I’m gonna admit something here: I was a bit of a bully in elementary school. Not like beat you up on the playground sort of bully, but steal your necklace and lie about it sort of bully. Or turn the lunchroom table against you. Or steal candy from your backpack.
I remember hating Lisa the day we met. Why? Because she had red hair like Ariel and I wanted it. Since I couldn’t exactly steal her hair color, I did the next best thing- Named her my mortal enemy. All that changed within a couple short months… Our school had a presentation about Toys For Tots and our Dads were the Marines to put it on. I realized that day I could be friends with the girl with Ariel hair, not hate her!
Because our dads were both in the same squadron in the Marine Corps and Fedex pilots, our families were always close. From her 2nd grade birthday party to high school graduation, I loved growing up with Lisa. When she wrote sharing the news that she was not only engaged, but expecting a baby this year, I couldn’t help but tear up with happiness for my ol’ friend. I’m so thankful she asked us to be her wedding photographers, because there’s just something special about photographing the wedding of someone whose family has known you since you were seven.
Matt, Lisa’s now husband, is a phenomenal guy. So sweet, charming, and handsome… He’s the perfect match for her fiery personality.
It was so important that they saw each other early, since we would have had no light for photos after the ceremony! We started the day in Collierville’s historic town square.
Lisa’s gown was not only worn by her mom, but also her grandmother. That’s how you do vintage.
This wasn’t the church where their ceremony took place! Lisa and Matt had their wedding reception at Collierville’s White Church. It was my favorite venue in Tennessee- A church transformed to a reception space! It was so unique. It was doubly special for Lisa, because not only was it her parents’ wedding venue, but she and Matt were the last to ever have a reception here- Now it’s a museum.
Once the ceremony was done, it was off to party at the White Church! Honest to goodness, my favorite thing in the venue was the church lady’s photo above the wedding cake. Tell me she doesn’t look exactly like Dana Carvey in his SNL skit?! Well, isn’t that special? You can watch it here. :)
First dance love- The Beatles’ “In My Life.”
I love this shot of Miss Judy looking on as Lisa dances with her dad. I will forever love Judy- She’s the funniest woman I’ve ever met, and the ultimate sounding board for family drama. I’ve never been close to my aunts, so I think she’s the next best thing. :)
Their band was incredible.
I remember watching the cartoon Doug on Saturday mornings with Lisa and her little brother, Doug! So crazy seeing him all grown up. :) (And with a GoPro video camera strapped to his chest, no less.)
My favorite!
Did I mention how cool her little brother is?! I hope he posts that video soon!
Seriously- I loooooooooooooove this space.
Lisa, Matt, Billy, Miss Judy, Susan, Doug, and little Will on the way- Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your day!! Love y’all and hope to see you again soon. :)
More Tennessee events on the blog!