Kristin was running late to join up with some friends from the young adults ministry at her church, so she told her sister Kara to save her a seat.  When she arrived, she joined her sister and a group of guys she had never met. Kristin tried to make some light conversation, but there didn’t seem to be much of a response – so the night came to an end and she didn’t think much of it. Jim, on the other hand, was blown away by this beautiful girl who came and “plopped” down next to him.

A relationship was the farthest thing on her mind. Kristin was leaving September 1 for a mission year in West Philly, a year where you live in an urban neighborhood, volunteering and getting involved in the community – to intentionally follow Jesus’ command to “Love the Lord your God, and love thy neighbor as yourself.”   She had a big adventure ahead.   When Jim learned more about her plans, he was intrigued and wanted to know more about this gorgeous woman who would give up so much to follow God’s calling.  He was determined.  Jim asked Kristin to hang out one night; they talked for hours, excited to learn more about each other.

Now,  Kristin was leaving for West Philly in a couple of months, Jim was staying in Chicago.  But, with some extra encouragement from her sister to look past the small details, Kristin spent most of the summer getting to know Jim.

It didn’t take long for Jim + Kristin to figure out there was something special – well, as the story is recounted, Jim will assure you…he knew from the beginning he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Kristin. When Kristin left for Philly, they started a journey of hand written letters and periodic phone calls.   As the year went on, each visit and goodbye got harder and harder.  Then on April 5, Kristin had recently returned back to Philly after a difficult goodbye – when Jim called.  “Hey. I’m outside. On your porch”  “No you’re not! No you’re not!” Kristin fumbled to get the door, swung it open to find the man of her dreams down on one knee asking her to be the girl by his side…and with no more goodbyes.

I have known Kristin since my freshman year at Wheaton College. We lived on the same floor the first two years of school and I have always cherished her friendship and hilarious sense of humor (I mean seriously..she may be one of the funniest friends I have!)  I was so honored and thrilled when she asked me to document their wedding day.

On a windy day in Woodstock, IL, Kristin and Jim married at the Bull Valley Golf Club, surrounded by their friends and family. Together they promised to remain by each other’s sides while exploring new places, watching Wonder Years Re-runs, and walking through life’s journey hand in hand.

Kristin..you are stunning.

The photo on the left was taken by my awesome godmother who was my 2nd shooter that day and did a wonderful job!! Thank you Juli Watt!