Jen & Chris’ Indiana Backyard Wedding

“The heart knows when the search is over.” -unknown

Jen and I met in college, two social work majors with a passion for fixing the world. She is one of the most caring, compassionate and thoughtful people I know, and has become such a treasured friend to me over the years. So when she asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding I was honored to stand by her side.

A couple weeks before the big day, plans for having a professional photographer fell through and I leaped at the chance to do double duty as bridesmaid-photographer. Not something I would usually recommend, but my inner social worker was thrilled to save the day for two of my favorite people.

Jen and Chris planned an intimate backyard wedding with only their family and closest friends present. They exchanged vows in a short and sweet ceremony, complete with plenty of tears and laughs. Their excitement was palpable.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering, “But you were a bridesmaid, how did you get any ceremony photos??”. This is where my months of training my boyfriend to use my camera came in handy. I handed off the camera right before walking down the aisle and Bill was able to get some great shots. So all those perfectly framed and in-focus shots of the ceremony- I can’t take credit for those (well done, Bae!). 

The reception was perfectly laid back- and perfectly them. Right on schedule, a huge pickup truck rolled up to set up a pizza kitchen in the backyard. A live band played while guests mingled, ate fresh pizza, and then danced until dark. And then they danced some more.

I’m a firm believer that the heart knows when it has found something real in another. Jen and I have walked through some difficult life experiences together, and I can say I noticed an immediate change in her the moment she knew Chris was her person. My heart is so happy that her search is over.