Amanda and Justin, who met in an after-school program in 2009, were married on May 7, 2017.
Amanda chose a romantic gown with a Queen Anne neckline, beaded waist, button-down lace back, and full skirt. Her bouquet was composed of red and white roses with baby’s breath and greenery accents. Her five bridesmaids wore full-length, halter-neck gold dresses and carried smaller versions of the bride’s bouquet.
Justin looked sharp in a black suit with a red vest, red tie, and a boutonniere with one white and one red rose. His six groomsmen wore black suits with gold ties, gold pocket squares, and red rose boutonnieres.
The ceremony included a foot-washing ceremony in which Justin washed Amanda’s feet as a picture of serving and loving each other as Jesus did. The officiant told the couple that, through God, they will accomplish more together than they would as individuals, and that they make each other feel more alive and their personalities compliment each other.
Inside at the reception, the theme was “Beauty and the Beast,” and the centerpieces were gold candelabras topped with red roses sitting on stacks of books. Guests enjoyed a meal of salad of mixed greens with goat cheese crumbles, spiced pecans, pomegranate seeds, sliced oranges, and balsamic dressing; herb-roasted red potatoes; green beans with toasted almonds; grilled boneless chicken breast filled with prosciutto and cheese; and sliced beef tenderloin with cognac cream sauce and horseradish aioli.
In the speeches, Amanda’s father talked about life’s journey, and how their family’s move from New York to Arizona was the best decision because they found love and happiness here. The best man said that Amanda and Justin were lucky to find true love. The maid of honor said she admired Amanda for taking care of others and genuinely loving everyone. Justin called Amanda his better half, thanked her parents for giving him their blessing, and told a story about Amanda’s thoughtfulness.
Justin and Amanda shared their first dance as a married couple to an acoustic version of “No Matter What” by Papa Roach. Amanda and her father danced to “Daddy’s Angel” by T. Carter Music, and Justin and his mother danced to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts.
The three-tiered white wedding cake was decorated in gold; the middle tier had the “Beauty and the Beast” lyric “Tale as old as time” written in gold script.
Amanda and Justin left the reception under the signature sparkler sendoff.
We wish the happy couple a long and loving life together!
Photography by: Robert Godridge Photography
To view more photos from this wedding, please visit our Facebook or view our Photo Gallery!