FREE WEDDING CONTEST: FINALISTS

It's been a challenging few weeks for Stacey and I as we tried to narrow down our picks for the three finalists of our Free Wedding Photography Contest. I cannot even begin to express how difficult it has been to choose between all of our more than deserving applicants.

We've read a ton of stories of strength and perseverance during hard times, love lost and then found again, and couples who've given up the "big wedding plans" to pursue their dreams. We never thought this would be an easy choice to narrow down to three, but we also could never have imagined some of the amazing and heart-felt stories that people were willing to share with us.

We wanted to both thank all of the couple who submitted their stories, and apologize to those we weren't able to put in our final three. Each and every one of you is deserving of a gorgeous wedding, and if Stacey and I felt like we could do all of your weddings (And still make a living!) we most certainly would.

We want to encourage everyone who applied but didn't make the final three to PLEASE still contact us about your wedding. We're more than happy to try and work with you and customizing a package that might be able to fit within your budget, and the least we can do is refer you to some other photographers in the area who will give you gorgeous pictures at a great price. We're more than happy to refer you to any other affordable vendors we know!

And now for the big announcement....

After a lot of arm wrestling, late night discussion watching Olympic replays, and back and forth disagreements....here's who Stacey and I have selected as our final three couples (in no particular order) for the Free Wedding Photography Contest:


JOHN PAUL and ALLISON


John Paul and Allison have been on a journey of perseverance, and their true love shines through in the words they shared with us about their love story. Stacey and I were treated to a bunch of pictures that highlighted their relationship's journey through good times and bad. From the first date, to the fairy tale proposal.

This awesome couple has dedicated their lives to the the ministry and the arts. From John Paul's various endeavours in sharing God's word, to Allison's teaching of the piano, these two have both taken on lives of service to others. With a father who is also a preacher, I can more than understand not only the stresses and strains that come with a live in the ministry, but also the financial hardships that can happen when your primary goal is sharing the Word rather than saving for retirement :-)

Thank you John Paul and Allison for taking the time to tell us your story!


BROOKE and DAVID


Brooke and David have had what should be consider THE long distance relationship. David, who is a member of the United States Marine Corps (Oorah!), recently returned from his second tour of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. The two have dated for five years or so, after growing up only miles apart but never officially meeting until 2003!

David's time away and dedication has been a constant challenge on their relationship, but with his last tour being his final scheduled assignment, Brooke and David now have some time to focus on starting the family that they've both been hoping for. Brooke is also currently working towards her nursing degree, leaving slim pickings when it comes to wedding funds.

Brooke and David, we very much enjoyed your wedding proposal story, and thank you for sharing such an awesome moment with us!


BEN and CASSIDY


The trials that Ben and Cassidy have been through in the past few years are more than many could imagine experiencing. This awesome couple has weathered some heavy storms during their relationship, and come out closer every time!

While Ben has diligently pursued his musical career over the pat few years, Cassidy has been working hard here at home to earn her degree in Occupational Therapy. It seems like every time something goes right for this couple, something also decided to go wrong. From having both their cars die when they need them most, to family financial strains that have left the scrambling to pay bills, when it rains it seems to pour for these two! Through it all, however, Ben and Cassidy have been able to rely on each other for support, and decided recently that they wanted to make their commitment to each other final.

Thank you guys for your touching story!

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Thanks again to all who submitted their story! Please note that while we haven't included each couple's full story, we will be publishing the winning couple's submission. Now we hand the decision making off to some of the closest people in our lives, including both our sets of parents, my brother and his wife, and our best married friends. They will have the extremely difficult task in selecting our winning couple from our three finalists!

Have a great week everyone!