You’ll probably see me say this twice: Carnesecchi weddings are my favorite.

Shayna and Jake have one of my favorite love stories. It’s not often that I mush over a couple’s story, but theirs is basically what you’d read in a storybook. At just eight years old, Shayna met Jake while visiting family over the summer. They both had a childlike crush on each other, and continued to see each other many summers to come! Despite their obvious admiration for one another, they remained friends throughout their high school years. Fate brought them back together and the two ended up going to the same college in Indiana. It wasn’t too far into their freshman year that they went on their first date!

I’ll never forget Jake’s first reaction when he saw Shayna as she made her way down the meadow aisle with her dad at Nine Oaks Farm in Monroe, Georgia. They exchanged vows in a ceremony full of love, joy, and laughter. They shared a virtual communion with a family friend and pastor, and had their families gather for a special prayer over them at the alter. As soon as they were pronounced husband and wife, Jake embraced his new wife and they shared a kiss I know they’ll always remember.

Receptions are always a party, but these two CAN. DANCE! Jake’s dance with his mother will most likely be in my top 3 favorite reception memories. His two brothers ‘broke’ the dance up, so the mother of the Groom got to share a dance with all of her sons! Shayna and Jake shared a sweet cake cutting, hilarious garter toss, and passed the spotlight to a recently married family member who was unable to have a regular reception so that they could share a first dance (I’m not crying…)! The couple finished the night with a sparkling send-off by their loved ones!