Shaina and Josh’s Carmichael Presbyterian Church Wedding
06-16-2016
After eight years of dating and even engagement, Shaina and Joshua were finally calling it quits. More accurately, they were giving up their old relationship for a new life of wedded bliss, and Erica and I were thrilled to photograph their wedding day there at Carmichael Presbyterian Church.
Our ties to Shaina and Josh date back some time now. Erica taught high school science to Shaina years ago, and always remembered her as a strong and smiling student. We encountered her years later when we discovered happily that she would be a gymnastics instructor for our three kids, each of whom fell in love with her along the way. As such, we called upon her for babysitting…often. Most recently, we got to know Josh as well when they approached us about doing premarital coaching with them. And what a pleasure that was.
To see these two together is to know wisdom and contagious joy. Shaina is creative, mature beyond her years, and willing to do anything for a friend. She’s a hard worker, a planner, and smiles not with a veneer of happiness, but with refreshing sincerity. Josh is a perfect complement for her. He’s a fun-loving jokester and plenty joyful himself, often caught singing to their two dogs. He’s intelligent and goal-oriented. They’ve walked through tough times and easy times alike and were ready to walk into marriage. How encouraging to see a couple with such a great foundation!
The cherry on top of it all? They asked us to photograph their special day.
You’ll see a few of my favorite photos from their lovely wedding on the grounds of Carmichael Presbyterian Church below. I hope that they capture at least sliver of the selflessness, creativity, and affection these two showed as they glided with grace through their wedding day.
Congratulations, Shaina and Josh. I pray that you enjoy decades of joyful life together!
Shouldn’t every wedding include wine named for the bride and groom?
Taking rings from the bride and groom to take these photos never fails to raise my blood pressure.
The room almost wasn’t tall enough for their tower of fruit.
No shortage of faithful friends getting ready to support Shaina.
The very picture of wedding day calm.
So impressed by Shaina’s selflessness. She made it a point to help others get their makeup and clothes on even before she did.
…And then it was her turn.
Shaina was ready to walk the heck out of that aisle.
Meanwhile, Josh and his boys were making their own preparations. Mainly, this meant learning to tie bow ties…
…Fortunately, they had a teacher on hand.
Huddling around the phone for a last-minute lesson.
Our groom Josh took the easy path by wearing a clip-on tie. We slipped outdoors while the boys kept up the work.
Thankfully, the boys figured out their wardrobe lesson right on time for a few group photos.
The ladies were ready to go as well, sans bow ties.
Josh was cool as a cucumber with just minutes to marriage…
…Until he saw Shaina walk down the aisle.
Getting wedded.
Remember the wine I showed you earlier? Here they created their custom blend.
The kiss.
The bridal party could hardly stand all the kissing.
A far better use of flower petals than leaving them on the aisle.
Some time alone after the ceremony. Love the textures there at Carmichael Presbyterian Church.
I just love it when I don’t have to ask a bride and groom to pose for a tender moment like this.
It seems she was willing to wear his ring.
The truth is, Shaina just glows with kindness whomever she’s around. This photo just captures a bit of that glow.
Then it was back to the action with Shaina and Josh’s guests.
Someone was perhaps even more excited about the cake than Shaina and Josh.
They still got the first bites, though.
A bouquet was tossed, thoroughly.
First dances were danced, with an unexpected a capella rendition of Your Song.
Must-have wedding day accessories: the mezuzah.
Must-have wedding day accessories: the boutonniere.
Must-have wedding day personnel: the bride.
Better together.
A little time to breathe at the end of the day.
Up high….
…Down low.
What a day for a wedding, there at Carmichael Presbyterian Church.
The end of a beautiful wedding day.
Whether you’re getting married at Carmichael Presbyterian Church or elsewhere, we’ll provide unforgettable wedding images. Check out our wedding photography packages and get in touch!