Emma + Jaydon | A Beautiful August Wedding at 3M Farms in Scottsville

It is one the greatest blessings in my life to photograph weddings. And this one was an extra blessing.

I am a wordy person, especially when I’m writing, but I can’t quite find the right words to describe the absolute love that I saw from the beginning to the end of my time at Jaydon and Emma’s late August wedding at The Barn at 3M Farms. Emma was all smiles from the word go, and Jaydon enjoyed every second of the banter back and forth with the guys. And then, when he saw his beautiful bride coming to meet him, we all smiled as his eyes leaked a little. When it’s a deep down soul mate, the whole family and friends know. And with the newest Mr. and Mrs. Proctor, they know. You’d have to literally have your head in the sand not to know….

Both of their dads talked about how thankful they were that these two had found the love of their life in each other, and that sentiment was echoed over and over throughout the evening. Jaydon’s dad married them, and when he talked about their love, and how proud he was of his son and new bride, it was clearly genuine and heart felt. Then, when Emma’s dad spoke of this amazing couple at the reception, he shared several touching thoughts. The one that stuck with me was him telling about being seriously injured while in the military and praying that he’d be able recover to walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding day. Emma’s wedding was the first of that answered prayer.

Another touching moment was the beautiful prayer in the bridal room where Emma’s mom prayed for Emma and Jaydon’s marriage and future. And then the groom’s uncle brought cheeseburgers. That sounds quite ordinary, but these cheeseburgers weren’t just a Saturday lunch. They were part of a characteristic unique to families – traditions. This cheeseburger tradition goes back to the day when Jaydon’s dad and mom got married. His brother, Jaydon’s uncle, called to see what he needed and Jaydon’s dad said, “I sure could use a cheeseburger.” Just like that, a new tradition was born. Now all the Proctor men get cheeseburgers on their wedding day. What a gift to honor those family traditions. They are important to our culture, and what makes each family unique. Both families have such a rich tradition filled heritage that has clearly impacted their children in the most positive way.

Jaydon proposed to Emma in early July and they didn’t want a long engagement. When we met a couple of months ago to discuss their wedding, Emma said, “We just want to get married.” And it was lovely. The joy they shared with everyone around them was just so real that you could almost reach out and touch it. Emma was all about simple, but beautiful. She purchased flowers from River Bend Blooms, and her little sister made her bouquets. They were stunning. And even though the Proctors served a traditional cake, they shared a first bite of pie. What is more authentic than making every part of your day truly you?? This is a trend that I hope continues to grow.

Emma and Jaydon, sometimes I just smile when I think of couples – and you two will always have that effect on my heart. My prayer is that you always, always keep the same joy and love that I saw on August 24th. You are simply amazing. Love and blessings, Pat