HEATHER WILKINSON | Photographer

There are several reasons why I am so glad to have been able to photograph Paul & Joanna’s wedding day.  For starters, it was in warm, sunny Florida.  Considering the amount of snow still lurking around here in early April, it was a welcome change. Secondly, Dave & the kids joined me and we were all able to do some nice visiting with family there and stay a few extra days for some vacation time.  But most importantly, I knew that Paul & Joanna’s wedding day was going be be something really special.  You see, they have an amazing love story, that is an undeniable demonstration of their solid hope and faith in God and His perfect timing, comfort, and faithfulness.  The buzz of pure joy and gratitude to God for creating them for each other and then eventually bringing them together in the way that He did, was so apparent, and it was truly heart-warming…. and tear-inducing.  Joanna is my husband’s younger cousin, and her family and ours are quite close, so we’ve been following along with their story for a few years now.  April 5th was probably the most anticipation and emotion-filled wedding day I have ever personally experienced.  Friends and family gathered in Sanford, Florida from near and far, several who live in more remote areas as missionaries.  I know for sure of family who came from Brazil, South Africa, Norway, several from around the US, and even a few of us Canadians were there too :)  Paul & Joanna have so much love and support behind them, and everyone was beyond excited to be there to cheer them on as they start their married lives together!

Our preview starts off at the New Tribes Mission headquarters in Sanford where Joanna’s parents serve and she grew up.  Paul’s family and groomsmen were housed here, and the boys started the day off right with a little basketball…

Meanwhile, Joanna and her girls were getting ready at her sister Elisabeth’s house…
Joanna with her beautiful sisters and mama.  Incredible group of ladies.

That’s Paul’s dad who is marrying them!
They exchanged the most beautiful of vows that they wrote themselves…

I first met Dave in kindergarten.  He had this awesome crayon box…. you know, the one that has like over 100 colours and had the sharpener built right into the box.  He sometimes let me use it, so we were friends.  Jump ahead several years, I met Teshia when I did her grad photos.  Nice girl, I thought.  A few more years later, while still friends with Dave, of course, I met up with Teshia again…. in Wisconsin of all places, where I was photographing her friend’s wedding.  A few weeks later, Dave & Teshia’s paths finally crossed while each separately enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the lake.  Dave was immediately smitten and added her to Facebook and invited her out for ice cream.  She thought it would be an ok way to pass a little time before she left in just a few short days for a year of missions in Ireland.  They spent every evening together before she left.  They kept in touch while she was gone, but nothing serious…. on her end, anyway.  Dave, on the other hand, knew this was it.  He talked about her ALL THE TIME ;)  Then finally that girl moved home and he could hardly contain himself.  They started dating right away, and before long, Teshia started working with me in the office.  This past summer she second shot weddings with me and has continued to be an amazing asset in the office, all the while becoming a close friend too.

On Sunday they were married, and I have never seen either one of them SO happy.  Their wedding reception is happening a little later on in January followed by a trip to Ireland, all of which I will be a part of and photographing, so there will be lots more to come later!! :)  But here is a little look so far…

The day I saw the news of their engagement surface on Facebook, my little heart hoped that I would get to photograph their wedding.  Last summer, James’ brother married Gillian’s sister, and it was an incredible wedding that I will never forget.  I assumed that this wedding would be just as lovely, and it was.  These two families are a treat to be around, AND they know how to pull together a really spectacular event.  The weather was hot and sunny, the location was gorgeous, the people were happy, and the decor was beautifully handmade.  Most of it, in fact, handmade by Gillian herself.  She designed and sewed her own gown and all of the bridesmaid’s dresses as well.  She also made all of her own jewellery and most of the decor details at the reception…. including the chandeliers!  Here is a huge, and yet only a slight, overview of their amazing day…

James’ brothers, David & Jon Bryant. Phenomenal vocals!  Visit Jon’s site and be sure to have a listen.  I frequently listen to his music while editing.

And finally, one more reason why I love doing weddings with these families… they put out one amazing cheesecake buffet!!