I have been keeping a secret for a VERY long time. Okay, not really that long, but it seems like it was years ago when my friend, Sheena, asked me what my schedule looked like in April or May, because … SHE WAS GETTING MARRIED!
This wasn’t just a regular old wedding. Nope. Not at all. It was a secret. You see, there was a proposal, but there wasn’t a ring, and no one besides me, their parents, and film photographer Krystal Muellenberg, knew that a wedding was in the works. While Sheena and her fiance, Nate, were waiting for the ring to be designed, they started planning their wedding and in two months it came together in a way that resembles the best planned weddings making the center spread in bridal magazines.
The day unfolded like this:
Sheena’s girlfriends (flying in from several different states) were invited to her future mother-in-law’s home for a bridal brunch. We were there to shower Sheena with lingerie, good wishes, and champagne. What most of the guests didn’t know was how the shower would end. After the gifts were opened and the last game was played, Sheena handed out little balls of yarn that held a message inside. The first person to read the note, got a prize … or what they didn’t know was that they would be announcing that Sheena was getting married later that evening! The energy in the room was so awesome – there were screams, tears, and hugs. Make up and hair were underway, the dress was on, and we were off to Sheena’s parents’ home to take part in a wedding.
Surrounded by their families and closest friends, Nate and Sheena said “I Do” with the lovely sound of the Jump River in the background. Guests then made their way back to a tent structure in the woods where they dined on food – salad, bread, homemade beet ravioli, and a menagerie of desserts including beet chocolate cake – made by the couple. It was so amazing to be a part of the secret and the wedding! It was also an honor to be there as a friend and as a photographer they trusted to capture the emotion of their wedding day. I pray I did it justice.
It was one of the most meaningful and beautiful weddings I’ve ever attended. With that being said, I’m going to warn you that this blog post contains A LOT of images, way more than I would normally post. However, being involved in this from almost the get-go and seeing images of gowns, favors, and reading the dinner/dessert recipes, I feel like I need to share as many details with you as possible.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Krystal Muellenberg’s take on the day. She shot alongside me in film. I love working with her and hope we can team up again soon! Also, a video of the day will be available for viewing on Sky Blue Weddings Facebook page. Check them out by clicking here. They were the first videographers I’ve worked a wedding with, and I am happy to say they were really respectful of my creative space! If you’re a bride looking for a videographer, I highly recommend them.
Before you look at the images, do yourself a favor and have this song ready to play. Actually, you MUST listen to this song, you MUST! Nate and Sheena danced to Swept Away by the Avett Brothers at the end of the evening. It was the perfect ending to their day.
We started here at Nate’s childhood home. I loved how welcoming Nate’s mom was to everyone. It was like we’d known each other forever.
I loved this friend's expression and her excitement when she realized what was really going to happen.
Nate's sister was so excited ... these are the happiest tears!
One of Sheena's friends, Lena, is out of the country, but they made her feel like she was in on all the action!
Nate and Sheena used this bowtie as inspiration for the color and design of their wedding. Love it!
I can still feel the anticipation of this moment.
Guests were chauffered to the ceremony site by horse and cart. Nate and his parents then led the group to Sheena and her mother, Janet, waiting on the shores of the Jump River.
The way Sheena incorporated her father, Kevin, into the day was so meaningful.
The day would not be complete without the use of ramekins. One of the first compliments Nate gave to Sheena when they started dating was "how nice" the ramekins were she was using to make dessert.
The smell of the campfire partnered with the frogs singing, laughter, and music was perfect.
- This wood structure was built especially for the celebration. Outfitted with clear globe lights and candles made this little haven the most romantic place to be!
Nate & Sheena – Thank you so much for asking me to document the most important day of your lives through my lens. It is the biggest compliment and most sincere honor! I hope that my imagery documents the day, your feelings for each other, and your style in a way that moves people to tears, because the day did that for me. Each time I look at the images, I see something new and the tears begin again.
My wish for you is that you love one another the way Jesus loves you – show it, every day in little and big ways in private and in front of the world. Love is grand and I’m so happy you have each other.
All my love – Jessica
p.s. Sheena: I told you you’d marry that Nate character! <3 And, Nate, I’m so glad you loved those ramekins.
I CANNOT WAIT for the rest of my 2012 weddings! Check back often to see more great ceremonies!
Reveal Conceal 10 comments
kate bentley - JESSICA! This collection is absolutely amazing! My jaw was on the keyboard during the entire blog post! Gorgeous, gorgeous images! Congrats to the lovely couple!
Krystal - seriously. i don’t know that i have ever had goosebumps from a blogpost before, but you gave them to me. It was like being there all over again. you told the story of this day in such a real and beautiful way. I am privileged to have worked with you and to call you a friend. YOU ARE AMAZING.
Jen - Pretty amazing, Jess. Beautiful story. Beautiful couple. Beautiful photos! Goosebumps AND tears!
Ashley Bores - I did as I was told and played Swept Away while I looked at your images and seriously CRIED at how beautiful they are. Well done Jessica. Well done.
Dani - Um. I don’t really need to gush, I think you know how amazing this is, if you don’t you should. This wedding first of all is spectacular, my dream wedding really but beyond that you totally KILLED it. In the best sense of the word. I am in love.
Anda - Jessica. Absolutely unbelievable. And absolutely beautiful. Every part of every thing. You are amazing … these images are amazing … and they reflect and amazing story. Your eye is unlike any other and I love how you embraced that here. I see nothing but a clear vision from you and it’s rocking my little Anda world. xx.
Beth - Wow! These pictures are amazing. I don’t know this couple, or their story, but these are genius! I’ve been happily married for over 10 years to my best friend, and I wish that we had gorgeous pics like this to look back at. Congrats!
Kelly Siler - There is something about the photographs from a wedding where the photographer is good friends with the couple… it’s always more intimate, the story is more accurate, and the couple is just truly more relaxed. But this goes beyond that, Jessica. You captured their hearts and the emotion of their family and friends so, so well. I’m equally impressed by you as I am excited for you — this is the best reflection of your style and approach to weddings… and it’s really beautiful.
Rebecca - Jess. These. For real. This is my favorite collection of images that you’ve ever done. Wow. Love it.
jessica sands - I am truly humbled by all the kinds words I’ve been reading here. I am so happy I was able to make you “feel” this wedding and all the loveliness it entailed! <3