Today we bring you yet another lovely feature from our Volume 2 Print Magazine – Jillian and Ethan’s wedding day! We love that they got married in the same chapel where Jillian’s parents were married, so sweet! Their day was filled with lovely little moments and lots of smiles. Check out their story below and if you haven’t gotten a copy of the magazine yet, you can purchase one here!
from the photographer: “Jillian and Ethan’s wedding day was an intimate family celebration filled with tender moments and heartfelt touches. On a sunny July morning, at the very chapel where Jillian’s parents were married, she and Ethan exchanged their own vows with tears of joy.
The reception was filled with laughter and the father/daughter and mother/son dance were one of the sweetest I have ever seen! Ethan sang and played his guitar while Jillian and her father took a turn on the dance floor, and for the mother/son dance, Ethan’s brother took over the guitar while Ethan sang “You’ll Be in My Heart.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We meet a warm spring night on a basketball court after a college gathering with friends. Immediately hitting it off, we spent quite a while talking and laughing about similar childhood ventures. As we had seen each other on campus previous to meeting, He was drawn by Jillian’s joyfulness and we bonded over love of travel and people. Jillian’s first impression of Ethan was one of unexpected sweetness, now fondly remembering his extremely kind demeanor and honesty.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
While our wedding day was already deemed “untraditional” due to COVID-19, much to our mutual surprise our first dance held an unexpected as well! For months we practiced a sweet and slow sway to our favorite love song, confidently looking forward to our first dance. However much to our surprise, when it came time glide across the intimate garden patio… there was no speaker. Filled with wedding day nerves, Ethan forgot to bring the Bluetooth speaker which would play our first dance song. Without missing a beat, we both laughed and started danced to the soft playing of an iPhone speaker. Unexpectedly, it sweetly added to the itmancy of our first dance as husband and wife.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
As many couples have experienced during the current pandemic, we were not immune to the difficulties of planning and necessary precautions which had to be taken. While we could have postponed our day, it was most important that our family be present to witness our union in person. While we wished to celebrate with many, we were blessed to utilize streaming via zoom and with the anticipation of celebrating with all of our loved ones next year.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Yes! We desired to honor both of our parents in the details of our day by marrying at Fort Worth’s iconic Marty Leonard Chapel on July 9th. Becoming the first second generation couple to marry at the chapel. And our date being just a week before Ethans parent’s anniversary. In addition, Jillian wore her grandmother’s heirloom pearl necklace.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The most important part of our day was to focus on the centrality of God within our relationship and marriage. The worshipping of God brought us together and sustains us daily, therefore it was chiefly important to worship God on our wedding day as well. We intentionally incorporated prayer, communion and song into our ceremony.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
We’ve both learned humility and grace from one another. Pursuing each other with grace which is given not earned while desiring to remain humble in the process.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Ethan’s favorite thing about Jill is her pursuit of adventure, and her desire to always see beauty in the little things. Jillian’s favorite thing about Ethan is his charismatic and caring way of connecting with others.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
We absolutely loved planning the intricate details of our ceremony, from music to handwritten vows. We cherished the sharing in the joy of creating a ceremony which represents our unique love for each other and others.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Focus on being best friends with your significant other, take time to learn them well and pursue each other in the everyday. Take joy in every challenge and celebrate each milestone. 
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Frankly, love is in the small choices, not merely shown in large romantic gestures or perfectly dreamy days. Love is patience, love is choosing kindness, love is humility towards one another and love delights in good. Love chooses the other overself.
This feature was published in The White Wren Volume 2 – pick up your print copy here!
Photographer: Esther Frederick Photography / Venue: Marty Leonard Chapel / Dress Designer: Handmade by Annie Kim / Cake Designer: Back Home Bakery / Accessories: DSW / Film Lab: Goodman Film Lab / Reception Venue: Joe T Garcia’s / Stationery: Momenti Design Studio / Groom and Ring Bearer’s Tie: Chaps
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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