Joanna Kay Photography: Carolyn & Philip // Freeport, Il wedding photographer

I am so pleased to share Carolyn and Philip's wedding with you. Carolyn and her family go to church with us, so you could say that we grew up together. We went through Bible Gang, Teen Study, Rockford Rescue Mission and ever so many hymn sings together.

I remember looking up to her as one of the "big kids." When she started texted this boy named Philip I was curious. It was a guy from Bible camp? Interesting. Years later he would come visit Rockford and I knew something was up. :) They grew up and Philip joined the United States Army as a medic. I was excited, but not surprised to find out that they had gotten engaged.

Carolyn is a princess in my mind. Hear me out. Yes, she is absolutely gorgeous, gracious and poised, but it is so much more than that. She is kind and strong. I watched as she and Philip waited years to get married. On top of a long engagement Carolyn was working and getting her nursing degree. She had family members die during this time and then Philip got deployed to Afghanistan.

If I remember correctly, he had about a month left overseas when we got word he had been wounded. All I can say is "Wow." I always think of the quote by Ernest Hemingway when I remember those times.

You are so brave and quiet I forget you are suffering.

You two are so fantastic. It was a pleasure to watch you grow together and finally to get married! I'm so excited to see where God takes you now! Congratulations!

Thanks to my awesome second shooter Nathanael for all the guys' getting ready shots!

What did I say? Princess.

I love this father-daughter shot!

Such a fun bridal party!

Sunset. Que Ceremony.

Some comic relief with a large light up ring. :)

Unity Sand

I am a big fan of this guys. When family pictures include 14+ kids you need a fun Grandpa like this. It made pictures go so smoothly and quickly. Way to make things super fun. :-)