November 9, 2019

Sometimes you dream of someone your whole life. Then one day, you meet her at a bank. You purse her for 3 months, and finally, one random Sunday at a dive bar, it all clicks. Now you’re doing life with your best friend. You’re taking on the world together. Every day you fall more in love with her sense of humor, her beautiful eyes, the way she completes you through the good times and the bad. And every day, she falls more in love with the way you love, how selfless and dependable you are. Then, when neither of you think your heart has room for any more love, you welcome a little one into the family. Now this, this is what you’ve been dreaming of your whole life.

This is Matt and Melissa’s story. They have hearts of gold, and family and tradition are so important to them. So when Matt proposed, they started thinking about what they wanted their special day to be like. Living in the midst of the gorgeous mountains of Colorado, it would have been easier to plan a wedding close to home, but they knew in their hearts they wanted to go back to Matt’s hometown in Nebraska. They wanted to get married at the church he grew up in. They wanted to be surrounded by their families and their closest friends. They wanted their day to be a reflection of their love. Easy going, and filled with love. That’s exactly what it was.

Melissa started out the gorgeous November morning with her girls at Matt’s granny’s house where they got their hair and make up done. Meanwhile, Matt and the guys hung out at Matt’s dad’s house. Both are right down the street from the church, St. Mary’s, where they would finally become husband and wife. As everyone started arriving at the church, Matt and Melissa snuck out back for a quiet moment together. Matt didn’t want to see her before the wedding, so they took a moment to hold hands around a corner and just breathe in the day together. Just feeling each other’s presence was enough to calm their nerves. Then it was time to get set.

Throughout the ceremony, I caught myself tearing up a few times. The way Matt looked at Melissa as she walked down the aisle, the way their little boy watched them the whole time, the way their voices were filled so deeply with conviction and genuine love as they said their vows, the pure elation that beamed on their faces at they exited the church. It was full hour of goosebumps and exploding hearts.

Once family pictures were over, Matt, Melissa, and their wedding party got on their party bus and stopped at a couple bars to celebrate. Just before going into their reception, we finished up pictures under the most vibrant and electric sunset. It’s like the sky was painted just for them that evening.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and dancing, a live band, and even a performance by one of the guests. It filled my heart to see just how much fun these two were having on their special day.

Matt and Melissa, thank you for welcoming me into your world. For letting me tell your story by capturing your engagement photos in Colorado, and your wedding in Nebraska. Thank you for making me feel like family as I helped you capture these special fleeting moments. Your story is a special one, a genuine one, and one that I truly believe brings people together and makes everyone around you feel loved and appreciated. So here’s to you, Mr. & Mrs. Stieren. The world needs more loves like yours!

Much Love,

Gabby

The Creative Team

Hair and Makeup: Bridal by Amanda • Bridal Gown + Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal • Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse • Rings: Shane Co. • Flowers: Flower and Gift Gallery - West Point, NE • Cake: 45 Ivy Baking Company - Denver, CO • Catering: Angel • Live Music: Pink Kadillac - Bennington, NE • Ceremony: St. Mary’s Catholic Church - West Point, NE • Officiant: Father Steve • Reception Venue: Snyder Ballroom - Snyder, NE • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios - Lincoln, NE • Second Shooter: Sean Farley •

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