August 12, 2011 began with a drizzly morning and gray clouds, but after a beautiful ceremony at St. Phillips where Rachel and Michael joined their lives together in front of God and their families, the clouds gave way and allowed the sun some room to shine.
Rachel got ready in the school area at the back of the church where her seven bridesmaids spent their time alternately helping her accessorize and peeking out the blinds to keep tabs on the groom. Rachel, ready far before the ceremony began, spent her time writing love notes back in forth with her husband-to-be. The little flower girl, Emaily, felt very important as the messenger of these tokens. Michael and Rachel's ceremony was particularity special because the couple chose the same date and church Michael's parents were married in years before. In a way, one love story was to give life to another.
The couple, shy and giddy at the ceremony, let loose at the reception, throwing the best celebration we have seen in quite a long time. The guests were there to share in Rachel and Michael's joy, and the Bride and Groom were always the first to lead them to the dance floor.