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Had the most lovely afternoon with these two a few weeks back. Jaclyn & Frederick, thanks for being so goofy and lovable and downright sweet together. I look forward to seeing you again this Fall!
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Lake Forest Ranch is a campground in north Mississippi that is super special to me. Not only because of the dynamic spiritual growth that happened in my life while I worked there as a camp counselor back in 2005, but also because of the many, many relationships I formed that one summer. In fact, it was at this camp that Jess and I started dating (well, sort of, it was against camp rules to date a fellow staff member). Long story short, I made friends that have changed my life and made me a better person.
Hannah, the bride in today’s post, was a camper that one summer I worked, but has connections to Lake Forest Ranch that run far deeper than mine. Her love for this special place nestled in the woods of Mississippi was so profound that she and Josh decided it was the best possible place for them to marry, despite it being a far trek from their home in Colorado.
Knowing Hannah and her family as well as I do (I photographed her brother’s wedding several years ago), I was so excited about how relaxed and meaningful I knew everything would be. It would be a joyful celebration completely centered on Christ: exactly what a wedding is meant to be.
Things didn’t go exactly as planned when rain forced the ceremony to be moved inside a barn (like, a real barn… moved the horses out and the white chairs in) at the last minute, but nothing could take away from the sweet, sweet love between these two. Even with the smell of horses and dusty air, everything was completely perfect.
First up in the post are images from the 2 mile fun run that started the day for the bride, groom and their closest friends and family…
Probably my favorite moment of the day… Just a few minutes before the ceremony, Hannah and her dad were tucked away in the camp office playing a game of thumb wrestling–something they’ve done since she was a little girl.
I just finished photographing Jennifer’s bridal session which reminded me that I hadn’t yet posted her and Chris’ engagement session–shame on me! “Jenni” as she’s known among her best friends, apparently has quite the dynamic personality that she really only lets out once she’s super comfortable with you. I feel like I’m getting close to seeing it. All this came out because three of Jenni’s bridesmaids/college friends joined us for the bridals and they were completely outrageous. And hilarious. I love how friends rat you out in front of other people in the most loving sort of way.
Jennifer and Chris had a great engagement session. It was a little warm, but they were more than a little cooperative and were up for pretty much anything. See you two again in just over a month!
Caroline and Bennon are just so cute together. I’ve known Bennon since he was around 13, so while it’s a little strange to see him graduating college and getting married, I couldn’t be happier that he ended up with a gal whose family I’ve come to appreciate so much. I photographed Caroline’s sister, Kathryn’s wedding a couple years back, so I’m thrilled to be back with two families that I love when I photograph their wedding this summer.
Beautiful pictures of two precious young folks.
I think Allison and John’s session was the first recently where I was like, “YES! Spring is HERE!” Now, unfortunately the temps have jumped up to high 80s, but, I enjoyed Spring for the few days we had it. :) I had such a good time with these two. They are two helplessly classy individuals, and that makes me quite certain that their summer wedding in Louisiana will be exactly that: helplessly classy. Can’t wait to be a part of it!
These are absolutely gorgeous! Okay, I’m not prejudiced or anything, but I am so grateful to ROBBY FOLLOWELL for taking these wonderful pictures of our children! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So beautiful! Glad I don’t have to make a choice on which one I like best!
Beautiful!
Beautiful photos, enjoy these special days. Is the date set?
Beautiful!
A beautiful couple!
OK, she is my sister, BUT these are some of the BEST engagement pictures that I have seen in a LLOONNGG time — I’m like Jessica Thacker, glad I do not have to pick the ONE I like the best! I will choose a wedding picture of my entire family (and probably a engagement picture also?)
You are allowed to be prejudiced about this, Linda, but you don’t have to be – they are wonderful!
Love the one with the white frame church and the last one where they are framed bu the woods with the light behind them. Those are keepers!
Thanks, Frances! I like those, too.
Thank you, all, for enjoying the pictures with us and writing sweet comments!
Absolutely stunning!
Beautiful! Love that place!!
Love them!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!!
Very nice. a lovely, lovely couple.
Beautiful, happy pictures!
Your work is exquisite and unique, capable of capturing two of my own children in a most unique perspective. Your ability to use natural light and contrast is beautiful. Thank you for taking me to both weddings without actually being present. It is truly a gift that you post. I hope that your success as a photographer, capturing images to be cherished and treasured for a lifetime, is long-lasting…
Oh so beautiful! Knew these guys when they were kids!
Hannah!! Beautiful!! Fav is of you and your Dad – thumb war:)
Looked like a beautiful wedding. Congratulations Josh and Hannah!