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Caleb + Rachel

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sitting in V-Team meetings during my senior year at CNU and hearing Rachel talk about Caleb. Rachel and I served on the Vision Team for Intervarsity during our senior year and when you meet weekly with the same people over and over again, you can’t help but get really close to them. I think I learned more about Rachel in one year than I had in all 4 years of knowing her at college! We would meet on Tuesdays (I think, I don’t remember?! Ah! I’m getting old!) and we would start meetings by sharing about life. I would normally throw my hands up and announce that “I’m OVERWHELMED!! I can’t be in college and run a business and be engaged!!! I’m freaking out!!”.  That seemed to be the theme

of my life during senior year.  We’d go around the table and once we got to Rachel, she’d share her heart and almost always end with “Oh and I miss Caleb”. I always felt bad after hearing that. How dare I complain about my busy life and planning a wedding when my fiance’ worked on campus and I saw him every single day. Caleb was in Pakistan for the 6 months before they were engaged. Talk about LONG DISTANCE. These two know the long distance relationship thing all too well… and yet somehow they made it work. Caleb and Rachel were born in the same hospital. Both were born with some complications that left their families and church families praying that they would survive. Little did they know, way back then, that these two would grow up to be best friends and decide to spend their whole life together.  They went through the awkward years, like everyone does. Rachel liked Caleb, Caleb didn’t have a clue. Rachel continued to like Caleb and Caleb continued to be oblivious. FINALLY, after a long walk and some help from Caleb’s twin brother, Caleb made the connection and realized that this best friend of his may just be the love of his life.

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They started dating and the rest is history. They dated while they were states a part and then half a world a part. Caleb’s family are missionaries in Pakistan and both Caleb and Rachel have such a passion for that country. It’s so wonderful to see two people so excited about the same thing and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. There is no doubt in my mind that these two are going to do amazing things together for the Lord.  We know that they have been fighters from birth! And you have to understand, Rachel’s battle with medical issues did not end after her struggle at birth.  She has undergone numerous mouth and jaw surgeries, 10 to be exact, and she’s been a fighter her whole life.  This girl amazes me. Even during extreme pain and her jaw being wired shut, she found a way to smile and be joyful. I don’t understand. Rachel is one of a kind and after thinking about all that she’s been through, I get chills when I look at these wedding images.  Rachel and her doctors have worked for years to make her smile the smile she has always dreamed of.  We had talked about taking some fun portraits after her braces came off but I’m glad we didn’t.  I’m glad we didn’t because I loved being able to capture her beautiful smile on the happiest day of her life. Rachel you were GLOWING girlfriend!!! You were so stunning and I was so honored to be a part of your wedding day, you have no idea!

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I wish the two of you the VERY best with this new adventure in life! What incredible things are ahead of you!!! Enjoy your images and I hope you’re having a blast in the TN!!!

Loved her simple style! AND the teal earrings!

In her dress!! And she’s excited!! LOVE this girl… this is Rachel at her best!! So happy and ready to be MARRIED!!!!

First look!

Get it girl!!!!!

Rachel informed me that we were taking portraits at one plantation, and then going to a different plantation for bridal party portraits…. LOVE HER. Love her so much! Perfection!

This is mantle-worthy!! You two look awesome!!

Love it!

Looking good girls!

Their FIRST KISS… EVER!! And it was a good one!

Married!

Gotta have some corvette shots…

Beautiful colors!

Caleb and Rachel and an ice cream toast! Such a fun idea! Guests were served all different toppings!

Dress | Galina, David’s Bridal

Venue | Deer Run Pavilion

Caterer | Legends Grill

Honeymoon | Gatlinburg, TN

Florals | Family friend

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

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