Rustic Blush Catholic Wedding | Brandon & Anneli

Her dad waved at me with the hose he was using to wash the car as I walked towards the house. When I came through the door, the girls greeted me with hugs & reminders that there was coffee brewing in the kitchen. It could have been just another Saturday morning at the Bouwman house, except that one of the girls had a veil in her hair.

There was a lot going on around Anneli, but the calm that flowed through the house had everyone smiling & excited to see her as a bride. Sisters, and friends-like-sisters, helped each other with hair & makeup while their brothers patiently waited to put on their suits. They just wanted to relax and enjoy each other’s company before getting that girl to the church.

Brandon was eagerly awaiting her arrival, standing at the front of the church before everyone had taken their seats. When Anneli’s dad walked her down the aisle, Brandon was absolutely joyful, full of love for the woman that would be his wife.

All day long he looked at her with nothing but delight. He wanted her close to him at all times, and she let him draw her near. The happiness that cascaded out of the two of them was amplified when in each other’s arms. Seeing a strong, determined, faithful man give such sweet attention to his wife, a woman full of grace & peace, was beautiful.

Brandon & Anneli, it’s a joy to know you two. To have seen Anneli grow up over more than half my life is something I’ll always cherish, and to see her with a man like you, Brandon, who will always honour her makes me both tear up with happiness at how much you respect & admire her as well as burst out in laughter at how ridiculous you two can be together. Thank you for inviting me to celebrate your wedding with you & your families.

PS. I have to add that I absolutely loved being part of another Bouwman wedding. I got emotional at all sorts of things, like Anneli’s empty bedroom, seeing Anneli & Brandon holding all the little babies in their families, her older sister toasting her at the reception, & her mama hugging me tightly at the end of the night. I’m so thankful I get to be part of these families’ lives.

Ceremony // St. James Catholic Church
Reception // Sts Joachim & Ann Catholic Church Hall
Flowers // Sarah Van Noort
Cake // Heidi Bouwman
Hair // Christy Griffiths
Dress // David’s Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses // ASOS
Groom & groomsmen attire // Gentleman’s Emporium
Second Shooter // Meghan Bustard