A few years ago, I was a student missionary on the island of Majuro. It's not really known for its white beaches, OR for being paradise...truth be told it was one of the hardest years I've ever been through. Any SM will tell you story after story about why. Lol, we all come back like veterans, each being able to relate to another SM regardless of where we went. The re-entry process can be a bit bumpy, but having help around makes things easier.
Enter miss Kristina =) She happened to be the SM Club President when I returned and I got to know her through rehabilitating myself back into the normal school life; she was a big help, even if she didn't know it. Both she and Nate served as missionaries on islands themselves! Nate worked a lot in the Chaplain's department there, so he was frequently part of worship services and I saw him around often.
So when they asked me to be part of their big day, I was overjoyed; I loved her family from when I did her cousin Kaleigh's wedding and, again, they were all a blast =P I was so blessed to be part of their weekend, and I learned so much about their journey together. A lot of our locations had sentimental value...whether they shared their first kiss, or said "I love you," every location we took pictures at was significant to their relationship. Very cute =) Enjoy the day!
Shout out to my awesome second, Matt, who got the guys....
They decided to have the first look at the amphitheater, there at the camp. During the summer, this was a place of multiple significances and we wanted to make sure we got some pictures there =)
So when I saw her checking her dress, I thought it was cute....apparently Nate thought so too, lol.
On the bridge where they shared their first kiss =)
What was really cute was that there was a camporee of some sort going on down by the bridge and a lot of the kids they knew from summer camp were there. It was ADORABLE, all of the kids running over and the young girls swooning at the thought of a wedding happening =P Kids are too cute!
The rings themselves, Nate carved out her wedding band from a type of palm nut (aiiee, not completely sure what kind)...it's native to islands, and gives a shout out to their affinity for islands =) And then he's also Swiss, and he actually hammered out a 2 Franc Swiss coin and made his wedding band. *Awesome*
After portraits, we headed back up to Collegedale, TN where the wedding was held. Before the ceremony, we were getting some pictures of the wedding party, and the baby bride and groom were having the cutest predicament ever! Apparently when someone takes your pacifier, it's not really appreciated. ;-)
The father of the bride made sure to take a moment right before it was time for the ceremony...
There was a standing reception there at the Collegedale church...and yes, the plunger has significance too =P
Then we headed out back to the camp in Georgia for the smaller reception for family...Before we totally took off, though, we wanted to see if we could stuff the entire wedding party into one limo...TOTALLY POSSIBLE! They did it like a boss!
All in all, yet another amazing wedding, and I was so privileged to be part of it. You have amazing families, and incredible hearts of gold. Best wishes on your life journey! Mazel tof ;-)