One of the questions I love asking my couples is "How did you meet?" Jonah and Selena's story put a huge smile on my face and show their personalities well. Both of their families live in San Antonio, Texas, not too far from each other. Jonah and Selena both live in Provo, Utah, and knew of each other but had never met. In the world of social media, meeting someone can be as simple (yet scary) as sending a message through Instagram. Selena and Jonah were friends on Instagram and Jonah had his eye on Selena. He worked up his courage and sent her a message, asking her out on a date to get some Korean BBQ. That small act of bravery lead to this awesome couple becoming husband and wife on a beautiful November day!
Planning and having a wedding a few thousand miles away from where you live can be tricky. So it was that we ended up at the San Antonio Temple at 7:30 am on their wedding day for Selena and Jonah's first look (after only a few hours of sleep for Jonah due to a flight that arrived at midnight).
After placing him where he couldn't see Selena approach, he waited patiently for her to tap him on the shoulder and turn around so he could see her in her wedding dress for the first time. He slowly turned around and took her in, smiling as he looked into her eyes, they embraced and took some time to just enjoy the moment together.
We captured beautiful images of them around the San Antonio temple and I got to know their personalities a little better. The first thing that struck me about them is that they enjoy a little light-hearted bantering with one another. They both have a great sense of humor and are extremely easy-going, which will serve them well in their marriage.
As they exited the temple later that day, now husband and wife, they were surrounded by family and friends who gathered to celebrate their special day together. They each come from a big family and the love that surrounded them that day was very apparent.
Selena and Jonah's reception was at a beautiful reception center called the 1850's Settlement in a huge barn with quaint out buildings surrounding it. We captured more beautiful moments of the two of them and their bridesmaids and groomsmen celebrating their wedding just before the reception.
Their friends know how to celebrate and the groom and groomsmen broke out in an impromptu dance while singing "You Don't Know You're Beautiful". Nearby, the bride and bridesmaids laughed and shared memories with the new bride.
The rest of the evening was filled with hundreds of friends and family surrounding Jonah and Selena at their reception, wishing them well and dancing in celebration. Toward the end of the evening, Selena stood on a stage and sang "I Was Made For Loving You". Jonah looked up at Selena, the love between them apparent, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Jonah and Selena, thank you for the opportunity to capture this special day in your lives. So many special days await you and I have no doubt you will grow into a more amazing couple than you are today as you support each other in all of your ups and downs. Congratulations!