June 1, 2013 was quite simply the best day ever. Second only to the day Brendan proposed :) I woke up early to eat breakfast with my bridesmaids, and the moment I saw my dear friend, Bennett, I just started crying. Joy, overwhelming joy, filled me in every moment of the day. From watching my friends arrange flowers and praying with Brendan before our ceremony to saying my vows and soaking up those first few hours as Mrs. Payne. I could (and have on several occasions) just cry thinking about it!
Every girl dreams of her wedding day, and mine far exceeded all my expectations and hopes. The ever-lovely and talented Caroline Joy photographed my wedding, and to say that I’m obsessed with my pictures is an understatement. I love seeing these beautiful pictures scattered throughout my new home, and am continually reminded of the beauty and joy of my wedding day. I’m so honored that my wedding is being featured today on Southern Weddings, so be sure to hop over there and see more!
Emily and Brendan – Preview from James & Alex Gould on Vimeo.
This is our friend, Jeff, below. I literally burst out laughing the first time I saw this picture!
Our greatest desire for our wedding day was for the Gospel to be shared and for God to be glorified. As Christ washed the feet of his disciples to symbolize his coming to serve them, we chose to wash each other’s feet to mirror the act of our Savior. We wanted our first act in marriage to be one of service, proclaiming that we are entering this covenant, not to be served, but to serve one another. Each day when we wake up, we are committing to choose each other over ourselves.
Swoon!
From the beginning of our relationship, Brendan and I have fervently believed that love is a choice. While the little fan below has no real significance, what’s written on it is something we each stated, in some way or another, in our vows. Love is not something that is a fleeting feeling or a great emotion. Love is an action that has to be lived and shared and given. It’s so much more than the movies make it out to be. Brendan and I vowed to never leave each other, and to choose to love each other in our lowest, meanest, ugliest seasons. 
