If you think of a warm sun with a cool breeze on an April Day in San Luis Obispo, you can almost feel what it was like to be at the Madonna Inn on April 2nd, 2023, for Jami and Derric’s wedding. It really could not have been a more perfect day. I’ve known Jami for most of my life–I honestly don’t know how old I was when I first met her. I do remember my dad saying how beautifully she sang though, and then at church, I got to hear her sing all the time (he was right about her voice, by the way). Jami was a single mom of a nice boy who I always admired. She managed to give her son a wonderful life through her intentional hard work. I always wondered why she never remarried, because clearly she was a catch. When Jami first asked me about photographing her wedding day, I was so beyond excited to meet her special someone. During our bridal consultation, I got to hear a little about each of their stories leading up to them getting together. Jami had waited years on the Lord to provide her with a man worthy to be called husband. Derric is well worth that wait.

Derric also was a single parent to a daughter about the same age as Jami’s son. Both kids love Jami and Derric and were very excited to see their parents marry. On their wedding day, all their closest friends and family were there. It was the kind of wedding where everyone was laughing, crying, and smiling ear to ear. Each guest got a photo with the bride and groom during formal photos because each guest was important.

Jami and Derric met a few years back at the school where they both work. People had been trying to get them together, and once they finally went on their first date, they knew right away they were a perfect match. A few short weeks later they married at the Madonna Inn on that beautiful day. I was beyond honored to be a small part of the beginning of their marriage. It was sweet to see the pure joy on Jami’s and Derric’s faces all day as they celebrated. This had to be one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to, and it was hard not to fog up my camera viewfinder during the ceremony for sure.

Jami and Derric, I love you both and am so happy the Lord brought you together. May the rest of your days be filled with compassion, kindness, love, and commitment. I hope you love your photos!