God knew I would be standing here today | Joel & Holly's Intimate Wedding

Joel and Holly’s love story is one of twists and turns and unknowns. Holly had known Joel’s family from church for years and didn’t know that Joel existed because he was living and studying in a different province. When their paths finally started to cross, both their interests peaked. Once they connected, they were nearly inseparable.
They spent a lot of time together, talking, discussing their love for Christ, their love for family and friends, and the things that inspire them. They discovered the common ground they had in their hearts for ministry and church, along with life goals and hobbies. They learned quickly that their humour and common interests brought them together and that their honest discussions helped them grow deeper together.
Joel's parents’ farm was 40 minutes from Kitchener, where Holly lives, and because Joel cannot drive, she spent a lot of time driving back and forth from the farm. She spent many nights crashing on the farm couch so she didn't have to drive late, or Joel would sleep on her couch at my brother's house where she lived.
Their love for board games, community connecting with others, coffee, Jesus, and music drew them closer.
They first said “I love you” to each other over a Sushi picnic on Holly’s floor during a covid lockdown. With tears in their eyes, they soaked in the emotions of feeling the love they were growing for each other and the depth they wanted to go together.
I asked Holly and Joel what marriage means to them, and this is what they said,
“To us, Marriage is a gift that God has given us to be able to experience the intimacy He so graciously offers. It is being able to serve Christ and our communities with what God has given us as a strengthened team of two. Marriage is committing to do life together, covering each other's weaknesses, encouraging each other into growth, and loving each other as Christ loves us.
We are getting married because we feel it is what God desires for us to do and as a way to express the overflow of love we feel for one another. We believe that God has given us this opportunity to have a deeper understanding of His love and how much we are loved. We feel that we will be a stronger team united through marriage and desire for God to use us in the plans He has in store.
We are so stoked for this next chapter. Our relationship has been steady, constant, and sure. Marrying each other will be a beautifully designed step in our relationship that we have been drawn to since the early stages of dating. God is SO GOOD. Through the waiting and through the celebrating. We are ready.”
Then we asked about their wedding plans, and here are the things they said they’re most excited about:
“The wedding venue is my aunt and uncle's property that consists of 300 acres of beautiful nature, a large barn space where the ceremony and reception will be held, a hobby farm with some animals (pigs, chickens, bunnies, and possibly some sheep), and several houses that are within 10-15mins from the farm. This means that the "getting ready locations" will be 10 mins from the ceremony site, and the whole day will be in one place.
The bridal party and family are all sleeping over the night before the wedding on the three different sites my Aunt and Uncle provided.
We plan to have the grandparents from both sides as part of the processional in a unique way, starting off the ceremony. They will walk down the aisle when the music starts to find their seats near the front, and then the wedding party will follow with a different song. Although this may be somewhat typical, we want it to feel more unique and part of the processional instead of whenever they arrive and want to find their seats.
Joel and I would like to do a unity ceremony. We have chosen to wash each other’s feet to symbolize serving and loving one another as Christ has served and loved us.
We will have a dance for about 1 hour, slip out for some sunset shots around 7:45-8 and then end the day with an early send-off at 8 pm. This will allow for guests to get home in good time and for us to get back to the cabin in good time.”
I have to say, the way this day came together was pure magic. Holly and Joel planned such a peaceful, beautiful day; it was an honour to witness, capture, and document. We are overjoyed for them. Joel and Holly, we wish you so much love and joy in your marriage. Congratulations, sweet friends.
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THE TEAM
Videography:
Bonsai Creative @bonsai.creative
www.bonsaicreative.ca
Photography:
Jenny Nemeti Photography
@jennynemetiphoto
Florist:
Royal Roses
Makeup Artist:
Taylor Prior @beautay.ca
Chloe Sabijan @chloe.sabijan
Hairstylist:
@kaitdoesmyhair
Attire:
Dress: Tilted Veil, Guelph ON
Suits: Gadsby's Clothing
Bridesmaid Dresses: Baltic Born
Jeweller: Swanson's Jewellers
Catering: Camp 31
DJ: Jordan Jantzi, Nathan Bondy
Officiant: Bryan and Rebecca Ferguson
Desserts: Emma's Baking @emmasbakingco
Musicbed SyncID: MB01NQOWKPDABVZ

[@jonathanbryden3485]

Congratulations Joel and Holly!