Want to know the best way to celebrate your birthday? By doing something you love! I’ll forever remember my 25th birthday because I got to spend it photographing Matt & Mandi Gall’s wedding day!
On Saturday, June 9, 2018, Mr. & Mrs. Matt Gull tied the knot at the East Goshen Mennonite Church in Goshen, Indiana. They then went on to party the night away, eat delicious pie, and celebrate their wedding at Amish Acres in Nappanee, Indiana.
Despite the afternoon showers, it ended up being an oh-so-perfect wedding day!
I wasn’t Matt & Mandi’s first photographer.
So, funny story. I wasn’t Matt & Mandi’s original wedding photographer. They had originally booked my friend Jenn of Jenn Plumlee Photography—a fabulous Indianapolis wedding photographer whom I highly recommend!
But, Jenn found out she was expecting and due very close to Matt & Mandi’s wedding day. Not wanting to risk going into labor in the middle of the celebration, Jenn introduced me to Mandi. Mandi and I met a couple weeks later at a coffee shop in Goshen, Indiana, and Mandi graciously agreed to let me step in for Jenn.
Be sure to check out Matt & Mandi’s engagement photos on Jenn’s site!
Side note: I met Jenn and my second shooter for this wedding, Lael of Lael Nafziger Photography, at the Arielle Peters Workshop last year. Photographers, I highly recommend this workshop and simply making workshops a priority so you can: 1. Improve your skills and learn from others. 2. Make connections and friendships with other photographers!
Matt & Mandi have the cutest “how they met story”!
During every bridal consultation, I ask couples how they met. I love hearing these stories because it’s an amazing thing to see how God moves to bring couples together. And, I have to say, Matt & Mandi’s meeting story takes the cake!
Mandi is originally from Minnesota, and she moved to Indiana when she attended Goshen College. Mandi spent a few years in Indiana and made wonderful friends but decided that she wanted to move back to Minnesota to be closer to family. So, she found a great job, was all packed up, and ready to make the move.
A few days before Mandi moved, her friends took her dancing to celebrate her new adventure and to say goodbye. And, guess who was there? Matt! That’s right. Mandi met the love of her life just a few days before she thought she was saying goodbye to Indiana.
Matt & Mandi exchanged numbers, and Mandi moved to Minnesota, but that didn’t stop them from talking. Knowing something real was between them, Matt & Mandi got together when Mandi visited friends in Indiana and knew that God had a plan for them as a couple.
Matt & Mandi did long distance for a while. Wanting to be closer and knowing that Mandi already loved the Goshen area, Mandi moved back to Indiana to be closer. Not too long after, Matt popped the question!
Mandi’s dad, Doug, told this story in his toast. Doug told the wedding guests that after hearing about Matt when Mandi moved home, he thought, “Well, I guess it’s only a matter of time before we move her back to Indiana.” Dads always know their daughters’ hearts best!
I hope Matt & Mandi will go with the flow throughout their marriage like they did on their wedding day.
Rain on your wedding day isn’t a big deal in Indiana because the rain is typically sporadic. But, as a bride and groom, it’s hard not to be disappointed or worried when you check the forecast and see that storms are expected.
I know the rain had Matt & Mandi a little stressed, but they just went with it. These two were so thrilled to be getting married and willing to go with the flow as we rearranged their schedule.
Matt & Mandi, if I’ve learned anything about marriage, it’s that you have to be willing to compromise and change your plans for the good of the other person. If you two approach marriage the same way that you did your wedding day and keep Christ at the center, I have no doubt that your marriage will be one to admire!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Gall!
Matt & Mandi, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing Lael and me to capture your special day. It was an honor. And, I know I’ve already told you this, but I couldn’t dream of a sweeter, more genuine couple to spend my birthday photographing. Every year on my birthday, I’ll think of the two of you.
Now, enjoy Ireland!
Creative Team
Ceremony Venue: East Goshen Mennonite Church
Reception Venue & Caterer: Amish Acres
Hairstylist: Salon 6
Makeup Artist: Melanie Webster
Wedding Dress: Unique Boutique & Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxedoes: Louie’s Tux Shop
Florist: Matzke Florist
DJ: Parker Rowen
Invitations: Mapleleaf Printing
Rings: Rogers & Hollands Jewelers
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
Second Shooter: Lael Nafziger Photography
Victoria Rayburn Photography is a Lafayette, Indiana wedding photographer and family photographer. Victoria strives to make photo sessions enjoyable memories and help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera.
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