Fourth ~ Avenue ~ Church~ of ~ Christ ~ Wedding ~ Emily ~ and ~ Matthew

A Joyful Wedding at Fourth Avenue Church of Christ

The morning began in a serene and peaceful manner at the Fourth Avenue Church of Christ in downtown Franklin, TN. The bride, Emily, along with her bridesmaids and sisters, Katie and Abby, spent the early hours getting ready in the church’s youth room. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the girls donned their sweet matching pajamas, with Emily’s being a distinct shade to set her apart.

Upstairs, the groom, Matthew, and his groomsmen/brothers Andrew and Ryan, were in high spirits, passing the time with a friendly game of ping pong. This light-hearted activity added a touch of fun and camaraderie to their preparations before the big moment.

A touching scene unfolded as Emily’s mother, Rachel, assisted her daughter into her stunning gown and carefully placed the veil in her hair. The bond between mother and daughter was evident, adding to the emotional depth of the day.

Before the ceremony, Emily and Matthew exchanged heartfelt gifts. Emily received a beautiful pearl necklace, a symbol of Matthew’s love and appreciation, while she gifted him a knife engraved with his name and the firefighter symbol, a tribute to his dedication and bravery.

One of the most emotional moments of the day was the first look between Emily and her father on the church porch. As the first of his daughters to get married, this was a particularly poignant experience for him, filled with tears of joy and pride.

In a unique and intimate gesture, Emily and Matthew shared a first touch, holding hands on either side of the church door while reading private vows to one another. This moment of connection and commitment set the tone for the ceremony to come.

The ceremony itself was attended by approximately 170 of their closest friends and family. As they pledged their love and promised to keep Christ at the center of their marriage, there were a few wet eyes in the room. The love and support from their community were palpable, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Following the ceremony, guests joined the newlyweds for a candlelight dinner, celebrating their union in a cozy and elegant setting. A special highlight was the delicious desserts and wedding cake, all made by Emily’s talented younger sister, Abby. Her creations were not only beautiful but also incredibly tasty, adding a personal touch to the festivities.

The couple’s exit was a delightful moment, filled with the sound of bells and the shimmer of bubbles. Due to the pouring rain, this joyous send-off took place inside the church hallway, but the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the happy couple and their guests.

To honor Matthew’s profession as a firefighter, the couple took their "Just Married" photos with a fire engine, capturing unique and meaningful images before heading off for their honeymoon. Even though it was raining heavily, the weather added a romantic and dramatic flair to the photographs, resulting in beautiful memories of their special day.

Emily and Matthew’s wedding was a perfect blend of love, faith, and personal touches, making it a day to remember for everyone involved.

Thank you again, Emily and Matthew for trusting Collins and Collins Photography to capture the moments that make memories last lifetimes!!!!