Sean and Mary's Wedding

Posted on 2011-10-23 in wedding.

Several years ago, my wife worked four years at a camp that Ed and Debbie Somerville directed in Bostic, North Carolina. Our close friendship with the Somervilles has continued all these years, even as they and their eight children were called to start a Christian camp deep in Mexico.

Most of the Somerville children are grown now, and we've been able to visit them occasionally since three of the children have been living in Spindale. The eldest, Mary, became engaged early this year to Sean McAfee, and I was honored when she called me a couple months ago about being their wedding photographer.

Mary and Sean are a joy to be around. You'll be able to see that from the photos (you can browse the gallery above by clicking on the first thumbnail). They both love Jesus and serving Him. They're just bubbly, happy, and thoughtful people. I can only imagine what greater impact they will have on the world now they are united.

Their fall-themed wedding was the largest I've had the pleasure to cover. Mary had six bridesmaids and a flower girl; Sean had eight groomsmen. The wedding was traditional, with the ceremony held at their church, Father's Vineyard. We had opportunities for formals before and after the ceremony on the church's spaceous stage. Afterward, their reception was held in the youth center gym.

The reception was great fun; the gym was transformed into a reception hall, and when the couple arrived, the guests erupted and the party was on! You could see the pleasure in Sean and Mary as they received an endless stream of congratulations and love. Food was followed by dancing and toasts.

Photographers have favorite photos; mine from this wedding are one from their formals and the other from their recessional.

Sean and Mary were exuberant as they came down the isle. They walked down that isle in triumph. In the background, the pastor was applauding, and, if it isn't saying too much about the photo, how lucky can a photographer be when the light streaming into the back of the church casts shadows of their "I Love You" hand signs on the ceilng of the church. Actually, I'll go so far as to say this was a "God thing".

My other favorite was a spontaneous moment as the couple and I were working on taking pictures of their rings. I think it was Sean who said, "How about this?" and they just grinned, flashing those "I Love You" hand signs at each other.

I love photographing weddings, and this one was a special blessing for me and my family as we were able to reunite with old friends, witness a truly joyous day in their lives, and see Jesus glorified.

You can see and order prints of all the wedding photos at ericjonjob.smugmug.com/Weddings. Just click on Sean and Mary (you can get the gallery password from Mary or me). If you want to order canvas gallery wraps of any of their photos, just contact me at 423-297-4000 or through my Contact page.