Kelsey and Paul's summertime wedding took place just north of Indianapolis in Lebanon, Indiana. The sun was blazing and seemed to accentuate the joy that these two radiated all day long. The bride and groom are high school sweethearts with a long history together and a bright future ahead of them. Their family and wedding party are some of the most supportive and devoted I have ever been around, and they all made the day so warm and personal.
The wedding colors were navy and coral with cheerful bouquets (made by the bride and her family - so beautiful!), dapper suits, and touches of burlap and lace. Kelsey's dress is straight out of a fairytale -- the palest blush color and so flowy and gorgeous. Putting the dress together with the lovely stained glass windows at First Baptist Church of Lebanon was a highlight of my day.
The bride's father and stepfather both held a place of honor during the day. Both fathers walked Kelsey down the aisle, and they both got to have a special first-look moment with her before the ceremony. Wedding days can get pretty hectic, so it was wonderful to see moments like that for everyone to pause and soak in the emotions of the day. Kelsey and Paul also did a fun not-quite first look on opposite sides of a door, but they saved their real first look for the ceremony.
Another emotional high point of the day was due to a special guest who was not able to be there on this wedding day. The best man was called to report for military duty, but his presence was still felt throughout the day. The groom wore a set of his dog tags and his wife also pinned dog tags to her bridesmaid bouquet. The best man even found a way to participate in the reception from afar...
Stay tuned for part two with more portraits of the bride, groom, and wedding party, along with a peek into their fun-filled reception!