Some weddings remind me exactly why I love what I do. Jennifer and James' wedding day was one of them.

It was hot, the sun was bright, and there was barely a cloud in the sky. It was definitely a warm one! But none of that mattered because these two were surrounded by so many people who love them and were so incredibly happy to be there to celebrate with them.

Among the guests were many of their Special Olympics friends and coworkers, which made the day feel even more personal. James is an athlete with Special Olympics, and Jennifer works with the organization, so it was pretty wonderful to see so many people from that part of their lives gathered together to cheer them on as they became husband and wife.

But what really got me was watching James.

You could see it written all over his face. This was the woman he'd spent so long hoping and praying for, and now she was standing right there beside him, becoming his wife. He looked completely over the moon. There were plenty of smiles throughout the day, but the look on James' face when he looked at Jennifer said just about everything.

One of the sweetest surprises of the day was a song she had written just for James about their relationship. She had it played for him so they could dance to it during the reception, and there wasn't a dry eye around—including mine! It was such a beautiful way to tell him just how much he means to her.

That's the thing I loved most about their wedding. Nothing needed to be perfect or elaborate. These two were simply so happy to be together, and the people around them were just as happy for them. There was a whole lot of love in that room, and it was impossible not to feel it.

After all these years of photographing weddings, days like this are exactly why I still love my job so much. I get to witness people making promises to each other, but I also get to see the people behind the wedding—their relationships, their families, their friends, and the people who have been cheering them on along the way.

Jennifer and James, I was absolutely over the moon happy for you both. Thank you for letting me be part of such an incredible day and for trusting me to be there as you started this next chapter together.

Congratulations, you two! I couldn't be happier for you both! 🤍

Venue - Little Red Barn of Nunica
Dress - Jenna in White, Grand Rapids
Tuxes - Bridal Knight, Muskegon
Catering - Tudor Catering, Muskegon
Bartending - Pour Choices, Allendale
DJ / Videography - Complete Weddings & Events, Grand Rapids
Cake - Dreamscapes Desserts, Grand Rapids
Goodie table - Bowerman on 8th, Holland

James & Jennifer: A Wedding Day
Full of Love and Joy