Destiny : Sunset Crest Manor Virginia Wedding Photography

What are the odds? What are the odds of meeting a high school friend, whom you haven’t seen since graduation, halfway around the globe in the A.T.L.? If it were LA, SF or New York, I would say the odds are pretty good considering how popular those cities are. But Atlanta, hmmm? Turns out that Karina, who currently lives in DC, started seeing her then-boyfriend-now-husband, Shola, who at the time worked in a small town outside Hotlanta. And so during one of her frequent visits to Peach City, we would go on double dates over Korean barbecue and one night they asked us if we would do the honor of taking their wedding photographs. Oh, heck yeah!

On the drive home, I thought again to myself, what are the odds? Rewinding back 12 years ago when I sat in the same classroom as Karina, it never crossed my mind that someday I would be in the wedding industry and serving one of my friends in that very room! Turns out, I was not the only one… Karina’s maid of honor and best friend from high school, the talented Dhita behind the elegant “Faith, Hope, Love” brand, custom designed the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses! Funny how fate works.

And love can be like that. In fact, the bride and the groom’s love story is a what-are-the-odds story. After high school, Karina left Indonesia to study and pursue her career in DC. Along the way, she then met Shola, who is a native Nigerian. So here we have 2 individuals from 2 different continents coming together in yet a different continent. What are the odds? In fact, my wife and I were born in separate cities in Indonesia but yet we met in Atlanta… of all places.

We’ve been in countless weddings and there are always “enmuse” moments that we just absolutely love. This time around, we had the privilege of witnessing and capturing new moments that we have not experienced before. Minutes prior to the wedding ceremony, Shola’s brother called for a private moment with the soon-to-be groom. A firm handshake, a brotherly hug, a sibling talk, and a whispered prayer make for one very powerful imagery.

Another priceless frame is one where the bride and groom decided to perform the washing-of-feet ceremony instead of unity candle to signify that having a servant heart is core to being in a relationship, especially marriage, as portrayed by Jesus when He washed the disciples’ feet. Another one for the books is when Karina and her dad sang in worship. What a beautiful, heavenly sight!

Karina and Shola, thank you for choosing us as your wedding photographers. We are tremendously blessed by your friendship and story which have encouraged us to not only become better at what we do but also as husband and wife. Your wedding is truly one-of-a-kind and we can’t wait for you to relive your big day through these images.

Once again, congratulations and we look forward to our next Korean barbecue date! :)