The finalist are…
This was a very tough decision. We received so many wonderful entries from Moms, sisters, a boss, friends and of course brides and grooms-to-be. Most of the entries were for dates we are already booked but we received several for dates we do have open.
Because it was so hard to choose just three finalists, I went ahead and selected four. Be sure to read all the stories before you cast a vote for who you think should win our wedding photography. Last day to vote is February 13th.
To vote, you must email us at contest@genevievenisly.com and tell us your choice. Only one vote per email address please.
Here are the stories, edited slightly so as to shorten this already very long post:
Couple #1
Scott and Christina – June 8, 2008 –
In my college years, I figured out that I wanted to love people as an occupation (wonderfully idealistic, I know). To that end, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a college in
The first weeks I was at Malone, I became acquainted with my co-workers and most definitely noticed Scott, a Resident Director in a men’s dorm on campus. Throughout the course of the year, we became great friends, and the occasional run-ins turned into lingering conversations, road trips, and even a few flirtatious pranks. The attraction only continued to grow, and we both realized that, although the future was unclear, we wanted more than anything to be a part of one another’s future. Scott had made the decision to quit his job as an RD in order to pursue job opportunities that would allow him to work with an inner-city population but, just prior to that, he decided to go on a road trip with his two best friends to
His time in
My father is homeless. Through many and varied circumstances, my dad went from being a successful businessman to living on the streets. While family members have attempted to take him in and care for him, my dad has found his identity as a wanderer, preferring the unpredictable rhythm of the nomad to the steady cadence that a home or job might offer. This isn’t always easy to swallow, but I have found a comfort and abiding peace in the knowledge that, while my father’s desire is to continue to be a vagabond, Scott is reaching out to men just like my father all the time, extending to them faith, hope, and unconditional love along the way. I pray that someone might extend to my father that same grace and compassion Scott is able to give on a daily basis.
Scott’s commitment to love others has been abundant proof to me that “loving people” as an occupation isn’t too far fetched. In light of this, saying yes to Scott’s marriage proposal was a no-brainer for me. I am both humbled and ecstatic at the thought of doing life alongside him, learning and growing together through the ebb and flow of all that life brings. Although I am saddened at the idea that my father will be absent at our wedding, I can honestly say that, in light of God’s love, a wonderful step-dad’s support, and the amazing, sacrificial love of my fiancé, my cup truly overflows.
We are getting married on June 8th, and doing the best to ensure that this wedding will not put us into debt. Scott’s income more than provides for his needs, since he is currently living with a family as we prepare to be married. Nevertheless, it does not afford us the money to splurge on photography. I am very fulfilled in my job at
Couple #2
Madeline & Aaron - June 22, 2008 –
Aaron and I met in New Orleans, Louisiana over Christmas break of 2006. We were there on a service/missions trip that a group of students from our college (Malone) had taken. We gutted mold-stricken houses and began re-building them to restore homes of families affected by Hurricane Katrina. We also helped set up a distribution center to provide clothes and food for families in need. It was in the hall of the church when my fiancé saw me (sweaty and gross) laying tile and “started falling for me.” Throughout the trip we got to know each other and became very close friends, with absolutely NO intention of it ever going further. By March I considered this man to be one of my closest friends.
However, mid-March when we were hanging out one day my stomach felt funny; I couldn’t believe my goofy FRIEND was giving me butterflies! I suppressed them, yet, in the days to come they only grew. Then one afternoon we sat down and began to talk. He told me there was something he needed to talk about, but instead of politely listening I poured into him about how hurt I was feeling over the illness of my grandpa, I knew he wouldn’t make it much longer. I was very close to my grandpa, and was having a really difficult time trusting the Lord and leaning on him. Aaron said everything I needed to hear in that moment. I had come to a very dark place, and the Holy Spirit used him to work in me through gentle, loving conviction. In what seemed like his very next breath, Aaron expressed that he had feelings for me. Having been single for about two years, I immediately turned Aaron down and profoundly stated that we can only ever be friends. That night however, when it was awkward hanging out as friends with the knowledge of mutual feelings present, we discussed what it would look like to enter a courtship. Having both been in relationships in which Christ had not been the center, we were determined to first express each of our concerns and demands of a girlfriend/boyfriend. So we sat in his car until our conversation ended about 5 hours later, and we had arrived at the decision to allow this relationship a chance. We began dating March 2007.
We loved the fun and fellowship we had for the remaining month of school, but then summer came and I went to Brazil for 25 days on a service trip/study abroad program. The Lord brought us so close together during that time. God gave me such a peace about my relationship with Aaron. During my time there, I knew I needed to tell Aaron a part of my past which could cause the end o our relationship. I wept each day as I prayed for wisdom, and strength to share this part of myself with him. I prepared myself to accept the result, even if that meant discovering that Aaron wasn’t the man for me. When I got back to the states I told Aaron, and he just held me and let me weep. I knew that this news would directly affect any man that I might end up with. When Aaron finally spoke, his sentence went something like this, “If I am the man that is lucky enough to marry you someday, this would be a small price to pay to be able to spend my life with you.” In that sentence the Lord shown so bright through Aaron. His grace. His mercy. His unconditional love. Aaron and I then had an amazing summer together. For the next month I served as an intern at White’s Residential and Family Services in Indiana, which is basically an alternative Juvenile Detention Center.
Aaron and I are both Resident Advisors here at Malone College. As RAs, we are on duty one night each week. Aaron and I chose to have the same duty night. So the first Monday evening of November I figured Aaron was sitting in his dorm on duty when he was in fact at my home asking permission to marry me. Aaron’s story is that “Dad” cried. Dad’s story is that “Aaron” cried. Mom’s story is that they all sat there awkwardly waiting for Aaron to ask. When he finally got the guts, dad said that he would be honored to have Aaron in the family.That Friday on our way to my house on November 8th, Aaron stopped at a lake where we had had our first kiss months before. I got an idea of what was to come so I tried to run my hand down his side to feel if there was a box in his pocket. He immediately grabbed my hands and placed them on his butt saying “you never grab my butt,” and since that was about the MOST uncharacteristic thing for him to say, I knew what was up. He finally got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and spend my life with him. In the process he teared up and we were both blubbering by the time we left. I of course said yes and now am here to beg for the free wedding photography!
While being RA’s is a great ministry, we are unable to work much outside of school to help pay for a wedding. I work about 10 hours at a café on campus, but that only goes so far. By the way, did I mention I have 5 sisters and 1 brother?! My parents adopted three of my sisters when their parents (my aunt and uncle) died 15 years ago. My brother is getting married in August. I am in college. My 22 year old sister is in college at Kent State University. My 20 year old sister is in college. And I have a sister graduating this year. Did I mention my dad does self-employed construction and my mom is a High School music director? Despite their financial state, they have said since our engagement that they will “find a way” that “the Lord will provide.” And they have. And He has. We have already seen God’s hand all over our wedding. Aaron’s parents have offered to pay for the reception, which are both HUGE blessings. My parents, loving but broke, and Aaron & I, also broke, are left to pay for our flowers, decorations, invitations, honeymoon, dress, favors, and of course, PHOTOGRAPHY! We would be so blessed if you would choose us as your couple to give the free wedding photography to.
Couple #3
Sean & Tabitha – July 20th 2008 – Deerfield Evangelical Church, Deerfield, OH
I am submitting my brother Sean and future sister-in-law Tabitha as they are a couple who deserve this free photography wedding package that you are giving away. Sean is 22, Tabitha 21 and they have been dating since their senior year of high school. Their relation continued as the two of them went to the Trumbull branch of Kent State University.
A little over a year ago, Sean was offered a job about 5 ½ hours away in Wabash, Indiana as a cottage assistant at White’s Residential and Family Services. There Sean ministers to the delinquent young men in his cottage who are being treated for drug abuse. Sean’s testimony is powerful with the boys as he exemplifies a “cool” guy the kids can relate to who hasn’t ever abused drugs or alcohol. Sean’s personal ministry with the boys also includes his love of sports. Whether Sean’s on duty or off he is always playing basketball or some athletic activity with the boys. He goes above and beyond his call as a cottage assistant and pours his life into these boys. I’ve heard Sean’s praises spoken, from the people in charge at the facility, to the boys in his cottage, to the girls from other cottages who see a difference already being made because of the Lord’s work in Sean. Many of the adolescents at this Christian detention center are not Christians, and Sean has been able to share his faith with countless numbers of them.
While we’re all happy for Sean’s ministry, it was difficult for him to leave his family and of course his girlfriend Tabitha behind. Tabitha went to see him some weekends, but the distance made strengthening and building a relationship difficult. About five months ago however, Tabitha was also able to get a job at White’s in a position similar to Sean’s. At that point she left her family to go be and work with Sean.
A couple of months ago I helped my brother pick out a diamond ring for her. It was difficult for me to see him looking at rings that his paycheck at a detention center simply wouldn’t allow. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so sad as I did when he realized he couldn’t get the one he felt would be perfect for her. But we found another ring, beautiful and seemingly made for Tabitha’s hand. He had taken her out to the movies and when they returned to his little apartment on White’s campus he asked her to turn off a “light” he must have left on in a room. As she entered the room she saw “Marry Me?” spelled out on the wall in white Christmas lights, with reminiscent pictures placed all around the room with candlelight. When Tabitha turned around she saw Sean down on one knee and, without hesitation, said yes.
Since their engagement they have been attempting to plan their wedding. With significantly limited resources, planning their wedding has been difficult. As if that obstacle alone does not suffice, they’re planning their Northeast Ohio wedding from Central Indiana. Sean and Tabitha deserve this free wedding photography because they are a beautiful couple that deserves a beautiful wedding with beautiful pictures to remind them of it.
Couple #4
Rob & Jessica – October 10th, 2008 – Southeast Church of the Nazarene
Rob Williams & Jessica Carmichael are an amazing choice for the free wedding photography. Rob & Jessica have been friends for a couple years now. They met at Southeast Church, & their friendship has grown tremendously over the past few years. Jessica truly always had a “thing” for Rob, but he just didn’t seem interested in the same way. We never would have guessed that he would soon be proposing! Over the passed few months their friendship began to blossom into a beautiful bond. They shared most everything with each other and spent more and more time together.
In December of 2007 Jess took a trip to New Jersey to visit her childhood friend as a post college graduation celebration. “Forgetful Jess” left her phone at home. Rob didn’t get a text while she was away and asked himself, “Why does this suck?” He realized then that he needed to tell her how he felt about her. December 19th 2007 he told her of his feelings for her & she shared that hers were exactly the same and had been for some time. January 1st 2008 they officially started dating! January 21st 2008, he proposed and she said yes!! Their solid friendship was definitely the best way to start, and since they now know they want to be together there is no putting the wedding off for Rob & Jess. This causes some financial crunches. They have a lot of work to do to get ready for their special day, and in a very short period of time.
This is a very compassionate couple who has a heart to serve people, and a strong desire to do missions work. Their common passion to serve others is another piece of what drew them toward each other. Last summer they went on a mission’s trip to Russia. Their mission was to reach the orphan youth. This is a generation that has been tossed aside, often left to fend for themselves in the streets of the cities or placed in orphanages with extreme lack of funding and workers. These children have very few belongings, consisting of an outfit or two and a pair of tattered shoes- most of which comes from overseas. The adult generation, are facing a serious depression due to economical and cultural reasons. They turn to alcohol and drugs for counsel, their habits leave them empty-pocketed and without money to raise their very own children making it easier for them to give their children up. The children of these orphanages are facing the same grim future as their parents. Many youth have communication deficiencies because they were never touched in a loving way or held while they were being raised. These children are the epitome of jaded innocence and it was Rob & Jessica’s passion to bring light and hope into the lives of these children. Because these children are so starved for attention and craving any kind of love, they would cling to Rob & Jessica’s team while they were there without ceasing. The teams took crafts to make, handed out goodie bags, small gifts and New Testaments in Russian. They took clothing, toys, balls, shoes and other items to distribute on their last day at camp. The children soaked up even the smallest gestures of love, such as a hug or a smile. All of these things, both material & not, are things that we take for granted. It was an amazing experience for them to reach out to and serve these children and again, try to bring light and hope into the lives of these youth.
Rob & Jessica are at it again. Their passion to serve others isn’t even at rest during preparation for a wedding. Their focus remains the same. Bringing light and hope into the lives of others. This year they will be working with a group in Cleveland to prepare for missions right here in Akron, OH. They are simply an amazing couple with loving hearts. Their marriage will be a blessing to all who come in contact with them. They deserve an amazing wedding and support as they prepare for this special day. Due to the fact that their wedding is in a short amount of time & they are still focusing on missions they really do have financial crunches to think about. They would be the perfect fit for this wedding photography give away.
Sincerely, Lisa B. Sister of the Bride and Hillary B. Friend of the Bride
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