Every eye was fixed on the alter. The only sound among hundreds of people were the two voices exchanging rings and vows. Hands held together and gazes locked, the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. promised before God and their tearful families to be faithful to each other until death do them part.
But wait.
What was happening?
Tearful eyes and smiles shifted into raised eyebrows and faint whispers as the groom dropped the hands of his bride and walked off the stage.
Was he nervous? Did he forget something? Was this planned?
Despite the tension among the pews, nobody seemed quite as shocked as the bride herself. Her jaw dropped open as she realized what was happening.
The groom walked towards the piano, grabbed a microphone, looked his love right in the eyes, and began to sing.
Some of the best advice ever given by my mentor photographers, Amy & Jordan, is to shoot every wedding like it's a million dollar wedding. After spending the day in downtown New Albany, Indiana at the beautiful Calumet Club with this incredible couple, there was one thought that kept replaying in my head:
If love were money, this would be a billion dollar wedding.
The stunning Norwegian beauty and her "hillbilly" groom come from two families with incredible legacies of love. It was made evident throughout the day that the same love passed down from generations was shining through this young couple. Somehow culture, languages, traditions, differences...none of that mattered. In that moment when a lump entered the back of his throat as he fastened a guitar strap around his shoulder...in that moment when she stood alone, center stage, as her new husband sang his life-long promises to her...in that moment, the only thing that mattered was the love between them and the God above them.
The theme of love certainly didn’t stop at the bride and groom. From the Best Man and Maid of Honor to the bridal party, both sets of parents, and even extended family- this day was flooded with beautiful, Godly couples all just as in love as the newlyweds themselves. (Can anyone say Photographer’s dream?!)
A love story as timeless as this was only further portrayed through the classic details that surrounded their nuptials. Elegant, royal navy tones contrasted soft creams. White roses, Marlene's favorite, highlighted the simple, yet elegant essence of the day. Laughter was the sound that rose above the tables and joy was the contagious emotion that radiated from the new Mr. & Mrs. Polston.
But can you blame them? These moments were a long time in the making. These two love birds have been separated by the literal Atlantic Ocean for the last few years! After hearing testimonies of patience, prayer, and the decisions made, I have no doubt in my mind that this was a day of true celebration.
Noah & Marlene, to say it was a pleasure to capture this day would be an understatement. You are two of the most genuine people I've ever met, and it has been an absolute joy seeing the love of Christ displayed in your young lives. I hope seeing this gallery brings back many happy memories! Your wedding was absolutely beautiful. But remember: the wedding day is just the start. The rest of your lives? That's where the real beauty is.
May God continue to bless you both.
HUGS!
Maggie
special thanks to: Alexis Messer and the Calumet Club
Wedding Coordinator: Hope White
Bouquets and floral arrangements: Dianne Nelson
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