Redo the “I Do” – Elisa & Josh

K. Layne Styled, Styled Shoot, Weddings

Last, but certainly not least, Elisa and Josh make the 5th couple that participated in the Redo the “I Do” wedding portrait series at The Inn and Tavern at Meander. They are the absolute sweetest and, honestly, I’m going to let Elisa tell their story…

“At 19 years old, I flew from my home state of Texas with some friends to attend a Christian conference in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I took a whole week off of classes at the University Of Texas, where I was working on my undergrad. Something was just compelling me to go. While there, out of over a thousand people, I spotted a handsome guy, but didn’t think to speak to him.

After the conference I decided to delay my flight by a day to hang out with friends. At a friend’s house that same handsome guy walked in and came right up to me and said “I don’t think we’ve meet. My names Joshua.” Right then and there I knew I would marry him.

I returned to Texas and school but the very next day he reached out me. 6 weeks later, after talking to each other constantly and non stop, I flew back to Virginia to me his family and it was then, the second time we had ever hung out in real life that he proposed. Less than 3 months after that we had a very intimate and beautifully simplistic wedding in the hills of Texas.

While the wedding was amazing and perfect, I didn’t have a real wedding dress, or professional photography, hair, makeup… but I was so elated and grateful for all my friends for pitching in to make that day wonderful.

Now ten years, 4 beautiful children, and hundreds of memories later- we were presented with an opportunity to “Redo the I Do.” I honestly didn’t know how special and amazing it would be. It was the first time I’ve ever seen myself in a real wedding dress or gown. It ended up being quite an emotional experience.

I’m so grateful for my marriage and this was just a beautiful gift to celebrate. I cherish the pictures from that day. I will always look back and see while we are in this season of young children, sleepless nights, parenting triumphs and mistakes, there is a joy that holds us true and a love that endures all.”