This wedding was such an honor & pleasure to photograph! Paul’s family has been in our lives since Paul was in 6th grade band and he and each of his brothers have come up through the ranks in both band & choir. I photographed Paul for his senior photos back in 2015 (!) and I took a photo of him straightening his bow tie during that shoot. As I photographed him straightening his tie for his wedding day, it was such a “pinch me” moment. Photographing Paul & his brothers (his middle brother, Colin is also a #cksenior this year!) I was in awe of Dee & Mark’s parenting and the fine young men they’ve raised.
Macy is such a good match for Paul in so many ways. As they navigated our Governor’s proclamation from November limiting the number of people in an indoor gathering, I could see the wisdom in their decisions, the considerations they were making for those they love while also sticking to their wedding date. I watched Macy transform before my eyes when she put her wedding dress on in her childhood home-it was as if the world around her was seen more clearly & decisively. The day became more real & this woman knew what she wanted & who to delegate to! She & Paul had done such a great job preparing for the day alongside their parents that everything fell into place beautifully.
Their restored Victorian Colonial home was the perfect setting for a winter wedding with garland & pinecones draped on all the right places. Only immediate family gathered in the living room and waited for Macy to come down the stairs with her dad as one Macy’s grandpa played piano for the processional….
Macy had a first look with her dad and it was the sweetest. There’s nothing like having the first man in your life tell you how proud he is of you, how gorgeous you look & how much he loves you. Because of their ceremony changing to be at her parents’ house, Macy’s dad made every effort to include their virtually invited guests by setting up a Facebook Live Feed in the living room so they could all share in the ceremony.
Another “pinch me” moment came while I photographed some details on the Communion table-there was a Bible there with Rev. Paul Frederick’s name on it. As I was photographing, I overheard conversation between Paul, his brothers & their Grandpa Paul (the groom’s namesake!) asking how many weddings Grandpa had officiated. Grandpa went on to detail how the boys’ ancestors had gotten married: in their homes! Great grandparents & beyond had performed simple ceremonies in their own homes just as Paul was doing today. I let that sink in while I went back upstairs to photograph Macy getting into her shoes and she was telling her mom how thankful she was for a simpler approach, easier logistics & how the whole day had led up to showing them what was most important. These families truly belong together. I’ve seen a parent officiate over their child’s wedding, but never a grandparent who serves as the namesake to the groom. Sweetness & Love beyond words.
From the ceremony & portraits, we moved to the cake cutting & then headed outside for the Drive-By of their guests. I was in love with their platform area they had decked out in winter greenery & used an amazing heater that made the hour fly by!
Paul + Macy: I am so glad I got to spend the day with you two! It was such an honor to watch the start of your lives together in such a God-honoring way. You make an incredible team to His glory & I’m so excited to see how you continue the legacy that both of your families brought to you.
All the love & blessings,
Carrie
PS You can see the rest of their day HERE.
