43º18’06” N -86º25’91” W
Their day began with the wedding-morning note Jake gave to Abby – but the story of this note began years earlier. In high school, Jake had received Abby’s name on a paper heart for a Valentine’s Day exchange at the school. Jake kept that heart for 8 years and then returned it to Abby in the note he had prepared for her to read on the morning of their wedding. This thoughtful, heartfelt, intentional gift set the tone for what was to be an entire day full of tear-jerking moments, and heartfelt love.
After a restful morning full of laughter, tear-filled letter exchanges, and quiet getting-ready moments, Abby and Jake got married on the shores of Mona Lake underneath the canopy of huge weeping willow trees. Their touching ceremony evoked emotions from joyful tears to unrestrained laughter as they said their vows and dedicated their lives to each other in front of family and friends. Following the ceremony, the bride, groom, and their entire wedding party jumped on a pontoon boat for a celebratory ride on Mona Lake. The atmosphere was electric – the smell of champagne filled the air as the wedding party made toasts, told funny stories, reminisced about shared memories, and enjoyed the warmth and beauty of the summer sun over the lake.
As the sun began setting over the serene waters of the lake, Abby and Jake slipped away to spend a few quiet moments together. Far from the excited clamor of friends and family in the reception hall, they pulled each other in close and breathed in the reality of their newly-founded marriage. After some quiet reflection, warm hugs, and loving kisses, it was off to the reception where Abby and Jake spent the rest of their evening eating, dancing, and celebrating their new marriage alongside their friends and family. From beginning till end, this day was a beautiful representation of the relationship, personality, and love story of this beautiful couple – an exciting new chapter in their journey together that will never be forgotten.
