Patrick & Shannon | a Proposal! | Richmond, KY | 10.23.13

Back in the spring, Patrick asked me if I thought we could plan a surprise photo session for his girlfriend (and my old suitemate!), Shannon.  Kay and I are avid fans of all things surprise, so we circled the dates we were scheduled to be in Kentucky.  As the time approached, Patrick said:

"I've decided I would really like 

to propose during the photoshoot, 

if you think that's okay."  

Our response?  ... "ABSOLUTELY YES!"

The morning of the photoshoot, I was a nervous/crazed wreck.  We were playing it off as though the photoshoot was Shannon's reallllly early morning surprise.  So I jumped out of the car and we squealed and laughed and hugged each other.  (I think I squealed just a little bit louder... but I knew what was coming later on.)

Did I mention this session started at sunrise?  Oh how we have dearly missed this view...

Patrick kept his cool pretty well... though Shannon did comment:  "Why are you so giggly this morning!?"

It was so much fun to share our favorite spots with Patrick & Shannon!

All morning long I anxiously awaited our signal for Patrick to pop the question.  Then suddenly, it was time.  I was shaking.  And there he went, down on one knee, telling Shannon how much he loved her and asking her if she would marry him.  WHAAAAA!!!

Shannon:  "Is this really real life!?"

Victory!  :)

A surprise breakfast picnic to celebrate - with sparkling grape juice and doughnuts.  :)

Patrick and Shannon, we had a blast being part of such a special day.  (We're glad we don't have to keep it a secret anymore!)   :)  We pray that the Lord continues to lead and guide you as you prepare for marriage!  Love you guys!

Jill & Kay

Kenny & Brooke | Williamsburg, Kentucky | 9.18.13

I heard this comment from Brooke multiple times over the past few years:  "I'll be the last one to get married, cause I want to wait till I'm at least 30.  No, make that 35."

Then, in July of 2012 I heard: "I have this friend.  His name is Kenny and we've been kinda hanging out.  I think he likes me... and I might like him.  But we're gonna take it super slow."

By September she was gushing this through the phone: "Jill. He's the one. I know this sounds crazy but Kenny is the one!  I CAN'T WAIT TO BE MARRIED!"

So this August 31st found Kay & I (happily) back in a familiar place among the mountains of Eastern Kentucky with Kenny & Brooke, and many friends and family.   Despite a threat of rain, the sun shone bright and clear the morning of the Jackson/James wedding.  From the time of prayer at the bridal breakfast, to the much-anticipated first look, to the vows written by the bride and groom, to the joy and laughter of the celebration, to the last moments running through rain and sparklers... the day held many surprises and many cherished moments. 

First Baptist Church, Williamsburg, Brooke's home chuch, was the setting for the day's events.  Built in 1926, it has such beautiful architecture and quite a history!

Over the years I was blessed to be able to sing with friends for different times of worship on our campus.  I was honored to reunite with Geoffery and Dillon for the ceremony.  The words from the song Brooke & Kenny chose were powerful ones - words that they fully believe and live.

"I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom"

                      [How Deep the Father's Love]

Kenny chose to remember and honor his mother as he spoke his vows to Brooke: 

"People tell me from time to time how proud my Mom 

would be of the man I have become, but I believe that the 

thing she would be most proud of is the woman I have 

chosen to spend the rest of my life with."

What's a wedding reception without a little competition?  :)

"...let your light shine..." 

                                           - Matthew 5:16

Kenny & Brooke, thank you for letting us celebrate with you!  

Much love,
Jill & Kay


P.S. I (Jill) also want to take this time to point out a few things, since it's my blog, and since Brooke is over 800 miles away, she can't pinch me with her lobster claw fingers if I say too much.  (1) She once almost broke my toe with a door, but still denies it.  (2) There was a night I thought I was hearing things and going crazy - but it was Brooke playing a ringtone through the wall - on purpose.  (3) She likes to video me in my tiredest hours and then show people... who don't even know me!  (4) I can't say anymore or she'll hunt me down.  Love you, Brooke!

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Mr. & Mrs. James' wedding day photos will soon be available to view at:

www.jameswedding.jillandkayphotography.com.