“Our real love story is about Monica’s courage to follow her gut… Josh’s courage to take another chance and go all in… and above all… God’s grace to save us both, by bringing us each other.” If that gives you any indication of how beautiful this Glen Ellen Farm wedding day was, believe me… that’s just the beginning!
Josh: “I knew Monica was special the first time I heard her talk about her brothers and her mom. I could see in her the same way I felt about my family. I learned very quickly this was no normal 21 year old. I met her when I was in “the space between stories”… in between my past and my future… on a journey to grow and learn from the mistakes I’d made… and she became part of my journey. She helped me move forward in that journey and start a new story… our story.”
Monica: “It’s so hard to pinpoint an exact moment, but like Josh mentioned before, I knew deep down in my gut that he was a man worth taking a chance for. Josh was so passionate and loving. He encouraged me then and he encourages me now to have faith, take chances, and to love and be gracious.”
Could they be any more amazing together?! After meeting Josh and Monica at their engagement session last Fall, I was beyond excited for their wedding day. I knew it was going to be so sweet, tear-filled, and full of Jesus… and it was!! I have to admit… I’ve never cried more at a wedding ceremony than at Josh and Monica’s. It was already beautiful and sweet and just the look on their faces was enough to make anyone get a little teary eyed… and then they shared communion while playing one of my favorite worship songs (cue actual tears). I hid behind my camera and kept photographing the ceremony like nothing was abnormal (good thing I was behind all the guests) and then right after Josh and Monica finished sharing communion together as their first act as husband and wife, everyone gasped and pointed past the pond and to the rolling hills behind them where a deer was leaping across the tall grass. It was SO beautiful! I then actually lost it because the moment already felt sacred and now it really felt like holy ground. It was a gorgeous scene with the water gently lapping against the pond shore and the fields alive with the wind making waves through the grass… and then this beautiful deer leaps across from one side to the other as if to remind us all of the verse, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul thirsts for you, my God.” There are moments like this where God reveals himself during all of my couple’s wedding ceremonies that pray for Jesus to be present… He never fails to show his glory and provide sweet reminders that He is there and He is blessing this holy union. It is so beautiful and such an honor to witness and capture.
It gets even more amazing, though, because when I shared this story with Josh (he and Monica had been turning around to walk back to the alter when this happened) he couldn’t believe it… he got tears in his eyes and asked, “Are you serious?” He shared that during his brother’s wedding ceremony a flock of birds had flown behind them at just the right timing and it was just a really beautiful sight, and he’d prayed for something similar from the Lord to happen for him and Monica… well, He showed up! I’ll forever treasure that moment as one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen during a wedding ceremony. Thank you Lord!!
Glen Ellen Farm made the perfect backdrop for this beautiful day for a beautiful couple. With florals by Shelly Black and coordination by Caitlin McIntire of Classic Event Planning, the whole day was just a dream! Josh and Monica, thank you so much for asking me to be a part of the start of your marriage… I hope you love these photos so much and that they bright all the light and joy of your wedding day back to you every time you look at them. We love you guys and we hope we get to see you again soon!!!
I love how the invitation suite had the same organic and rustic feel as the venue!
Monica you are GORGEOUS!
Monica’s mom had this pulled up on her phone… so sweet!!
The porch upstairs at the Glen Ellen house is just perfect!!
WOW this bouquet!! So big and beautiful!
This is completely candid… Monica really held the letter to her heart like that! I love these moments!!
The day started with a rainstorm, as if the old was being washed away… and the new was soon to come!
SUCH a good looking couple!! Helps that they are absolutely glowing with joy!
Now you can understand how beautiful the story of the deer is!! What a stunning backdrop for something like that to happen.
There is the deer!! I wish you could have seen it! Such a beautiful moment!
This is so cute I can’t!!! So happy Justin got to be a part of this day with Josh and Monica!
I promise we took a nice, normal smiling photo… but this one cracks me up!! #goodtimes
Special thanks to these vendors for making this day possible!!
DRESS DESIGNER: Stella York
DRESS STORE: Whittington Bridal
FLORALS: Shelly Black
HAIR & MAKEUP: Sherian Allen (Friend)
VENUE: Glen Ellen Farm
PLANNING & COORDINATION: Classic Event Planning
DJ/ENTERTAINMENT: Matt Johnson
CATERING: Rogue Catering
CAKE & DESSERTS: Rogue Catering & Nothing Bundt Cakes
BRIDESMAIDS: Sorella Vita at Couture by Posh Bridal
GROOMSMEN: Men’s Wearhouse
STATIONERY: Minted
RENTALS: Something Vintage Rentals & Barnes Farm Tables
HONEYMOON: Maui & Oahu!
