Любовь: Lyubov: The Russian Word for love

The love birds met when they migrated for Russia on a missions trip with the Christian college organization called Navigators. They started dating in early 2013. When I inquired on why he liked Bry he said he liked her: humor, character, intelligence and company. Chris asked Bry to marry him October 21, 2013.

The Star Lit Proposal at South Mountain

Through a text message Chris invited Bry to star gaze at South Mountain. Chris texted he was going to bring Chipotle because he was concern with traffic. Before their hang out Chris asked Bri to compile all her favorite slow dancing songs.

He showed up on her steps with his hair done and a single red rose. Her suspension arose.

They drove the winding desert roads to Dobbins Lookout that had a scenic view overlooking Downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor. They enjoyed their spicy Mexican cuisine while witnessing a shooting star and recalling locations in the valley. Chris romantically set the mood with loud speakers to play their favorite songs: “Not With Haste” ( by Mumford & Sons) and “Angels Must Smile Like That”(by Terry Scott Taylor).

Here is Bry’s recount of being proposed to:

[box] During his song, Chris was almost shaking. Now I can say that was due to nerves for the upcoming moment, but at the time I just thought he was really emotional. And then he said, “I’ve got something for you.” Again, more suspicions, but again, I talked myself out of it. At least, I managed to convince myself it wasn’t happening until I saw the little black box in his hand. Then it began. I couldn’t breathe properly. I could barely keep myself standing. My English skills were reduced to gasping and the words, “Oh my.” He got down on one knee, held my hand, and said, “Bry Chesley, I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?” Through the many gasps and near collapses, I managed to say yes. And the rest is a beautiful story unfolding before us, ready for us to take the steps into life together, for the rest of our lives.[/box]

Chris and Bry’s Fairytale Wedding

Chris and Bry had a modern day fairytale on May 16, 2014.

This is what it looks like while the groomsmen get ready at a wedding…they have playtime.

The groomsmen dedicated their Lego masterpiece to the Bride and Groom.

Chris’s nickname is the “Penguin”. In honor of his name he wore penguin cuff links.

One of his groomsmen carried their house mascot Melvin- the migrating duck- through the whole wedding celebration. Look at their slideshow and find Melvin at the ceremony.

The bride and bridesmaids getting ready.

One of Bry’s bridesmaids gifted her a wedding emergency package.

They made their ceremony program multipurpose: information + a fan. It was a perfect wedding program for this summer Arizonian heat.

I love how this guest rocked a cute fashionable hat during the warm ceremony. 

Here is the cutest ring bearer.

Selfie’s are the biggest fad at a wedding.

On Redemption Gilbert Church’s open lawn in the early afternoon they made their commitments to one another in front of God, friends and family.

Chris and Bry created their own vows.

Chris and Bry took communion together for the first time as husband and wife.

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids just want to have fun!

In honor of the wedding couple liking birds, the bride and groom had a hummingbird and duck designed on their personal cupcakes.

They had creative DIY reception decoration: cork picture holders with pictures from their love story and a discription explaining the picture on the back.

Chris and Bry introduced their couple style with a choreographed dance.

Mark’s Cafe catered an assortment of pasta dishes at this Redemption Gilbert wedding.

Everyone was rolling with laughter when the maid-of-honor and best man gave part of their speech in a song describing Chris and Bry’s love story.

The dancing part of the reception was a grand party. Everyone was dancing.

Redemption Gilbert’s reception hall has perfect lighting for capturing all the moments of a wedding.

Their bridal party was creative and thoughtful on designing their wedding getaway car.

Congratulations to Chris and Bry! Thank you for inviting me to witness a part of your love story.

To see more of Chris and Bry’s Redemption Gilbert Church wedding photos, feel free to CLICK HERE for their slideshow!

If you like the experience seen in these pictures you can book your memory making wedding photographer today!

Many thanks to the wedding creative team who helped in the celebration of two souls committing the promise of forever:
Wedding dress: Made by the bride’s aunt, Darla Carpenter
Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup: Kimberly Inoshita (Navigators)
Bride’s Hair & Makeup: Ashley Alderson
Wedding Venue: Redemption Gilbert Church
Flowers: Costco moms white roses and baby breath
Some of the bridal dresses: David’s Bridal
Cupcake Jars: Cakepops 101
Videographer: David Kroeger
Cater: Mark’s Cafe
Wedding Photography: 10,000 Smiles
Second shot with: Minkmade