Last month I was lucky enough to take a road trip to Kansas City, MO and see my best friend, Jeff, marry the absolute BEST woman, Melinda. I met both Jeff and Mel separately in an online Bible study, and it didn't take too many times having Jeff gush to me about how he felt about Mel that I called it: they were going to get married. I feel so honored to have witnessed their relationship from the beginning and to have seen them grow as individuals and as a couple!

As much as I'm a wedding planner at heart, it was so nice to be able to go to a wedding without having to work the wedding, and I loved witnessing Jeff and Melinda's wedding as a friend and a guest.

...that said, I did manage to sneak in a few shots to put my photography skills to test!

Michelle Joy Photo was SO generous in letting my friend Bekah and I follow her around and take our own photos (in exchange for some wedding dress fluffing and bouquet holding, of course!)

Here are some of my shots from this phenomenal day!

Still swooning over this beautiful day!!
I'm so grateful to have such wonderful friends and to have been able to share this moment with them.

Photography: Michelle Joy Photo
Venue: Red Bridge Baptist Church, Lee's Summit MO
Cake: HyVee
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal

You can see Michelle Joy's photos of Jeff and Melinda's wedding on my community page,
and a full gallery on Michelle's blog.

Matt's Aunt was kind enough to host an amazing reception at her home in Elgin, IL.  It may have been a bit cloudy, but with the beach-inspired decorations, we may as well have been back at their wedding in sunny Miami!

The cake was done by HyVee in Sycamore, IL.

Alli began getting ready in her hotel before departing for the cruise ship, and after arriving to the ship suite she got dressed and fully accessorized.

After the ceremony, we took a variety of pictures around the ship!

...and I may have taken my favorite photo ever.

The cruise photographer captured even more of Alli and Matt's special day:

It was such an honor to plan, photograph, and be the Maid of Honor in Alli's wedding, and it was a truly fantastic experience.