New Years Eve Wedding at Reed Ballroom

Updated: Jan 17, 2023

Justan and Talitha

December 31, 2022

The beautiful thing about this day, beyond the venue, beyond the flowers, beyond the dresses... was the pure joy.

I have never in my life seen two people just so happy to be near the other as Justan and Talitha. As one bridesmaid said softly, "It makes you believe in true love. That that's worth waiting for." And another, "Now I have experienced breathtaking." They are truly an inspiration of what it looks like to love and serve Jesus, one another and other people.

The whole day was beautiful, start to finish. It was as though Heaven itself blessed it. The winter sun came out just for us and they couldn't stop smiling into the other's eyes. As a photographer I'm used to my excitement rubbing off on other people, but their excitement was for sure rubbing off on me.

Watching her father see her in her dress for the first time still wrecks me.

Watching Justan stare down at his bride in tender awe still makes my heart skip a beat.

Watching their best friends in the whole world lose their minds on the dance floor still makes me smile.

It's the little moments. It's the flower girl mirroring the bride, it's grandpa gazing reminiscently at grandma as they watch the dancing. It's old friends reconnecting and the celebration of the love of the two most joyous people we know. It's the best man's toast and the powerful embrace to follow. It's Talitha jumping up and down behind closed doors because she can't help her excitement. It's tearful goodbyes and beautiful hellos. The forever kind.

It was a night to remember.

So we danced and celebrated, toasted and cheered. Prayed and blessed.

May God bless you and smile upon you, Mr. and Mrs. Honer. Here's to a lifetime.