Joye + Jeremy | White Chapel Wedding | State Line, MS

When I drove up, Joye’s dad was sweeping the front steps of the little white chapel in State Line, Mississippi. He didn’t know who I was but greeted me and cheerily asked, “Will you be joining us for the wedding?” So genuine. So kind. So humble. That was every single person at their wedding.

And did I mention fun??! We had a blast through groomsmen photos and one of Jeremy’s guys decided to hijack the first look. Unfortunately, Joye and Jeremy are literally best friends and Jeremy could tell just from the sound of walking that this was not his soon-to-be wife (he said Joye wasn’t that quiet :). Although we didn’t “get” Jeremy, he seemed happy enough to see his buddy.

Joye – with the help of her maid of honor, Marantha – had written a song for Jeremy that she sang for him during their first look and ceremony. This girl has a voice that would bring the house down!!! I’m so glad Brent and Ridge, their videographers, captured the whole thing because while the song wasn’t to me, I was a mess; looking around, I clearly wasn’t the only one.

Joye + Jeremy began their ceremony with worship. With the acoustics in the little chapel and the heartfelt outpouring of song and heart from those in attendance, it was impossible not to feel the presence of Jesus. (If you don’t want to have to pause your scroll later, I’d recommend grabbing tissues now) Between their unity candle, partaking of Communion, exchange of rings, and their parent’s blessing, they promised the rest of their lives to each other in a little white chapel, that simply glowed with natural light.

The day was a complete testament of God’s grace and goodness in both of their stories. Their families are both in ministry and both dads are pastors, but truly, their lives and legacies will forever be their greatest sermons.

On a euphoric mountaintop, it’s easy to forget the ones who have helped us up, but Joye remembered and prepared gifts and handwritten notes for the people who had most impacted their lives. Her gratitude was unmistakably genuine and it spoke volumes about the care and character of those surrounding them.

Sidenote: be sure to read her note on the handkerchief! It may or may not have gotten drenched during the chapel ceremony…

Their wedding was travel-themed because “Love is a Journey”, isn’t it? If you haven’t yet, check out their Engagement Session with all the ways they included that theme! These two were so adventurous, they braved July heat and wadded through waist-high grass for the last of their bride and groom portraits. Give them a big empty field and these two are right at home.

Honestly, with just each other, I think they could make their home anywhere. Enjoy the journey, ya’ll!!