What’s the best way to follow up an important life milestone like graduating? Of course it’s moving on to the next big milestone and marrying the person you love the most.
That is exactly what I watched happen when I filmed Stephanie and Ryan’s wedding in May of 2012. They had walked at graduation the week before. A week later they were standing at the front of a church in Beaumont with nobody left to compete with for the spotlight.
I originally met Stephanie at Sara and Jason’s wedding the year before, so it was great to head back out to Beaumont and film another one. They even got ready at the same salon.
Rejoice With Those Who Rejoice
Two things the pastor said that day stuck with me while I was filming.
The first was Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” This wedding was that verse. An excited couple, and a room full of close friends and family who were genuinely thrilled to be there rather than just present.
The second was simply that this was their day. And it was. The spotlight was on them and they were shining. They sparkled more than the fireworks their guests used to send them off at the end of the night.
Praise Christian Center And Beaumont Country Club
The ceremony was at Praise Christian Center, and the reception moved out to Beaumont Country Club, which sits back in the pines on the edge of town. We got the two of them out by the fountain right as the light was going, which turned into my favorite frame of the whole day.
Big thanks to Taylor Stanley and Ashley Stineman for helping me film this wedding.