Janessa & Stuart’s Sage and Pine Wedding

Michael took his daughter’s hand, and took a deep breath as they walked across the wood floor to the middle of the room. Their song began, and they started to slowly sway, taking in the moment they’ve both dreamed of ever since she was born. He couldn’t believe his only daughter was a married woman, and his eyes filled with tears as she placed her head on his chest. “Every hug in the morning, and butterfly kisses…” The words written in her dad’s hand permanently above her heart, words they now danced to as everyone around wiped tears away. Her mom smiled as she watched her little girl, looking more beautiful than she ever had in her life, with the exception of the first time she laid eyes on her. It was everything Janessa pictured and more, and just as everyone had composed themselves, Stuart and Rylinn walked onto the dance floor. She looked over as her new husband twirled her daughter and first born, now a permanent part of his family. And he loves that little girl like his own. Though he didn’t give her the gift of life, life gave her the gift of him. Micheal had been praying for Stuart to not only come into his daughter’s life, but his granddaughter’s, and the image of the four of them swaying on the dance floor is one that nobody who was lucky enough to witness will ever forget.

Janessa & Stu’s wedding was incredibly special to me, because she’s my little sister! I married her brother four years ago, and she’s the only girl of six brothers, so she quickly became my best friend. I always pictured this day when I met her when she was in high school, but I never imagined I would get to stand next to her as her Matron of Honor as she said her vows. Talk about an endless amount of tears…from the moment she Face-timed me her ring, to the time she walked down the aisle, I’ve been a MESS. In the best way possible. Getting to plan her bridal shower, bachelorette, and wedding has been one of the best (and craziest) experiences of my life! Oh, and did I mention I was their partial wedding photographer?? A huge thanks to Riane and Monique of Monique Hessler Weddings, who captured the most beautiful images and let me step in to take photos too! Stay tuned for that blog post 😉 This destination Pinetop wedding flew by faster than we could have imagined, and it was a day surrounded by so much love and celebration. I love my new brother and the sweet little family they’ve created, and the little nephew he gave me. Just to give you an idea of how special this day was to me: My little sister-in-law was the bride, and her new husband my new brother. My husband and brother-in-law were groomsmen, and my niece and nephew were the flower girl and ring bearer. Two of my other sister-in-laws-were bridesmaids, not to mention the countless family and friends that surrounded us that day. A little confusing I know, but it was more than my heart could handle! Janessa and Stu, I’ve cried so many tears of joy for you two, and may or my not be doing just that right now…It was a bigger honor than you will ever know to be a part of this experience with you, and I’m so blessed to be a part of your lives for the rest of mine. I can’t wait to see where marriage takes you, and I will always look back on this time and smile. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Boardman, I’m so incredibly proud of you guys! #adiosjaramillo