Last month, I had the honor of capturing one of the most heartfelt and unforgettable weddings I’ve ever witnessed—Maddie and Carson’s beautiful celebration at Oak + Ivy.

From the very beginning, this day was filled with intentionality and pure love. But there was one particular moment that absolutely melted me—and I’m still thinking about it.

During the reception, Maddie took the mic and turned what’s typically just a fun tradition into a moment of deep meaning. Instead of tossing her bouquet to the single ladies, she did something incredibly special: she honored her mom.

With tears in her eyes and so much love in her voice, Maddie shared just how much her mom meant to her—how much she had supported her, loved her, and walked with her through life. Then, in place of the bouquet toss, she presented the flowers to her mom. It was beautiful. You could feel the emotion in the room. It was a reminder that moms often work behind the scenes without much acknowledgment on wedding days—but Maddie made sure her mom was celebrated, and I’ll never forget that moment.

And if that wasn’t enough to show the kind of people Maddie and Carson are—when I asked what they had planned for their honeymoon, they smiled and said they were heading off on a mission trip. That’s right—instead of a traditional honeymoon, they chose to serve, teach, and help build homes for the less fortunate. Maddie had already been involved in this work overseas, and now as a couple, they’re stepping into this next chapter with servant hearts.

These two radiate love—not just for each other, but for the world around them. Their wedding day was a true reflection of that.

Maddie and Carson, thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me be a part of such a meaningful and joy-filled day. Your love, your faith, and your generosity were a gift to witness. I’m so excited to see the life you two build together—because it’s already off to the most beautiful start.

With so much love,
April