Eliza + Bradley | A Lovely Wedding at the Cusp of Winter | Buchanan, MI

The word hung above them as all eyes were directed to the front of the chapel. “Abide.” It was a word that Eliza and Bradley had embraced early on as both the goal and focus of the entire day. Abide in the moments; to not rush through the day, but to sit and enjoy every second of their wedding day. Abide in each other; the person they had found who would, from now on, be “Home.”  But most important to Eliza and Bradley, Abide in the One who had given them every good gift in their life, including each other. As Eliza and Bradley leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife, it seemed only fitting that this beautiful word floated above them, a symbol of the beautiful perspective and foundation their lives would now be built upon.

It felt like their story had come full circle. Years ago, two lives had come together from across the United States, meeting each other at a small camp in the middle of southwest Michigan. And as Eliza and Bradley’s wedding day, their thoughts drifted back to those first days as team members, then friends, and finally, something so much more. While Bradley and his groomsmen were able to get ready in the same home he was raised in, Eliza and her bridesmaids had one of the camp’s spacious chalets all to themselves. While the hustle and bustle of the preparations occurred across the camp, Eliza and Bradley were able to slip away for both an emotional first look and a trip off-site for a special portrait session to begin their day together. As the ceremony drew close, families and friendships that Eliza and Bradley hadn’t seen for years began to descend upon the camp and bring an energy that only a wedding day could. As the ceremony began, a lifelong mentor stepped up to the stage, welcoming all and giving everyone the opportunity to appreciate the journey so far that had brought everyone to this moment. As soon as Eliza and Bradley shared their first kiss as husband and wife, the crowd roared in applause and shouts of congratulations! The ceremony space was quickly converted into a beautiful reception space, and before long, good food and good times were being shared by all. Both speeches praise Eliza and Bradley for the impact that they had had on other’s lives, and by the end of the toasts, tears were being shed across the room. With the night still young, Eliza and Bradley jumped onto the dance floor to celebrate with the people who not only had brought them this far in life, but also the ones who would walk with them int the years to come.

Eliza and Bradley, our story with the two of you began so many years ago, and as we look back on how we were brought together, we see God’s hand in both the big surprises and the littlest moments. It is so clear to us that you “complete each other,” both in your relationship but also in how you love and serve all who are around you. We see so much of ourselves in you, right down to the place where you met and the ministry you traveled with. You have started your marriage with the foundation of abiding, and we couldn’t think of a better challenge than this: remember who you ultimately abide in. The days will grow long, but your love for each other and God will be that forever foundation, both now and in the beautiful years to come.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.