I’m going to overpost today. I already know that I included waaaaaaay too many photos in this post, so… sorry, not sorry! Get ready to scroll!!

This wedding was ideal in so many ways, that I couldn’t resist adding a little extra to this particular blog post. Honestly, the only thing that wasn’t ideal was the heat. (Holy cow! It was a hot day!!) Other than that, this wedding was perfect. Josh and Kendra had an absolutely lovely wedding.

Josh and Kendra met in high school when they were both swimmers at rival schools. Josh is so charming that even in his crazy tiger outfit, Kendra could see a wonderful personality underneath. They started dating in high school and have been dating long-distance for a while as Josh has been serving in the Coast Guard. Now that they’re finally both in the same spot, it is the perfect time to make it permanent.

Josh & Kendra’s wedding took place at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. They decorated with crimson and navy and had some delicate gold accents.

I want to give special thanks to the vendors that helped to make this day so nice for the couple:
• Flowers: A.S.K. for Flowers – Plymouth, IN
• Hair: Amore Jules – Plymouth, IN
• Officiant: Pastor Nick Deck – Winona Lake, IN
• Cake: Betty’s Cake Shop – Warsaw, IN
• DJ:  Affordable Disc Jockeys – Highland, IN
• Venue/Catering: Swan Lake Resort – Plymouth, IN

This next section is one where I know I went way overboard with too many photos, but Josh and Kendra’s first look was so unique that I couldn’t help myself. Kendra had Josh taken outside to a table where she had set up a journal of prayers that she had been writing since the beginning of their relationship. There were pages that were marked and instructions for Josh to follow. Once he had read a significant wedding day message from her, he got to turn around and see her. It was really cool. Take a look!

Once the couple had a little bit of time to connect with each other, their wedding party joined them.

Sadly, Josh wasn’t able to have all of his groomsmen join him for the wedding day. Three of his groomsmen are on active duty in the Coast Guard and weren’t able to be present for the wedding.

I LOVED Kendra’s bridesmaids. They were SO encouraging!! Every time they weren’t in a photo, they were standing by cheering on the people who were. It made the day so uplifting and fun! Everyone needs women like this in their lives. Everyone.

A few days before the wedding, I was talking to my husband (and second shooter) David about shooting the wedding. As I was briefing him on the plans, I reminded him that he’d met this couple before at their engagement session. He doesn’t often come with me to engagement sessions, but occasionally I need a little extra help with equipment. David remembered Josh as “the guy with the really cool hair”. Very accurate.

I spotted some red flowers on the Swan Lake grounds and had to get that extra pop of color in the foreground since it matched the couple’s colors.

David took that pop of red up a notch or seven by getting really close to the flowers with this one.

Kendra, you are SO beautiful!

Here’s another spot where I went a little nuts. I couldn’t get enough of the flower girls and how they spread their flower petals with gusto! It was ridiculously cute.

Swan Lake is in BLOOM right now and the flowers along the winding path the gazebo are absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been part of weddings at this venue many times, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it look quite this beautiful.

The groomsmen dedicated their toast to the couple’s dog, Toby. The couple obviously approved.

The guests at this wedding were ready to dance and they had so much fun doing it!

Toward the end of the evening, the couple came outside with me for a few golden hour photos.

What a lovely end to an awesome day! Josh and Kendra, thanks for letting me be part of your celebration. It was such an honor to bear witness to the start of your marriage. Congratulations!