridesmaids. The night before the wedding, the bridesmaids gathered for a “make your own bouquet” party of sorts. Each bouquet was fresh and one-of-a-kind, highlighted by a variety of white and pink flowers wrapped in twine. Flower arrangements were displayed on locally-sourced wood blocks, plates, or stumps crafted by Mr. Kimm, Crystal’s father. The venue was spacious and beautiful, and the professionally catered food was home-made delicious.  The attention the family gave to all the special details helped complete the celebration.

It was an honor to participate in Crystal & Michael’s special day and to document this new chapter in their life.  I can only imagine what these two will accomplish in the future and the happy life they will share. We love you guys!

xoxo John & Holly

VENUE: CURTIS BAPTIST CHURCH/ ST. PAUL’S RIVER ROOM

PASTOR: JEREMY CARR

HAIR: MAEGAN CANTRELL

DRESS: ENZOANI DOMINIQUE/FABULOUS FROCKS

CATERER: MONIQUE GORHAM

SECOND SHOOTERS: ANNA GARNER & WHITNEY HUGHEY *many thanks to you both!*