where, oh, where do i begin?

Matt and Tara are truly fantastic, dear, genuine people.  their honest love for God and people is what others need, like me, in their/my lives.  i am rather grateful for their friendship.  Matt has the house right next to Tara's sister's house.  when Tara moved to Indianapolis, she lived with her sister's family next door.  when they (M&T) married Tara didn't move very far.

so there was a point in my life (rather recent) where i frequented a particular starbucks in downtown indianapolis everyday, not some days, everyday. 

i became very familiar with the staff and they quickly embraced me, my bow ties, quirks, good looks, etc.  [for other wedding photographers who are reading this, i'm not sure if you're like me, but each instance i hear someone mentioning the word 'wedding', my ears perk up.  the instance before us is no different.]

lovely Tara, who works there, was talking about her wedding and how she was still looking for a wedding dress.  "well,"  i interjected, "my sister just so happens to have a wedding studio that sells dresses and i just so happen to do photography."  well, Tara didn't get a dress from my sister but, you guessed it, she booked me.

soon after our consultation, i was in the process of finding a solid church.  i had attended a number of them in the city and decided to try redeemer presbyterian.  how i even found out about redeemer was because Matt and Tara were having their wedding there and attended regularly as well. i didn't know what to expect.  the preaching was indeed solid: the loveliness of Christ clearly presented.  and who did i see there? Matt and Tara.

i soon connected with the pastors and found myself in a small group - a smaller community of people from the church that meet weekly - down in fountain square.  guess who's there?  Tara.  by now, i'm pretty certain M&T think i'm stalking them a bit too much.

weekly, individuals in the small group were sharing their stories/testimonies/how the Lord saved them.

well, this post begins with Tara sharing hers.

what begins after it, their wedding.  redeemer is a huge encouragement to the arts with the harrison center for the arts.  actually redeemer houses the harrison center for the arts, which has four art galleries and twenty-eight artist studios.  thus, art galore.  art on the walls, art in the halls, art for all.

right, so Matt is a graphic artist.  he designed their insignia/logo/initial thing. he's got talent.

beautiful people make beautiful everything.  not to mention, Michael and Lauren are incredibly good looking.  their powers combined, Captain Planet will be out of work.

when thinking up how to describe these individuals, it was a blessing to reflect on who they are.  believers who seek the Lord first - who enjoy the glorious nature of who Christ is for sinners.  the gospel flowing out of their hearts.  consequently, these two are the real deal.  a constant esteeming others above them - meekness - humility - sincerity - patience - joy - ad infinitum. 

it is always a tremendous blessing to document and be a part of friends' weddings.  actually - it's my favorite thing.  a constant reunion of old friends and old memories. 

Michael and Lauren were married in pittsburgh at the bellefield presbyterian church in downtown oakland.  fantastic day for a splendid gathering of love.

enjoy las fotos.  which is your favorite?  i'm partial to them all.

Ben is a rocking foto-maker and a good friend (for which i'm thankful).  we often work together - which is always a treat.  i am super honored to have made these for him. 



this weekend i'm heading down south (southern indiana) for apple butter making that my family does every year.  cannot wait.

a couple who happen to be the kindest, most sincere, loving people on earth.  i really have no adequate words to describe Josh and Bethany.  they are beautiful people.  they listen, they encourage, they are patient, they are selfless.  i became friends with them while at grove city college and boy, am i thankful for their friendship.
rehearsal dinner was at THE brewery, a place i think all of us frequented for their delicious beers.  they were married in Slippery Rock, PA.  and we 'recepted' back at GCC's campus at the alumni center.  it did rain, but why would that affect an unconditional love built upon the sanctity and person of Christ.  at one point it cleared up, so they headed outside to have their first dance.  it was a spectacular day and i am so privileged to have been a part of it.  congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Mayo!