Jill + Brian = Married!

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Brooks!!  Jill and Brian had an awesome and super fun wedding surrounded by their kids and family.  They could not be a more sweet couple and it has been such a pleasure getting to know them through their journey.  They are a gorgeous couple, both inside and out.  I have to say that I loved their bright colors and tulips!  But one of my very favorite details would have to be Jill's turquoise Converse shoes.  What a fun and "very Jill" detail.  SO fun.  I love Jill and Brian's obvious love for each other and that it is very evident that they are surrounded by so many friends and family that love them.  I am so happy for the newlyweds and extremely thrilled they had fun on their honeymoon in Gatlinburg!  So fun. 

Ceremony and Reception:  The Fern of Westfield

Catering:  Keltie's Restaurant in Westfield


Below are a few of their wedding photography highlights and a little bit more about their love story . . .

Jill and Brian met on-line via Christian Mingle. After a few basic emails with the help of the web-site, they decided to meet. Those first dates are always a little awkward, but, obviously it actually went pretty well!!

As far as knowing that they had found "the one." Jill is not sure there was an actual Eureka moment. As time went by, she kept asking him “all the right questions” and he would respond with “all the right answers.” They found that they were on the same page about all of the important things. In addition, they seemed to simply enjoy the company of the other. Next thing Jill knew, they were exclusively seeing one another, falling in love and discussing the possibilities of getting married.

For their "date nights," they both like to watch sports together. One of Jill's most memorable dates was a baseball day trip to Cincinnati to watch the Reds and Cubs play each other. Jill was glad to see he would still love her even though she is a die-hard Cubs fan.

When it came to the proposal . . . .Jill had told Brian that one of my favorite places locally is the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She had spent a lot of time walking on the beautiful grounds there, especially during a particularly tumultuous time in her life. The majesty of the gardens and the walking paths seemed to help foster more peace in her life and a strong connection with God. There is a saw-toothed oak tree that was particularly inspiring to Jill during that time.  This tree has massive lower limbs that swoop downward before hitting the ground, and then rise upward in a graceful curve. Jill imagined the tree represented the arms of God reaching down and holding her in a divine hug of sorts.  Once Jill realized that Brian was “the one,” she told him about this amazing place and the special meaning it has for her. She wanted him to see the beauty and my tree so she took him there. Although the tree was minus its glorious green foliage that time of year, it was amazing to be there with Brian anyway. It was under the strong, graceful arms of that tree that Brian asked her to marry him—starting a new chapter in our stories with the hope of spring lurking beneath the dead-looking exterior of what I now think of as “our” special tree. I love that they brought a picture of this tree and made sure we got pictures of them holding the picture. I loved incorporating such a personal moment with so much meaning behind their photo.  

Since this isn’t the first time either of us has been married, Jill and Brian decided to try and create a simple and intimate wedding/reception. They were also interested in keeping the ceremony and reception at the same location.  They chose The Fern of Westfield because of its early 20^th century charm as well as its ideal size. Since Jill lives in Westfield, the location is very convenient for her as well.  

To be honest, Jill didn't really enjoy any of the planning, but she saw the planning and work involved as a means to a beautiful end.   She really looks at the wedding as a celebration of the commitment Brian and she are making to one another. So they were excited to make that commitment publically in front of friends and family. They wanted to have an enjoyable time doing all of that without having to fuss about too many little details. 

When it came to the photographs, Jill really wanted me to capture the simplicity and beauty of the day. She said, "I would love some candid shots that document the events and the mood. Photographs that are composed to convey a metaphor are really nice. For instance, a composition that accentuates the blending of two families into one, themes of new beginnings of happier times ahead, out with the old-in with the new, etc…"

Jill and Brian spent a few days in a cozy cabin in Gatlinburg, TN after the wedding and said they had a great time.   After returning from the honeymoon, their family is going to be preparing Jill's house to sell and moving into Brian’s house in Pendleton.  They are so happy to now be able to celebrate and enjoy their newlywed status and enjoy being "Mr. & Mrs. Brooks!"  

 

Thank you again, Jill and Brian, for letting me be a part of your wedding day photos!  I had a blast and couldn't be happier for you.  If you would like to view Mr. & Mrs. Brook's wedding pictures, click on this link:  http://kristinhornberger.smugmug.com/event/Jill-Brian-Married.  Thanks again!  Enjoy married life.  XXOO, Kristin