John & Carly - Peoria Wedding

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It doesn't happen too often, finding couples that have been together for 7+ years before they get married, but that is John and Carly's story. They have been a couple since high school and from everyone's testimonies at their wedding, they only ever had eyes for each other.

The wedding took place at The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Peoria, Illinois. This is the most stunning cathedral, outside of Italy, I have ever been in. It perfectly complimented Jon and Carly. With a packed house these two promised to love each other through the good times and the bad, honor each other in Christ, and be witnesses of His love to the world.

The day was full of so many personal touches. One of my favorites was Carly had her grandparents photos attached to her bouquet. And another was her rosary, which she had all the women in her family pray over before the wedding. When she told me that it literally brought tears to my eyes. I love seeing families honor their young generations with such blessings. It is truly encouraging. 

I wish the newest Sanderson's many years of health, wealth, and happiness in the eyes of the Lord! Cheers! 

Caden James - Lifestyle Newborns

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Caden is a fighter.  He came into this world a little early, five and a half weeks early to be exact, but to Cory and Abbe it couldn't be any sooner.  He spent the first 2 weeks of his life in the NICU gaining weight and strength but made such great improvements in such a short amount of time he was able to go and enjoy the comforts of home three and a half weeks early! 

Abbe has expressed some beautiful words about her sweet Caden I couldn't help but share a few... 

"Sometimes life doesn't go as planned, but those are the times that bring about the most amazing miracles. Squished nose, and teeny tiny, but the strongest little boy out there. He climbed so many mountains to get to us, and we are forever blessed."

This little guy is in the best hands with the most loving and encouraging parents I've met.  If he is this tough at such a young age, he is sure to go on to make his mom and dad very proud!

Jason & Marti - St. Louis Engagement

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One of the best parts of this job is being able to partake in such special times with my friends. I know Jason and Marti through some of the best people in my life, my Crossfit community. When I first met Jason I thought "this guy is so funny and sweet, how could he possibly be single?!" Then a few months later I heard he started talking to this girl, Marti. My first thought was, she has to be just as funny as Jason, and I was totally right. These two are a RIOT! Always cracking jokes and making everyone around them laugh, it's so obvious their care and love for one another and their friends. 

I was lucky enough to be at Jason's proposal to Marti, along with about 40 of their closest friends and family, because Marti had planned it as Jason's SURPRISE 30th birthday. Little did she know he turned the tables on her. She planned this great surprise of a "private whiskey tasting" at Gamblin Whiskey House, in the CWE, for just the two of them. At least that is what Jason thought, for a few days until he saw the Facebook invite up on a co-workers computer. He took the opportunity to turn the surprise around on Marti and turn it into an Engagement Party, flying in his family from Texas and inviting all her closest friends and family. It was so fun to see his "surprised" face when they walked in for a birthday party and then Jason get's down on one knee and says "they aren't here for me." 

They have a beautiful start to their love story and I just cannot wait to see the rest.