Cultivating an attitude of gratitude…
Boy did my husband and I get a class on this at Kevin and Adrienne’s wedding. My husband tends to look on the bright side of most situations, and his reaction to this couple was that he was blown away by how gratefulness oozes out of everything they say and do. Now, I know what you’re thinking: a couple who is just about to get married seeming grateful, yeah, that seems pretty normal. But, when you hear their story it becomes quite obvious that they are not one of those couples whose emotions change with the tides. These two, who treat everyone as if they were the most important people to them, have gone through some tough times in life. I never in a million years would have imagined, upon first meeting them at their engagement shoot, and seeing how fun-loving they are, that he has lost both of his parents already, and she has lost her father. So, how is it that these two are so thankful for everything that they have instead of being bitter or resentful? It is a choice. A choice that needs to be made every day. Judging by the people that came to their wedding it has been a choice that both of them have been making for quite some time, and at least in Kevin’s case, it is quite obvious that it is a trait that he learned from his father. Matt and I kind of felt like outsiders at this wedding, not because we didn’t get along with them. No, quite the opposite, I’m pretty sure we’ll be friends for some time, but rather, because it seemed like everyone there has been close friends with one of them for at least 10 years. It seems like wherever Kevin and Adrienne go, they pick up lifelong friendships, and I don’t mean the kind of friendships where you might go out for coffee every once in a while. I mean the, “we met in preschool and have been close friends for 30…. wait sorry, 16+ years…. a lady never reveals her age.” Or, “she stayed in London for a while a few years ago and we’ve never lost touch, so when she invited us to the wedding we hopped across the pond.” Or in the most mind-boggling instance of friendship I can think of, generational friends, where three men are such good friends that after one of them passes away, the other 2 gravitate towards friendship with his son, so much so that when that son gets married, those 2 are standing next to him at his wedding, as some weird and amazing amalgamation of surrogate family and best friends. An attitude of gratitude is a choice, but when it is chosen, it’s like gravity. It pulls people together, sometimes over great distances, and it never lets go.
Being happily married is also a choice. Now let me be clear, in the phrase “happily” married, I don’t think that happily means what we mean today when we say “happy.” You see, happy used to mean a state of being satisfied. You can be what we would call happy, or sad, and still be satisfied. Sometimes we are going through things that make our emotions do all kinds of crazy things. But, if you choose to always, to the best of your ability, try to give 100% of yourself to the person you are married to, and they try the same for you, you will be “happily” married. Just like gratitude, it is a choice that needs to be made daily. Just like gratitude, it isn’t always easy. Just like gratitude, it is always worth it to those around you.
Kevin and Adrienne, thank you so much for asking us to be a part of your big day. It was one of the most heartfelt and emotional weddings I’ve ever been to, and it was amazing to be a part of.
It was so hard to narrow down my favorites from this wedding to share on the blog, but here is a little snapshot of Kevin and Adrienne’s wonderful day. Their wedding took place at the Springside Barn in East Earl, one of my favorite wedding venues for obvious reasons, I mean it’s just gorgeous! The whole day the weather forecast had us on our toes, and at the last minute, the call was made to move the ceremony indoors. It ended up working out really well though, and the sun actually came out at the end of the day so we were able to get some really pretty golden hour pictures! Enjoy this little recap of the day!
We started the day photographing the bride and groom details, and while they were all beautiful, I think my favorite part was Kevin’s wedding band which was engraved inside with 2 different Bible references, including one of my all-time favorite passages: Proverbs 3:5-6.
After getting ready, Kevin and Adrienne had their First Look outside. I’m so glad they decided to do this special First Look moment before the ceremony because the weather was so beautiful at this time during their wedding day, the sun was actually out for a little bit, and we were able to get in a lot more portrait time this way instead of waiting to try and do all these after the ceremony, which was perfect because it ended up raining towards the end of their ceremony. I just love capturing this private moment between couples before their ceremony, and Kevin’s reactions to his gorgeous bride Adrienne were just priceless!!
And then we spent some time wandering around the lovely Springside Barn property, did some pictures by the pond, took in some fall colors, and of course we had to have some fun with Adrienne’s super long veil! Before long, we were joined by the adorable littles of the wedding - 4 flower girls and the cutest little ring bearer - and the rest of the bridal party. These people are some of the kindest I’ve ever had in a bridal party, and I’m so glad they were able to stand next to Adrienne and Kevin and help celebrate them on their wedding day.
Right before the ceremony, Adrienne and Kevin read the letters they had written to each other.
The original plan was to have the ceremony outside, which I know they were super excited about, but as we kept checking the weather forecast constantly the whole morning, it looked more and more like that plan was going to have to change. Finally, shortly before the wedding, the call was made to move the ceremony inside. It was a bit of a scramble to get everything set up and prepared inside, but it all worked out. Right before the ceremony started, it looked like we might have made the wrong decision as the sun came out in full force. But halfway through the ceremony the clouds moved in and it started raining, so I’m very thankful that it was moved inside!
Also, as you’ll see below, there was one moment in the ceremony that had everyone laughing, especially Adrienne. Let me explain… Apparently, last year during COVID when they couldn’t really go anywhere for dates, Adrienne gave Kevin a little handmade note which said “This Coupon is good for an Adventure of your choice.” So it was like a little adventure date coupon for a later time. Kevin had held on to this coupon and during his vows he presented it to Adrienne and said he was cashing it in for “a lifetime of adventure with her.” Of course, this sent Adrienne and the rest of the room into joyous laughter. And it was amazing.
Once we wrapped up family formals and realized the rain had stopped, we did a few “just married” portraits with Kevin and Adrienne before heading in for the reception.
Adrienne’s vision for the reception was simple elegance. Even though it was taking place in a barn, she wanted to make it more classic and elegant than country rustic. I think that’s the beauty of the Springside Barn venue, it can take on many different styles of weddings. And I think Adrienne definitely achieved her goal with this, it turned out just beautiful!! The white and gold with touches of greenery and twinkle lights worked together perfectly! Oh, and we can’t forget about the fantastic LIFE Coffee Bar that was a huge hit with all the guests, and the delicious whoopie pies which are always a Lancaster County favorite!
After their first dance, we snuck Kevin and Adrienne out for a few golden hour pictures right before sunset, which is always one of my favorite things on wedding days. I just can’t get over how classy these two looked, with Kevin in his tux and Adrienne looking just stunning in her gorgeous gown! But really, it’s the way they look at each other that says it all.
Kevin and Adrienne, your whole wedding day was amazing, thank you so much for having us be a part of it, it was such an honor! Best wishes on your lifetime of adventure together!!
Ceremony & Reception | Springside Barn
Dress Store | David’s Bridal
Hair | Rosalie Martin
Makeup | Amber Valentine
Florist | Shannon Ostermayer
Cake | Dutch-Way Farm Market
Catering | Rock'n J's BBQ
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse