Kyle and Elizabeth O'Donnell...Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Photography

I had never spent significant time in the hills of Virginia  until Elizabeth and Kyle’s wedding. I believe it's true what they say...it really is God's country. It was incredible! This was a special wedding for so many reasons. Not only was it the first I’ve had in a few months after a break in order to do photography for missions this summer, but it was a refreshing jump back into doing weddings this fall and one that I really needed. It made me realize how much I had missed being a part of a wedding in such a special way. I think vacation and breaks are necessary and so so helpful…but I’m glad there’s an aspect of jumping back in that made me feel like it was right to do so! On top of that, I’ve known Elizabeth since sophomore year of college. She has been a dear friend from RUF and from church for quite some time. I’ve watched her move to different areas of the country. She has the spirit of a brave adventurer with an extremely level, wise, gracious, and thoughtful head on her shoulders. In everything she does, she searches for God’s hand and work in where He has her. This time He led her to Charlottesville, Virginia to do a Fellows program. This is where she met Kyle and a community of friends who became family. It was evident during every aspect of their wedding. These two are loved and I’m so thankful to have been a part of the coming together of these two families. I can’t wait to see where God will lead you two.

Congratulations Elizabeth and Kyle!

Wishing you peace and joy for every step in this new journey!

Hair & Makeup: The Sass Factory

Flowers: Jacquelyn Collmus

The Dress: Caryn's Bridal 

Tuxes: Joseph A. Banks

Ceremony: Trinity Presbyterian Church Charlottesville, VA

Coordinator: Yoland Monet, Trinity Presbyterian Church

Charlottesville, VA

Minister: Greg Thompson

Cake: Artist: Cakes by Rachel

Reception: The Market at Grelen Somerset, VA

Coordinator: Emily Grymes, The Market at Grelen

Rentals: Gibson Tent Rental

Thanks for stopping by !

*Claire

Daniel & Monika...Roatan, Honduras Destination Wedding

I met Daniel years ago through Reformed University Fellowship when we both were studying at LSU. Daniel is from Honduras and was studying in Baton Rouge for his Master's at the time.

I met Monika a few months later when she came to Baton Rouge to visit Daniel. Monika is from Germany.

Now... You're probably wondering how these two met:)

After high school, Monika moved to Honduras for a year to volunteer at an orphanage. She met Daniel randomly through mutual friends during her time there.

More than 5 countries, countless Skype dates, and many international flights later, these two were married on January 5, 2014 in an incredibly beautiful ceremony in Roatan, Honduras.

Friends and family members traveled from all over  to support Daniel and Monika on their wedding day, making this ceremony and reception an unforgettable experience for all involved. The ceremony was in Spanish and German with some Polish and English mixed in there:). Several countries, 4 languages, and cities all over the world were represented at this wedding.

To give you an idea of how many miles/kilometers were traveled by guests, Daniel and Monika had it represented at the reception in just about the coolest way possible. This detail was one of my many favorites from the wedding

 It was such an honor to have the privilege of being present at Daniel and Monika's wedding and the days leading up to it. It was an extremely restful week of celebration on the island!

Daniel and Monika have become so dear to me in the last few years of getting to know them and some of the best news of all is that they've now moved to Baton Rouge to continue studying! We are so blessed to have them in our church and a part of our community.

Daniel and Monika, what joy you both bring to my life and those around you! Thank you for your love and friendship. We are so glad y'all are here to stay for a little while:)

I'll leave you with an excerpt from Daniel and Monika's Wedding Program.

"If marriage is God's idea, why is it sometimes hard?

-The Bible says in Genesis 3 that man and women sinned. 'Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths (Genesis 3:7)

-Sin has distorted our relationships, damaged our lives and our family's lives. Sin has destroyed our intimate place and has filled it with shame. It has turned us to selfishness and this was seen clearly in Adam's family and son's after sin.

-There is good news in the Bible that says: 'She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' (Matthew 1:21)

-In Jesus we have the opportunity to receive pardon from our sins and even more, liberty from them to have a marriage like Adam and Eve had in Eden.

-If Jesus is the center of our home, therefore our home will be a piece of paradise.

Thanks for stopping by!

Claire