Tanner + Christine

Dawning warm and light, the sun quickly transitioned to hot and bright as Tanner and Christine went about preparing to exchange vows on a Saturday in late June. The heat index was projected to reach triple digits. I reflected on their engagement session when the sun dawned bright on a brilliant blanket of glistening snow, and the newly engaged couple braved single digits. You’ll see in their engagement photos, as well as those here, their connection is strong enough to stand a frozen January and a blazing June.

All was cool and calm inside the First Baptist Church of Shelbina as hair and makeup commenced with the junior bridesmaid, the groom’s little sister, sitting for her sophisticated updo. She was obviously delighted to be an intimate part of her brother’s special day. A mutual adoration was evident between her and the bride. The bridesmaids, a sister-like cousin and a beloved neighbor friend, sat for their turn in the stylist’s chair. Upon the bride’s turn, she opted to have her long, dark hair secured in an elegant updo with curls falling to the nape of her neck and a jeweled comb secured to the side.

Meanwhile, the other half of the bridal party began to appear and make their way to get ready upstairs. Gray suits were donned all around amongst the groom and his two suave, fun-loving college friends. The groom’s dad and mom were on hand to assist with tie tying and jacket placement. It was entertaining to watch the groom find out his jacket didn’t have much give to it. While it fit perfectly, getting it on apparently required quite a bit of flexibility across the shoulders. Hugs, handshakes, kisses, and a boutonniere pinning rounded out the special time with the groom’s mom and dad. A handshake with the newly ready father of the bride sealed the preparation time for the guy’s side. Much to my delight, the guys braved the heat to take a few cool photos out and about near the church.

The bridesmaids traded their soft sage pajamas for long dresses of a deeper sage. The junior bridesmaid did the same only trading her deeper green pajamas for a soft sage gown. The bride, assisted by her mother, did like-wise, swapping her white silk pajama set for a lace trumpet gown with a layered lace train. A gold chain, borrowed from the maid of honor, and dangling gold earrings, each tipped with a small pearl, were added. Tender moments ensued as the mother of the bride secured white, open-toed heals upon the bride’s feet to complete the ensemble. A sweet and amusing reveal was then held with the father of the bride.

The couple united for an intimate first look in the sanctuary of the church. A tissue passed from the groom to the bride as they held hands, the groom still facing away from the bride. The magic of the groom’s calm spirit seemed to transfer to the bride via the tissue, his hands, his voice. They soaked each other in once the groom turned around. Tears, laughter, conversation, and a comfortable togetherness proceeded.

A photo session at the historic Benjamin House followed. The aforementioned heat ended up coming into competition with the wind as the most challenging weather element of the day. The couple and their supporting cast graciously persevered though the challenge.

As guests began to arrive, the wedding party retired to their respective bases for a time of rest. Sons of one of the bridesmaids served as guestbook attendants. The brother of the bride and the maid of honor’s husband were on usher duty. The ceremony included a hearty hug between the father of the bride and the groom, something that may have been coached after a rocky demonstration at the rehearsal. It also included a sand ceremony representing the couple’s relationship with each other and the intertwined nature of their trust in Jesus within their relationship. There was a memorable moment when the groom confidently said “I do” just a bit ahead of time. It conveyed a sense of certainty and readiness. The whole congregation had a chuckle with the premature pronouncement. Once rings and vows were exchanged, a deep dip and a sound kiss sealed the deal. The bride was found with her bouquet high in the air in celebration and the husband and wife came down the aisle excited and emotional to find themselves truly united in marriage. They shared an intimate embrace just outside the sanctuary doors as they let it soak in. Hugs and congratulations poured out as friends and family greeted the newlyweds.

A tunnel of bubbles and cheers met the couple as they exited the church, while a meal prepared by many from the family and community awaited in the reception hall. The mother of the bride may have accidentally announced her daughter with her maiden name despite her best efforts to use her newly acquired last name. Thankfully, everyone still knew who she was talking about. Along with the main course of things like pulled pork and homemade rolls, several types of cake, Nanny’s lemon lime punch, and wedding mints delighted the crowd. The best man and maid of honor shared hilarious, touching toasts. The couple danced their first dance as husband and wife to Got What I Got by Jason Aldean, while the bride and her father danced to My Wish by Rascal Flats, and the groom and his mother danced to Simple Man by Lynard Skynard. One more special dance was included when the bride invited her uncle to the dance floor while My Girl by The Temptations played. The two share a special bond and many tears were shed for those who mourned the dance he never had with his daughter who passed away in childhood.

The reception concluded with all who were willing taking to the dance floor for one last song. The happy couple drove off into the sunset (twice, iykyk) to enjoy their happily ever after.

Tanner and Christine, you two are a hoot together. I chuckle thinking about you telling me the story of how you got together. Mad respect for your long game, Mr. Thomason. Now look at you! I see your genuine connection and the way you balance one another. May you enjoy a lifetime of wedded bliss in the ultimate long-game as Mr. and Mrs. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to photograph your special day!

Love, Angela

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