A Day Full of Tears, Joy & Jesus

Some wedding days just feel extra special, and Careth and Zachariah’s was definitely one of them.

I’ve known Careth her entire life, so getting to photograph her wedding day was pretty special for me. She was even at my wedding when she was only about four or five years old, so seeing her all grown up and getting married was definitely a full circle moment. And the fact that she and Zachariah got married at Hagerstown Bible Church, the same church where I got married, made it just a little sweeter.

From the very beginning of the day, you could feel how much this wedding meant to their families. There were so many happy tears, so many sweet moments, and so much love surrounding these two as they began this new chapter together.

And of course, I have to mention that Careth spent the entire day barefoot. One of the straps on her shoes was missing, and instead of stressing about it, she decided it just felt more fitting to be barefoot. And honestly, I loved it. A little unexpected, completely genuine, and one of those little details that made the day feel like theirs.

Before the ceremony, Careth and Zachariah shared the sweetest first look. There is something about those moments before everything begins that I absolutely love. Just the two of them, taking it all in before walking into the rest of their day together.

Their ceremony was beautiful and so clearly centered around Christ. They sang “Christ Be Magnified,” which was such a perfect choice for a couple beginning their marriage with their eyes fixed on Jesus.

And there were tears. Lots of them.

When their parents prayed over them during the ceremony, there was hardly a dry eye. It was such a beautiful picture of two families coming together and surrounding their marriage in prayer. You could feel just how deeply loved these two are.

After the ceremony, everyone headed to Camp Tohiglo for the reception. This place already holds such a special place in their family, and it made it even more special knowing that this is also where Zach proposed to Careth. What better place to celebrate their marriage than somewhere that already holds such an important piece of their story?

The reception was full of all the things you want a wedding reception to be. Lots of laughter, lots of love, plenty of dancing, and a few moments that had everyone crying all over again.

One of my favorite moments had to be Zach absolutely cutting loose during the YMCA. There is always that one moment when the groom decides to really get into the reception, and Zach did not disappoint.

Then there was the father daughter dance, which was incredibly sweet and emotional. Watching Careth share that moment with her dad was one of those reminders that a wedding day isn't just about two people getting married. It is also about all the people who helped get them to this moment.

And then Careth honored her mom during her speech. She shared such heartfelt words about her mom and then surprised her with flowers. It was such a beautiful and personal moment, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

When I look back at Careth and Zachariah’s wedding day, I think that is what stands out the most.

It wasn't just beautiful. It was personal. It was a day that pointed back to Jesus.

Careth and Zach, thank you for letting me be there to capture it all. I hope you always look back at these photos and remember not just how beautiful the day was, but how loved you were every single moment of it.

Congratulations, you two. Here’s to a lifetime of making memories together.