What a gorgeous reception at the Henry Smith House in Picayune, Mississippi. The staff was amazing!!  This wedding will always leave a lasting impression on me. It was such a beautiful day with an amazing group of people, and one sweet bride & groom. The bride and bridesmaids got ready at Jess’s parents home, a home full of precious memories and memorable keepsakes. In the middle of this beauty, this busy day, there was a moment where we were waiting, sitting, talking, and her dad began to tell a story of speaking at his mothers funeral, of strength, of how God carries us through in moments we are so weak. No one was on their phone, no one interrupted, everyone there, young and old listened to this amazing loving father speak to his family, speak of his experiences, and I remember as a child listening to my grandmother, to her stories. In this moment I felt like an invader capturing the moment, but I felt as if it was something that I couldn’t let pass un-captured. It’s these moments we witness as photographers that impact us on every level. That we are honored to witness the sharing of love, of stories, of beauty, and the beginning of new lifetimes from which seeds of life will grow and continue.

There is a prayer that is prayer at the weddings in Jess’s family, a beautiful wedding prayer, and she graciously allowed me to share it here with all of you:

A MARRIAGE PRAYER

Dear God, our hearts are filled with a happiness so wonderful, we are almost
afraid. His is our wedding day. We pray that the beautiful joy of this day
may never grow dim with tears of regret for the step we are about to take.
Rather may the memories of this day become more sweet and tender with each
passing anniversary.

You have sent us each other, and our fondest hope is the love we know together
Is only surpassed by the love we have for you. Grant us the power to keep
each other ever true and loving as now. May we prove indeed a helpmate, a sweetheart,
a friend, a steadfast guiding star among all the temptations that
beset our impulsive hearts.

Give us the skill to make home the best loved place of all. Help us to make its
light gleam brighter than any glow that would dim its radiance. Let us, we
pray, meet the little misunderstandings and care of life more bravely.

Be with us as we start our mission of married life, and guard our path from
failure all the way. Walk with us even unto the end of our journey.

O Father, bless us on our wedding day, hallow our marriage night, sanctify
our parenthood if you see fit to grant us that privilege. When our youthful
charms are gone, and cares and lessons have left their traces let physical
fascinations give a way to the greatest charm of companionship.
Amen.

Dear Jess & Matt,
What a blessing it was to share your beautiful moments through out your wedding day. I pray that you are always blessed and that joy follows where God leads you. Each and every step. Focus less on the journey and more on who you are on this journey of life with. Laugh every day, always kiss, and never stop seeing each other’s very best.
Much love!!

Vendors:

Venue: Henry Smith House | Catering: Henry Smith House |Cake: Mandeville Bake Shop | Dress Shop & Designer: Ashley Renee Bridal – Allure | DJ: Diamond Productions | Video: Diamond Productions | Make Up: Up’sa Daisy Hair Salon | Photography: Suzy G Photography |