Together at Last: Family Portraits
This post is part of my wedding recap series. Missed something and want to catch up? Click here for links to past “Together at Last” posts.
Once we finished pictures with the girls, they were ushered inside the chapel to get warm—February in New Mexico can get quite chilly! While the girls were warming up, I posed for pictures with my immediate family. I must admit, what you’re about to see are some of my absolute favorite photos from the entire day.
Although he’s a whopping 22 months younger than I am and got married before I did, my baby brother has always acted like an older, protective brother; the best kind of brother for a sister to have. Chris has always been there for me—through thick and thin. He’s one of the most admirable men I’ve ever known.
Next we have my brother, me, my dad, and my mom. My family. I love this picture so much that it almost makes me cry just looking at it. For so long it was always just the four of us. This picture takes me back to those younger years; I just love seeing how grown up we all are.
Then, in true older-sister mentality, I kicked my brother out for some alone time with my parents. They are my rock and made me the woman I am today—I owe everything to them. I couldn’t have asked for more supportive and loving parents. Thank you for all you’ve done and all you continue to do.
My mom was absolutely unbelievable during my entire engagement. I’ve heard about so many horror stories about mother’s trying to relive their wedding day that I had no idea what to expect. Luckily, my mom is beyond amazing and let me do my own thing, but helped me with everything I needed. She’s always there for me and I’m so thankful I can go to her to talk about anything and everything. I couldn’t have done any of this without her!
My Papa is the most wonderful man you will ever meet. In his younger days he was a politician and has the charisma of an old friend. He’s practically the definition of a “people person” and I’m so thankful for everything he did for this wedding. My Papa was under the assumption that a wedding would cost maybe, at most, $2,000, so it was quite a shock when he realized it would be much more than that. But he took everything in stride and with a lot of hard work, he gave me the wedding of my dreams. When I was younger, the one thing I knew I always wanted was to have my dad walk me down the aisle. I’m so thankful he was there by my side that day.
And last, but not least, another favorite picture (I told you I loved these!). When my brother married his wife, she and I started out a little bit rocky. Plain and simple, I didn’t get to know her like I should have and I acted foolishly instead of lovingly. I’m so thankful I can honestly say this now: Amanda is such a wonderful addition to our family that I’m happy, honored, and proud to call her my sister-in-law. She’s like the sister I never had and I love watching my brother and Amanda together. He found the perfect woman and provided me with a great friend! The only thing missing to make this the absolute best picture in the entire world is my husband…but he’ll get in there sooner or later 🙂
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| I don’t know what we were laughing at, but I love how genuine all of our smiles look. On a day when it’s almost expected to have your cheeks hurt from forcing smiles, I love that this one looks completely natural for everyone. |
Up next…A Special {Secret} Toast…
*photos courtesy of Kim Jackson Photography
You guys got some great family portraits!!!
Your family is adorable. Love your parents! 🙂
Jessica, I had so much fun helping you plan your wedding, and the fact that you weren't too much of a Bridezilla made it all the better. Just kidding (about the Bridezilla part!) – I am so blessed that I have such an awesome relationship with my daughter!
This day and everything leading up was a wonderful way to build a relationship! Your wedding was so much fun Jess, and everything was perfect. And I am honored to be apart of this amazing family. I'm glad we got past everything and that we're friends now. I LOVE hearing that. You're a wonderful friend, and a wonderful sister.
And I must say I agree with everything you said about your brother 🙂 He's quite the man, and your sweet words made me cry!
What I love more about this post than the pictures is all the loving things you had to say about your family. What a beautiful heart you have! Thanks for sharing!