Ashley + Joseph: The Giovannucci Wedding Trailer

There is something so awesome and wonderful about sharing in the wedding day of a dear friend and long time colleague. You're not just coming to celebrate the day, or even the love story that lead to this extra special day; you're coming to celebrate and cheer for someone close and dear to you. For our team, we could not have been more excited to have celebrated Ashley's HUGE DAY when she married the man of her dreams, the love of her life, Joseph.

We've known Ashley since she was a freshman in college. Even back then you didn't have to be around her for long to feel the joy and energy that she exuded. From the moment that most of us met her we knew this was an extra special girl, whom there was an extra special guy that God had made ready for her. Cue Joseph, an awesome, super friendly, loveable guy that she had met back in their home school days. Their story started out ironic enough that Ashley didn't quite find herself attracted to Joseph at first, but he slowly found himself falling for her regardless. Eventually he built up the courage to pursue her, and after winning her heart he asked to make her his wife.

We could go on and on about how perfect these two are for each other, how much we love and adore them, or even how amazing of a Godly couple they are, but we're pretty sure their wedding day sums it up better than we could- just look at those smiles! Theirs is a love that lasts for the ages. So excited for you both, and can't wait to see where the Lord takes you next. Here's to Mr + Mrs Giovannucci!

Margaret + Kevin: Live United. Love Forever.

Meet Margaret+Kevin

Formerly Michiganders. Colorado Adventurers. Friends. Hillsdale Chargers. Husband + Wife. These two are adorable, in every sense of the word, and they compliment each other in the most perfect of ways. You can just feel the joy when you're around them! Spending the day with them down in southern Michigan was so nostalgic. We've known Margaret for a very long time now -ever since our youth group and Youth In Government days back in highschool- so there wasn't a second thought for us when she asked us to photograph her and Kevin's special day. Their Three Rivers + Centerville fused wedding was so gorgeous. Scroll through some of their wedding photos if you're a fan of breathtaking church architecture, crazy fun bridal parties, moments that take your breath away, and a couple too cute for their own good!

MEET ME AT THE CHURCH

LIKE SOMETHING OUT OF A 1920'S FILM

SPEECHLESS MOMENTS

LET'S PARTY!

LIVE UNITED. LOVE FOREVER.

AND THEY DANCED ALL NIGHT...

Night of Nets @ CU

We are extremely excited about taking part in the final Night of Nets event of the Fall season, happening at Cornerstone University tonight. It has been so amazing being a part of this journey, and helping lend our talents to spreading the story of Malaria, bed nets, and a world that we desperately long to see- a world without Malaria, and more so a world without disease or sickness.

These are the stories we live to tell; the story of two communities, nearly a third of a world away from each other, engaging with one another to learn from the other, and to help make a difference for a world we want. We could not be more thankful to have the chance to help tell this story, and to help raise awareness about how we can work to end Malaria worldwide.

It's so easy to get involved, and so simple to help make a huge change in places like Zambia, or other Sub-saharan African countries. How could we not help for only $6.00? 

If you're in the Grand Rapids area tonight, we would love to see you at the CU Men's Soccer Night of Nets game tonight starting at 7pm. Come be a force for change, come be a part of the story.

A long way from "Home"

It's been three weeks since I returned from Africa and I don't think there's been a day that's gone by since in which my heart hasn't thought about that place, the people, the culture. It weighs on me, certainly, but more so I miss the community, the love, the hope in the midst of struggle that exists there. In many ways I found a home in a place I never expected to find it.

It's curious, really, how quickly a place becomes a home for us. One minute your in a whole new land, both scared of the mysterious nature of the unknown, and enrapture with this since of adventure. Next thing you know something deep within you awakens, and all that once seemed to hold you back is gone. You're bolder, more out going. You smile at strangers you never would have before. You say words like "mulishani", and walk down roads and paths you never dreamed you'd see. Before you know it, you've rediscovered what it means to be "home".

Home is the sense of being completely content with the world as it is around you. It doesn't necessarily mean peace, it doesn't necessarily mean security. No, home is the understanding that you are not alone. The world around you can literally be collapsing and yet, home is the place where you know someone is there to walk alongside you through the brokenness. Home is "mulishani".

In my short few days there in Africa, on the outskirts of a city larger than my current place of residence, but one I had never heard of, I found home. I was welcomed into a community, a culture, and made to feel as if no matter how dark the world was around me, I would not be alone. I am not certain there will ever be a place such as this that I will find again. A place where hope sprung a new every morning, and every evening we celebrated the blessings we had in the midst of adversity.

.I've been back now for three weeks. Not a day goes by that I don't think of this place that I once explored and fell in love with. Working on this story has been such a journey, such a renewal of purpose. One thing has become clear to me, however; I came back, but I am now a long way from Home.

Photo credit to the amazing Spencer Penfield Photography