Gram & Jessica

August 04, 2023 • 2 Comments

Gram & Jessica

Their day began long before I arrived at 10:30 on Saturday July 22, 2023. Months of planning had gone into this very moment. Florals were purchased from Lindsay at Tatum Studios of western Kentucky, dresses from USA Bridals in Louisville, KY and rings from a jeweler near Columbus, Ohio.

Family is very important to Gram & Jessica, so much so that they travelled from Circleville, Ohio to Paducah, KY to be with Jessica’s beloved grandparents. Jessica couldn’t imagine spending this important day apart from them, so when it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they had to host in Paducah.

Wearing matching pajamas, Jessica, Danielle, Rachel and Jenna prepared for the big day ahead. Jessica glowing in adorable white satin representing the beautiful gown she would wear down the aisle. Her bridesmaids in blue satin pajamas, they donned their make-up and fixed each other’s hair.

When the time came, Jessica’s sweet mother Traci, helped her into her dress and veil. The last piece of the puzzle was The Necklace. Worn by 7 women before her, The Necklace was a gift from Traci’s grandfather to her grandmother for their wedding many years ago.

Shedding a few happy tears, Traci threaded the delicate Necklace around Jessica’s neck. Admiring the gold filigree adorning her beautiful daughter, Traci beamed with pride seeing her wear that treasured piece.

With dresses on, shoes strapped in and bouquets ready, these lovely ladies made their way to the front door to head to the first look of Gram and Jessica. On the way through the house, though, Jessica got to experience a first look with her beloved father. These images speak for themselves, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the whole room, including my own!

There is something magical about a first look between a bride and groom. You have found the person you love and want to spend the rest of your life with, wearing a beautiful gown, holding gorgeous flowers and you walk up to your groom.

Tapping him on the shoulder, he turns around with a huge smile on his face. Things start happening in slow motion.

You see each other and time stops. All the planning, preparations, and purchases have led to this very moment. Hugging, crying and smiling, you cling to him, and in that moment you are so thankful that you met before the ceremony.

The anxiety is gone, vanished like it was never there. All that matters is you and your fiancée. It’s the day you’re marrying, and you couldn’t be happier!

Pure joy radiated from Gram and Jessica, that translated into absolutely gorgeous photos! We went straight into their first set of wedding photos prior to the ceremony, riding on the high of meeting in wedding attire. Gram admired Jessica’s dress, and Jessica beamed with pride at the sight of her groom in a dashing black suit, tie and cufflinks she’d purchased for him.

Crepe myrtle trees along a paved pathway provided the perfect backdrop for photos immediately after their first look. Immediate family nearby lined up to wait for their turn to take photos with the happy couple.

Spending about an hour at that location allowed for several important photos to be captured. The Bridal Party, Family and other combinations allowed the rest of the day to flow smoothly.

Arriving at the venue, Floral Hall at Carson Park in Paducah, Kentucky, the families took a much needed break.

Food and drinks had been prepared ahead of time for everyone to enjoy while resting. A timeline had been established for the entire day, thanks to the amazing work by their coordinator Lindsay (with a little assistance from myself), we established a relaxing and stress free timeline that allowed for these breaks.

Three o’clock approaching, everyone made their way to their designated spots before the ceremony. Family and friends filled the seats, and exchanged smiles. It was finally time to get married!

Proudly standing next to her father, Jessica glided down the aisle to meet Gram at the altar. “Her mother and I,” Greg proclaimed when asked “Who gives this woman to this man?”

Seats taken, and loved ones looking on, Gram and Jessica made vows to love, honor and cherish each other. Through sickness, in health, for richer or poorer as long as they both shall live.

To signify their union, Gram and Jessica braided a cord of three strands. One representing God and their faith in Him, with the other two representing Gram and Jessica. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.

Marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, and with God leading them it is not quickly broken.

Gram and Jessica put their faith in God to lead and guide them, and this poignant act during their ceremony spoke volumes. Allowing God to lead their marriage will set them up for success for many years. With the witness of many married couples before them, Gram and Jessica have the tools and resources to achieve a lifelong relationship.

The ceremony concluded as Gram kissed his Bride, friends and family cheered as the preacher presented Mr. & Mrs. Martin.

Pure joy radiated from Gram and Jessica as they walked down the stairs to the waiting exit, but they paused at the perfect moment. Leaning in for another kiss, Gram lifted his wife into the air for the best possible silhouette photos I could have ever imagined.

They spent the rest of the evening dancing, eating, drinking and living their best life surrounded by loved ones. Smiles abounded all around, and laughter rang out all through the crowd.

Oh, and cake!

Before my time concluded, Gram and Jessica joined me outside to toast their wedding with a beautiful bottle of champagne surrounded by their bridal party.