Friday, October 15, 2010

Schneider Wedding | Jon & Gabriella

OHHHH CAANNNAADAAA! (original blog-opening, i know) A few weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to fly to Canada to shoot a wedding of a couple of YWAMers. :)

In fall of 2007, I and a group of believers from ALL over the world applied to YWAM Herrnhut in East Germany. Acceptance.. planning.. arrival.. introductions.. classes.. weekend trips.. new friends.. new accents.. new cultures.

Jon and Gabriella were in the DTS (discipleship training school) the year before me, and staffed the Fall of '07 and Spring of '08 that I attended. Jon helped with the Photography school while Gabriella worked magic in the kitchen, constantly serving the students.

In April of 2008, my German photography teacher and another student decided to compete on who could get the best photo and develop the best print in the darkroom. Jan and Josh knew the perfect model.. Gabriella. When I heard Gabriella was the model, I was thrilled and asked to join. I took casual photos, trying not to get in the way of the heated competitive banter and bold predictions.

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A couple of months later, I posted the photos on facebook, and Jon emailed me asking for a few. I emailed him the pictures, and he replied with a screen shot of his computer background (being Gabriella) and this:

"Maybe it's Gabriella that makes me so happy, but you had a huge part in it. The pictures are just brilliant. You're a truly gifted photographer. Memories are a wonderful thing."

...to which I replied:

"she is gorgeous. call me if you two ever get married. lol. i'd fly wherever you are in a heartbeat."

:) Annnnnd two years later, that's just what happened. Jon & Gabriella have expressed such patience in their relationship, waiting and serving the Lord during that time: Gabriella in Canada.. Jon in Germany.. and outreaches to many other countries in between. Gabriella is such a sweet soul, always willing to serve and include others. Jon is a focused hard-worker and deep-thinker that has a creative streak to him. Oh, but they both have a fun, silly side to them as well, and it's magnified when they're together. So grateful I was able to see people and friends I had not seen in over 3 years. Canada was beautiful. It has a Fall like Lubbock never has. It was cool weather (just right) with leaves already changing into golden yellows, bold oranges, and deep reds. The wedding took place at Pineridge Hollow, a gorgeous outdoor venue surrounded by Aspens with a tented reception area. The details of this wedding were phenomenal. Gabriella's mom is SUPERMOM and did everything (with help, of course). She soaked maple leaves during the summer in glycerine so that they would be preserved for the wedding. She made ALL the cakes (chocolate chestnut, gingerbread, and almond ameretto). She made all the bouquets and decor using flowers from the farmer's market and bark from trees. She made Gabriella's headpiece and CAPE.. yes.. CAPE. Reception had a photobooth (woop!), incredible food, silver centerpieces with fresh flowers, German beer, German games, and LOTS of dancing. :) Okay okay, I'll stop talking and show some frames from the day:


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While photographing different details and things around Gabriella's cozy home, I found an old photo of her mom on HER wedding day. I thought it was so neat and had to share.

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The boutineres were FANTASTIC. The buttons completed the perfect arrangement.

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Gabriella's PRECIOUS Italian daddy. Oh, and a pretty awesome dancer, I must add. :) They danced to the Godfather theme song at the reception.

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Clean and elegant reception details make my heart beat fast. ahhh.

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There's that German beer.

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Let's just say we had some hilarious dancers at the wedding. The flying hair photo? Gabriella's mom. YESSSS.

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<3

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Oh sweet Charlotte. I could watch this girl dance for HOURS! She is so animated.

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Photobooth tiiimmmme!!

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YAY! One last photobooth picture for this post. Thanks to Kate Noelle for second shooting with me! We make a pretty KILLER team.

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Jon and Gabriella, thank you so much for allowing me to be part of your day. It's been so cool to hear your story, your long distance experiences, your struggles, your love for each other, and to witness your reward for your patience and obedience to our King. I hope you two are LOVING married life!

1 comment:

Unknown said...

You're wonderful, Betsy! Thank you so much!