Jamey and Owen hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I consider them extended family. I met Jamey when she was in high school and came to visit her Mom, Kris, who Lived in Pullman. (At that time, Jamey lived in Meeteese, Wyoming). While visiting, she helped out at the Office where I worked part-time. My boss and now wonderful friend is Kris's Cousin. Through that connection, I photographed Jamey's senior portraits. She is stunning; her hair alone is like a fairy princess's. We had so much fun, and I even photographed her in a wedding dress by a local barn landmark heading into Moscow, Idaho. (Fun fact: if you go to Lily Bees in Pullman, you can see that image hanging in the store). During that part of the shoot, Kris mentioned how much she adored Owen and couldn't wait for them to get married. I remember thinking how special Ownen must be because this was the first time I'd ever had a mom say those words, considering she was still in high school at the time. That says a lot about Owen.
These high school sweethearts were destined to be together!
Fast forward years later, I have photographed Jamey, Owen, and Keppler more than any other family. So when she reached out and asked about photographing their wedding, I was very excited. I honestly would have been devastated if it would have been someone else. And after an emergency surgery and a lengthy hospital stay, that very well could have been the case. But I was determined to be well enough to be there to document their special day. So, with lots of prayer and help from loved ones, I thankfully was able to make it. Along with the invaluable help from Jeana Beshears of Jean Marie Photography the day was amazing. And I could not have done it without her.
When it comes to the bride and groom, I have to hand it to them their wedding day was beautiful. I can't imagine putting it all together when They finalized the purchase and moved into a home only a week before the wedding. Owen started his dream Firefighter job, and Jamey returned to work in child care. That's so many wonderful things, all while trying to plan a wedding and a beautifully sentimental one at that!
Jamey's Dad, Jim, Is a wood and leather worker who made not only the belts that men wore but also the leather sleave around Jamey's bouquet and the ring box with the heart on the side.
These special touches created such a unique and personal feel to the details.
The wedding day was planned way in advance to be the same weekend as the 100-year anniversary of the Ellensburg rodeo. Family members have roles in the rodeo, and Jamey's grandmother was a rodeo princess, as well as Jamy's mother. So This event is quite special to the family.
Getting ready
So my favorite image from this is one Jeana took of Keppler Buttoning his own shirt. So much concentration and his cute toddler belly. Is saw is and adored it immediately.
First look with the bridesmaids
I love doing a bridesmaid's first look. Having the ladies turn around and see Jamey for the first time was so special and memorable for everyone. The excitement of the day and seeing their dear friend and sister for the first time in her stunning dress brought joy, laughter, and happy tears.
The Bridal Party
Father first look
After many conversations about Jamey's father, Jim, I knew that we needed to schedule time for a father's first look. It allows for a few moments for him to see Jamey for the first time in her wedding dress before the ceremony and before her groom. They get to embrace and have a couple of minutes to talk before walking down the isle together.
They also placed the bouquet sleave he created over the stems of her flowers together.
The Ceremony
On the wedding day, we were grateful for the cloud cover that diffused some of the sun off of Jamey, Owen, and the rest of the bridal party during the ceremony. But Ellensburg is known as a windy city, and wind was definitely a guest at their wedding.
Owen and Jamey decided to have him see her for the first time, walking down the aisle. His expression says it all. He choked up with tears in his eyes as he saw his beautiful bride and the mother of his child. I'm sure I wasn't the only one who felt this tug at their heart as well as their tear ducts.
Owen's grandfather officiated the ceremony, Dan Keppler. (Their son Keppler was named after him). He spoke of love and beautifully outlined what that looks like biblically.
As loved ones looked on, Jamey and Owen read vows that they wrote themselves, highlighting how they came together, the life they currently share with each other and their beautiful son Keppler, and the promises they have for each other in the future. One of those being as many children as God will allow. (I loved that).
Friends and family cheered when they were announced man and wife. This moment was one they had been waiting for for many years. Now, it was official, and the joy was obvious.
The letter
Earlier in their dating relationship, Jamey wrote a letter to Owen to be read to him on their wedding day. She had placed it in the back of a picture frame of them and hadn't read it since she wrote it. Another special touch that was meant just for the two of them.
The cake cutting
So I wasn't expecting what ended up unfolding since originally, they cut the cake and sweetly fed each other. But moments after Jamey and Owen gave the audience a laughter-infused moment, they smeared cake all over each other's faces. Gotta love a fun-filled photographic moment.
First dances
The Shoe Game
The bouquet toss
The Garter Toss
This amazing couple fills family and friends with love and laughter. We are all better to know them. To have been able to celebrate the official union of their lives together. How special it was that Keppler was able to be there with them, laugh, and clap for them and this beautiful day. I feel so blessed to have been here with them and celebrate with friends and family. It was a beautiful, magical day that won't be forgotten. Congratulations, Owen, Jamey, and sweet little Keppler!
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